Compensation is just one aspect of recovering from something as potentially life-changing as a brain or head injury. As much as a lump sum or guaranteed income payment can radically enable an individual, the best recovery is achieved by providing over-arching support for a person in every aspect of their life. Headway are a charity set up in 1979 who work to provide information and support for those suffering from brain or head injury and their friends, family and carers. This article will give a little more information about what work they do.
The History
By the time Headway was set up in 1979 a charity of its sort was long overdue. The 1970s had seen a rapid development in the world of neurosurgery meaning many patients who would have previously passed away were now able to carry on their lives due to advancements in medical technique and technology. Unfortunately, these positive steps in the medical world were not matched by due support and funding in the welfare sector, and a dire need for rehabilitation programmes and community-based care went unsatisfied for the entire decade.
Headway was set up when Sir Neville Butterworth placed an advert for a holiday home which would cater for his brain-injured son. Various people (soon to become founding members of the charity) got in contact with Butterworth keen to investigate what support already existed out there for survivors of brain and head injury. The result was Headway, which became a registered charity in 1980 and opened the first ‘Headway House’, a day-centre assisting in long-term rehabilitation, respite care and hospital liaison in 1983.
What can Headway do for you?
Headway’s mission is:
“To promote understanding of all aspects of brain injury and to provide information, support and services to people with a brain injury, their families and carers.” – headway.org
..and their objectives are as follows:
- To increase awareness of brain injury and its consequences
- To initiate activities and campaigns which will reduce the incidence of brain injury
- To provide information and support for people with brain injuries, their relatives and carers and concerned professional people
- To promote improved approaches to brain injury screening, acute care, assessment, rehabilitation and social re-integration
- To assist people with brain injuries to return to community living, including access to appropriate accommodation, social outlets and productive activity
- To support and help establish Headway groups throughout the UK in furtherance of the charity’s mission statement
Headway has a network of local groups and branches to provide you with local support. It runs a nurse-led helpline to provide support and advice pertaining to the medical aspects of head injury. It also has an emergency fund which offers families and individuals up to £500 grants to cope with practicalities in the immediate aftermath after an injury. Headway also provides a number of publications and merchandise to raise awareness and provide information to anyone seeking it. The charity provides further advice on seeking head injury compensation or making a personal injury claim relating to brain or head injury.
Headway are a great organisation providing practical, financial and emotional support to all those who are affected by brain and head injury of any sort whether it be a sudden onset ailment or something more long-term. They’ve been providing individuals with exemplary support for over 30 years now and are set to continue having a hugely positive impact on the lives of those dealing with head injury.