More than 230,000 Danes live with a late-acquired brain injury, and every year around 1,550 children and young people are affected – as a result of accidents, infections, illness, abuse, violence, blood clots, or brain hemorrhages, among other things. What they have in common is that the damage occurs at an age when the brain is not fully developed. As a result, they are often affected in several ways, and many struggle with social relationships and participation in communities.

"They are challenged not only by their disability, but also by the fact that their brains are not fully developed. They have difficulty understanding themselves, and it is generally incredibly hard for this group," says Morten Lorenzen, director of the Brain Injury Association.

Many people experience everyday life marked by isolation, sensory challenges, and difficulties in participating in social contexts. To help this group, the Brain Injury Association established the "Young Brains" universe eight years ago.

"It's a community where they can see themselves reflected in each other and where they don't need to explain themselves. The others feel the same way," says Morten Lorenzen.

"Unge Hjerner organizes so-called "Experience Days," where participants can take part in activities that enhance both well-being and quality of life. The activities range widely—from trips to Legoland, the Zoo, and Fårup Sommerland to sailing trips, music festivals, and forest outings, where they build bivouacs, among other things.

"The events are organized in collaboration with our 27 local branches, and volunteers and professional staff are always involved. The goal is the same every time: to create positive shared experiences in a safe environment," says Morten Lorenzen.

The experience days bring smiles to faces and new relationships.

The experience days give participants a safe space where they can participate on their own terms—with the consideration and security that their situation requires.

They smile and laugh—and donations like this help us create these activities. It's hard not to get emotional, because we can really see that these trips help improve their quality of life. New relationships and friendships are formed, and we hear from relatives that they are bringing home a child who seems happier, says Morten Lorenzen.