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Headway East London

“I know everyone can't come to Headway because of limited resources but if you can get in you've had a right result - Brilliant!”

Martin, Member

“Headway - If this word was in the dictionary the meaning would fill up a whole book; the companionship of people who have walked a similar road.”

Peter, Member

“I like coming here because I get to meet people that have had the same injury and I can identify with them. Making friends and socialising with people makes you feel that you are not the only one with a brain injury.”

Mark, Member

“At Headway I get to mix with other people, have a good time and have the opportunity to help other people.”

Terry, Member

“Headway East London gives me a sense of acknowledging that there are people in the same position as myself; I am constantly gaining confidence as time goes by.”

Velma, Member

“If anyone will understand the issues you are going through, the people here will because they are going through it themselves.”

Eddie, Member

“Headway East London is an interesting place. So many different people brought together by a life-changing experience. I love the fact that there is a place for people with brain injuries to go; a place of support, advice and familiarity.”

Michelle, Volunteer.

“I get lonely sometimes and it's good to come to the Headway house to meet with people and talk to them. I learn a lot from the groups and from talking to other people with a brain injury.”

Abul, Member

“Headway East London is a place where I feel that I am part of something bigger; it's like a family.”

Brian, Member

About Brain Injury

About Brain Injury

Brain injury is often known as the 'hidden disability' because the problems which arise from an injury to the brain are not always obvious. People can usually see and understand the limitations caused by physical disability, but difficulties with memory and thinking skills and changes in behaviour are often misunderstood.

Did you know?

  • Each year in the UK, 1 million people will attend hospital having sustained a traumatic brain injury of some kind.
  • 12,000 of those will sustain a severe brain injury and many will require long-term care. The majority will never work again. There are an estimated 420,000 people in the UK suffering from the long-term effects of severe brain damage caused by traumatic brain injury.
  • A larger number with 'moderate' or 'mild' brain injury will also experience long-term problems.
  • It is estimated that at least 55,000 people in London are trying to cope with serious and life-long disabilities as a result of brain injury.
  • Anyone can sustain a brain injury at any time but young men aged 15-29 years are at a much higher risk of injury.
  • The long-term effects of brain injury can include the following: changes in personality and behaviour; epilepsy; impaired mobility; sensory impairment; inability to understand and communicate; lack of initiative and motivation; lack of insight; poor concentration; poor memory; poor planning and problem solving skills.
  • The rehabilitation process is a long one and the person with a brain injury is unlikely to make a complete recovery. The person, their family and carers will need long term help and support, which is generally not provided by the statutory authorities.

More Information

For more detailed information about brain injury, visit the Information section on the Headway - the brain injury association website.

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