MEDIA RELEASE

July 24, 2025

Volunteering Services recently had the privilege of sitting down with Shirley Wilson, CEO of the Brain Injured Children’s Trust, for an honest, moving kōrero full of heart. Over a warm cuppa (gumboot tea, to be exact!), Shirley shared how BICT walks alongside families navigating childhood brain injuries — one meaningful step at a time.

BICT’s Tania & Shirley with the Fundraising Team

Since its re-establishment in 2006 by three courageous mothers and two volunteers, BICT has been a beacon of hope for families facing the complex world of childhood brain injury. What began as a volunteer-led initiative has grown into a sustainable, community-backed organisation now with dedicated staff and a big heart.

The Trust’s journey began from humble beginnings. In fact, its roots were planted at Shirley’s very own dining table. As the mother of a brain-injured child herself, Shirley knows firsthand the isolation, frustration, and fierce love that fuels a parent’s search for answers.

“At the time, my son Mark was doing very well, but everything he needed cost so much. If he wanted to ride a bike, he’d need a specialised trike costing $5,000, while my younger daughter would have access to a bike for only $100 down the road.
So we got together to start up an organisation. We all put $10 each into the pot on my dining room table with a cup of tea and said: this is where we start.”

BICT’s approach is inspired by the Doman Method, a neurodevelopmental model that stimulates the brain through purposeful, repetitive activities. This method supports the brain’s ability to rewire and adapt, even in children with significant injuries. It’s a strategy that gives families a roadmap — and hope.

“While the brain is incredibly complex, we only use 10% of it. So through our programs, by doing the same thing over and over again, you’re tapping into new pathways and developing those. It’s amazing.”

Cerebral palsy didn’t stop Mark Wilson — he’s a leader in business and life

One of BICT’s cornerstone services is a six-month, comprehensive programme connecting families with international specialists. It includes personalised coaching, structured routines, and tailored plans targeting all aspects of a child’s development — mobility, learning, cognition, and communication. Shirley has countless stories, from her own son Mark to the many children whose lives have been transformed.

“We’ve seen children go from non-verbal to telling their mums, ‘I want to be a doctor.’
Even children who wouldn’t be able to look at you or talk to you, but can now hold conversations and you can see how totally engaged they are in their world.”

The Trust’s support extends far beyond the child and deeply nurtures the whole whānau. When parents are informed, supported, and empowered, they’re better equipped to walk the journey with their child. It’s not just about developmental milestones, it’s about ensuring families have what they need to thrive.

“Some of our parents and families are living in overdrive, and there’s a lot of trauma in that.
BICT isn’t only for the children. It’s also for mum and dad, which hopefully filters through to the whole family. It’s about support, and building a community for them too.”

BICT/Doman Support and Wellness Clinic

At its heart, BICT is about helping families dream again and supporting children to reach their potential, one small step at a time. When asked what message she’d like readers to take away, Shirley shared:

“Of course, funds are a huge element for us but more than anything, it’s about letting people know we’re here.
If you or someone you know has a child with a disability, visit our website, read our family stories, or just come to us. Let’s have a conversation.”


BICT’s upcoming Doman Support & Wellness Clinic is happening from 14–23 August 2025 in Papamoa. This 10-day event brings together families, clinicians, and volunteers in a warm, supportive setting — and they’re currently seeking a volunteer chef, chef assistants, and a child minder to help make the magic happen. To get involved, click here.

You can also learn more about BICT and their incredible stories at www.braininjuredchildrentrust.co.nz.