Headway is a charity that provides information, advice and support to adults with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), their families and carers. Over 1 million people across the UK attend hospital every year following an ABI, and surveys show that an estimated half a million people are living with the long-term effects of their injuries.

Some can be so severe that they have to be cared for in a residential setting, while the majority live at home with partners or family members who often have to take on the role of a carer.

There are 114 local branches and groups affiliated to Headway UK, all of which are unique in their own right, offering different services and types of support, but all working towards the same goal.

Services can include rehabilitation programmes, carer and family support, social integration, community and respite care. All groups aim to promote the understanding and awareness of brain injury, to help the individuals and those around them come to terms with their changes, and assist them to be as independent as possible.

Jamie Stalker, community worker at Oxford, said: “As well as the four day sessions a week in Kennington and Banbury that 42 members attend, we also have a team that work with individuals and their families in the community.

“The severity of brain injury can vary tremendously and our support has to be flexible enough to make our work totally individualised to our clients. Our approach varies, depending on each situation, and our input can range from providing specific information, e.g. through publications such as How to Manage Anger, or Driving after Brain Injury, to supporting clients through hospitalisation, in- and out-patient rehabilitation, carer counselling, and helping with benefits, housing, and much more.”

A carers group gives the carers a chance to talk with others in the same situation as themselves and have a break from their normal routine over tea and coffee. A part-time vocational worker specifically supports more able clients to return to work, either through the voluntary sector, paid positions — or even education courses.

Jamie added: “We at Headway Oxford feel that the support we can offer is invaluable to both the individual and their families, and hope that in the future, with extra funding, we will be able to offer more support services to all of those affected by Brain Injury.”

If you would like to know more about Headway Oxford, would like some support if you have a brain injury, or would like to volunteer or make a donation, please contact Jamie Stalker at communityworker@headway-oxford.org. uk or on 01865 326261. You can also visit www.headwayoxford.org.uk