Rick MacLean (65), of Wanaka, and two volunteer carers, Ange Keenan and Kylie Goodwin, founded the group several months ago.
Businesses had been happy to host regular outings for the members and this was providing everyone with much pleasure, they said yesterday.
Mr MacLean has lived in Wanaka with his wife, Gillian, for about 20 years.
The former farmer and a father of two was born in the North Island and has lived in many places, including St Andrews, where he had a piggery.
He suffered critical head injuries in a private aeroplane accident at Wanaka Airport about 11 years ago and understands well the long road many accident and stroke victims must travel to recover and regain an active life.
Mr MacLean has worked at Wanaka Wastebusters part-time for about five years and loves his job, which includes looking after the worm farm and kitchen recycling.
"I love being here, because it is something positive and the staff here are all very good people. The worms get fed twice a week and it is a job I thoroughly enjoy doing, too. It is self-motivating. I love coming here, because I am part of the community here. People say, 'Hi Rick, how are you?' There is no down-in-the-dumps stuff here," Mr MacLean said.
He and his carers had been interested in joining the wider brain-injury support network in Otago but it was not until this year that they visited an Alexandra support group.
Ms Keenan said the drive was a bit far for Mr MacLean, so they decided to start a Wanaka group.
"It just escalated. People just wanted to join," she said.
The group now has at least six members, as well as volunteer carers, taking part in outings.
"Usually, we go for a nosey somewhere then go for a lunch. We get things done in the mornings and then they need food and rest, because being around people and being so focused makes them really tired.
It is about allowing them to be comfortable in their own space," Ms Keenan said.
Group member Ben Suncin, who suffered a brain injury through a stroke, said the outings were interesting and supportive.
"If it wasn't for this brain-injury gathering, I don't know where I would be. If you have a problem, you have people to contact," he said.
