Headway UK - the brain injury association

As ABI Week comes to a close, we’re delighted to welcome Dr Bruce Powell as a new Headway UK ambassador. After sustaining a severe brain injury and memory loss in a near-fatal cycling accident, former intensive care doctor Bruce became a writer and advocate, speaking openly about the realities of life after brain injury. Through his work, Bruce is helping people affected by brain injury feel seen, understood and less alone.

Please watch Symra’s personal story of isolation to understand what thousands of brain injury survivors struggle with every day. Visit buff.ly/GjgPd55 to read Symra's full story. #ABIWeek #Loneliness #WeSeeYou #ActionForBrainInjury

When a brain injury takes away your independence, it also takes away your old social life, leaving you feeling left behind and vulnerable. Law graduate Symra was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2020 during her post-graduate studies – and although her tumour is now removed, she’s been left with symptoms which have profoundly changed her ability to socialise. buff.ly/NxONg0K

They also shared the difference support can make. Through Headway, new friendships can form, confidence can rebuild and people can feel less alone. Our latest survey found that almost 9 in 10 brain injury survivors and carers experience loneliness after brain injury. But 72% of survivors who attend a local Headway group say it helps them feel less lonely. Read more about the APPG meeting and our ‘We see you’ campaign: buff.ly/kwWgFXT #ABIWeek #ActionForBrainInjuryWeek #BrainInjury #Headway #WeSeeYou

This week in parliament, brain injury survivors and carers shared their experiences of isolation and loneliness with MPs and members of the House of Lords as part of our ‘We see you’ campaign for Action for Brain Injury Week. You may have seen Avril and Sophie featured in our ABI Week campaign this week as they shared their story of life after brain injury. On Tuesday, they were in parliament alongside members of Headway Meirionnydd, speaking directly to parliamentarians about the impact brain injury can have on survivors, families and carers.

But without her regular walking clubs and social groups, she began to feel isolated and alone. Avril and Sophie’s story shows how brain injury has affected both of their lives. Head to our website to learn more about Avril and Sophie. buff.ly/7suIz7P #ABIWeek #Loneliness #WeSeeYou #ActionForBrainInjury

The isolation felt after a brain injury doesn’t always just affect the brain injury survivor –carers can also watch their lives slip away as their attention is needed elsewhere. Following emergency brain surgery at the age of just 19, Sophie’s life would never be the same again. And neither would her mum’s. Avril dropped everything to care for Sophie. buff.ly/dfBeFob

We’ve got practical tips and support for managing isolation after brain injury - from rebuilding confidence and connecting with others, to finding small moments of joy in everyday life. Because while isolation after brain injury is common, no one should have to face it alone. Read more and explore support: buff.ly/mZR88F3 #ABIWeek #ActionForBrainInjuryWeek #BrainInjury #Loneliness #Isolation #Headway

Isolation after brain injury can happen quietly. Plans get cancelled. Conversations become harder. Confidence fades and, over time, loneliness can begin to grow.

Brain injury can change everything – it reshapes how you fit into the world and how close you feel to the people in it. Hear Warren explain how his brain injury symptoms have affected the relationships with friends and family – leading to loneliness and isolation. Visit our website to find out more about Warren how you can get support. buff.ly/QTftoUz #ABIWeek #Loneliness #WeSeeYou #ActionForBrainInjuryWeek

Imagine for one moment waking up tomorrow and realising from the minute you open your eyes that no one speaks to you. Not a solitary word. No messages. No phone calls. No emails. Not a single conversation. buff.ly/65n9HFi

Head to our website for the full results and key findings, and share to help highlight the hidden impact of brain injury. buff.ly/VsXHBOl #ABIWeek #ActionForBrainInjuryWeek #WeSeeYou #BrainInjury #Loneliness #Isolation

Nearly nine in ten survivors and carers told us they feel lonely, with many sharing that they can feel isolated even when surrounded by other people. Fatigue, memory problems and anxiety can all make socialising more difficult, while a lack of understanding from others can leave people feeling cut off from everyday life. But here at Headway, we see that isolation. And we’re here to help people affected by brain injury feel supported, understood and less alone.

The results are in. Over the past few weeks, brain injury survivors and carers have shared their experiences through our Action for Brain Injury Week survey. And one message came through clearly: after brain injury, loneliness and isolation can become part of everyday life. Plans get cancelled. Friendships drift. Confidence can fade. Social lives become smaller and staying connected can feel harder than it once did.

Visit buff.ly/7rU2IAl to learn more and how to get support. #ABIWeek #Loneliness #ActionForBrainInjuryWeek #WeSeeYou

The impact of brain injury can be devastating for both survivors and their loved ones. It leaves lives upturned, futures more uncertain, and once-familiar relationships changed. Plans get cancelled, messages go unanswered, invitations stop coming and, slowly, isolation settles in. Often unnoticed. Often unseen. Often lonely. But here at Headway, we see that isolation, that loneliness. And we see you. Please watch our film to see what loneliness after brain injury looks like. This Action for Brain Injury Week, we ask everyone – help us ensure no one faces brain injury alone. buff.ly/Aj6CBDe

Head over to our website for more details, including the fabulous prize that you could win! buff.ly/sCGTg4b We can't wait to see your amazing hats! *Texts cost the chosen donation amount plus your standard network rate message.

The day has arrived - it's #HatsForHeadway! 🧢🪖⛑️👒🎩🎓 To take part, all you have to do is: ▪️Snap a selfie ▪️Share it on social media using #HatsForHeadway ▪️Donate £5 by texting HATSFIVE to 70580* Every hat equals more funding towards our vital support for those affected by brain injury.

We need your help. We could receive a £5,000 donation through your nomination. That could fund 227 calls to our free Helpline, enabling a survivor or loved one to receive specialist advice from someone like me when they don’t know where to turn. #nominateACharity" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">movementforgood.com/draws/special/…

We've put together these tips and information to help you understand what happens when someone is admitted to hospital following a brain injury: buff.ly/nFsuNEI