Talks & Workshops on the Creative Arts Improving Brain Health 

Creative Brainwaves is a three-part series of talks and workshops exploring how engaging in creative arts can improve your brain health.This series is curated and facilitated by Mike Hanrahan, Global Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health at the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), Trinity College Dublin.

These talks, curated and facilitated by Mike Hanrahan, Global Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health at the Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin (TCD) will feature neuroscientists, psychologists, researchers, people with dementia and their carers, people with acquired brain injury, brain health activists and creative artists who work to improve brain health.  

Join us to learn how art, singing, music, dance, poetry and writing can stimulate your senses and improve cognition. There is always a special welcome for for people interested in brain health, people living with dementia, acquired brain injury and their caregivers at each session. 

Local support organisations including Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, Living Well with Dementia & Social Prescribing for Health & Wellbeing DLR will also be present at these sessions.  

Talks are FREE, but booking is essential via dlr Libraries Eventbrite 

Bookings via dlr Libraries Eventbrite / | libraryculture@dlrcoco.ie | 01 280 1147 

All events take place in the Studio Theatre, Level 1,  dlr LexIcon, Moran Park, Dún Laoghaire, A96 H283  

Tea and coffee will be provided 

Thursday 16th May, 11:00 – 13:00  

The Art of Hope - Acquired Brain Injury 

Gráinne McGettrick 

Gráinne is the Policy and Research Manager with Acquired Brain Injury Ireland and a Global Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health, Global Brain Health Institute, TCD. With a background at the intersection of policy, research and advocacy in the Irish NGO sector, Gráinne is dedicated to addressing health inequalities and championing the human rights of those facing exclusion due to ageing, dementia and disability.  

Paul O’Brien 

Paul is from Wicklow Town and comes to Dún Laoghaire regularly to attend the Acquired Brain Injury Ireland Clubhouse.  He worked in construction and had a fall over 10 years ago.  As a result of the fall, he lives with a brain injury.  He took up art during his rehabilitation and it changed his life.  Paul says, “I don’t know whether I found art or art found me”.  He is now an accomplished artist and creates beautiful art using a variety of artistic media.  

Dr Karen Foley 

Karen is a leader in the disability sector and has played a key role in the development of rehabilitation services for people with acquired brain injury across the country.  She makes sure that the person with brain injury and their families are at the centre of the services.  She is a passionate advocate to ensure equitable access to quality-driven services.  Karen is the Chief Executive Officer of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland and has a PhD in Psychology from Trinity College Dublin.