Brain Camp Alumni - A Warmer Society for All

Children & youth

Jan 17

Who: Sunnaasstiftelsen

What: Brin Camp Alumni

Where: Bergen

Project period: 2024

Web: Sunnaasstiftelsen

Adolescence is a vulnerable period. For youth living with spinal cord or brain injuries resulting from accidents or illnesses, the challenges are significant. They struggle with social exclusion and face difficulties in school and education. The Sunnaas Foundation possesses experience and expertise that can create new opportunities for these young individuals.

The Sunnaas Foundation is a nationwide nonprofit organization. Its goal is to assist individuals affected by severe injuries or illnesses, with a particular focus on those with acquired spinal cord and brain injuries, in mastering their life situations and leading fulfilling, active lives. The foundations aim is to increase knowledge and share expertise in its core areas: Active rehabilitation, peer support, knowledge exchange, innovation, and research.

The foundation serves as a crucial and valuable supplement to public health and welfare services, especially during the transition from hospital discharge to everyday life in the local community.

Now we are establishing Brain Camp Alumni and Mentor Yng in Bergen for youth with brain or spinal cord injuries, aiming to promote activity, mastery, and a sense of belonging. This initiative works to counteract inactivity, isolation, and social exclusion in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The Alumni program, conducted in collaboration with Energisenteret for children and Youth at Haukeland Hospital, offers activities and peer- to- peer knowledge that involves mutual learning and collaboration between peers. The aim is to strengthen self-esteem, enhance coping abilities, and reinforce the network of like-minded individuals. Most of the participants (13-17 years old) have previously attended the foundation's children's camp, Brain Camp Yng.

Adolescent life is demanding, and children often encounter new challenges as they approach puberty. Therefore, we expand our services for youth with new perspectives and initiatives to better equip them to face everyday challenges at home. Mentor Yng is an educational program for children and young with brain or spinal cord injuries (15-20 years old). Young mentors have similar level of understanding and comparable backgrounds. They serve as crucial resources due to their peer- to- peer knowledge. They have experience in navigating life after injury and understand language and codes better than adults.

Individuals with disabilities are valuable assets. By increasing visibility and participating in local recreational and cultural activities, the project contributes to creating a warmer, more inclusive, and sustainable society.