Real life stories

A young man in black T-shirt stands in front of an exterior wall made from wooden cladding.

Louis’ Neurofibromatosis 1 story: “The Brain Charity has really helped me get in a better place”

The 26-year-old says the charity’s counselling sessions helped him realise he’s not on his own.

Published: 24 January 2024

Photo of John wearing a grey shirt and a Union Jack bow tie. He's seated and holding his hand to his ear to be able to be able to hear better.

John’s story: “The Brain Charity’s Music Makes Us! sessions gave my 96-year-old dad a complete new lease of life”

Hoylake Cottage resident John found our physiotherapy through dance gave him a sense of purpose.

Category: Dementia support

Published: 21 June 2023

Rupak getting advice at The Brain Charity in Liverpool

Rupak’s MS story: “I was homeless after my diagnosis – The Brain Charity finding me a home was irreplaceable”

The Brain Charity's staff helped Rupak find somewhere to live so he could spend time

Category: Info & advice

Published: 8 November 2022

Shirley at home

Shirley’s syringomyelia story: “Just 0.008% of people have my rare condition – The Brain Charity stopped me from becoming a recluse”

Shirley was diagnosed with syringomyelia – a fluid-filled cyst known as a syrinx that grows

Category: Employment

Published: 28 September 2022

Kamani and her husband

Kamani’s functional neurological disorder story: “Applying for PIP left me feeling anxious and helpless – the Brain Charity helped me change my life”

Kamani was left without financial support after her PIP application was rejected.

Category: Welfare benefits

Published: 20 June 2022

John at his Neuro-versity graduation ceremony

John’s CADASIL story: “CADASIL causes me stress and anxiety. The Brain Charity’s employment team fills me with confidence.”

John got a new job two months ago after working with our employment team.

Category: Employment

Published: 6 June 2022

A woman's hands holding an empty purse

Mary’s autism story: “Welfare benefits applications are so stressful – The Brain Charity was a total game changer”

Helping Mary apply for DLA and PIP reduced the financial pressures on her family.

Category: Welfare benefits

Published: 10 May 2022

Pauline sitting on a hill looking at the camera

Pauline’s executive dysfunction story: “COVID left me isolated: The Brain Charity welcomed me with open arms”

Pauline has Alice in Wonderland Syndrome, an extremely rare illness which can cause parts of

Category: Phone befriending

Published: 28 April 2022

Help filling in a form at The Brain Charity

Paul’s subarachnoid haemorrhage story: “I had to relearn how to walk and fell into debt. The Brain Charity was a breath of fresh air”

Single dad Paul couldn't work after his subarachnoid brain haemorrhage and got into debt.

Category: Help in hospitals

Published: 28 April 2022

Rose at The Brain Charity's centre

Rose’s aphasia story: “A stroke took my voice away. Singing in The Brain Charity’s choir helped me find it again”

When Rose's ability to speak returned following a stroke, she had a Russian accent.

Category: Social activities

Published: 13 April 2022