Family-to-Family Link Up Program: a community-based initiative supporting families caring for someone with an acquired brain injury.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The Family To Family Link Up Program (f2f Link Up) is a pilot program aimed to promote connections between families who have a family member with an Acquired Brain Injury.

METHODS: A total of 46 families participated in the program coordinated by The Bouverie Centre in Melbourne Victoria. Link-Ups, involving one or several sessions with members from two or more families. Link-Ups were conducted by Victorian metropolitan and regional ABI workers who were trained as Link-Up facilitators. A co-operative inquiry action research methodology was used to provide insights into the development and implementation of the program. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from families and facilitators on the effectiveness of the program and their experience of each Link Up session.

RESULTS: Evaluation of the program showed positive impacts for both families and facilitators and provided useful feedback on program implementation issues, benefits and constraints of the program.

CONCLUSIONS: The opportunity to meet other families in brief, time-limited contacts with a trained facilitator is a useful and needed addition to a range of supports that might assist families caring for a member with an acquired brain injury.