Silver lining for brain injury survivors
525. Sherrie Baehr
A Clinical Neuropsychologist from London has supported over 500 people who’ve been affected by traumatic brain injuries.
For the last 20 years, Sherrie has worked with those affected by brain injury and seen first-hand the challenges for those individuals and their families. After leaving the support of the rehabilitation system she found many people suffer from social isolation and lack of purpose. Sherrie realised that there had to be a better way to help brain injury sufferers in the long term and 10 years ago was inspired to create The Silverlining.
The Silverlining supports brain injury sufferers to undertake projects in their local community like raising money for good causes, organising events for other injured people, or joining missions to Namibia to help communities there. By undertaking supported, structured challenges with clear goals, Silverliners gain a sense of purpose and achievement, become valued members of their local community and discover just how much they are still capable of.
Sherrie remains a trustee of The Silverlinings and has been fundamental in the expansion of support groups. The Silverlining is currently helping over 500 people in seven groups from London to Cardiff. Each group is run by an expert in the field of traumatic brain injury and supported by enthusiastic and passionate volunteers.
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
“With The Silverlining, Sherrie is making a real difference in the lives of people who have suffered head injuries. By supporting them to undertake local community projects, she is helping to tackle the loss of purpose or identity some survivors can face. Through this fantastic initiative, Sherrie has supported over 500 people through their recovery, and enabled them to make a real difference in communities around the country. I am delighted to recognise Sherrie as the UK’s 525th Point of Light.”