The difference we make

Making a difference to people living with ABI and raising awareness about the condition is important to us. These are a few examples of the feedback we have received in the last year:

‘Headway Somerset were fantastic and I am so grateful for all your help and support.’
‘Headway Somerset is brilliant, I love coming here.’
‘Headway Somerset was such an amazing support and we wouldn’t know how we would have coped without them.’
‘It’s thanks to Headway Somerset that I have managed to keep going.’
‘I just wanted to thank you for arranging the Friday evening supporters group – it was just what I needed.’
‘Without the support from Headway Somerset I would be sat at home on my own every day and not have made friends in the same position as me.’

We are grateful for the extraordinary fundraising efforts and generosity of everyone who supports us and enables us to improve people’s lives. 

Our Rehabilitation Centres at Bridgwater, Taunton, Yeovil, West Camel and Henton provided outcome-focused support to 40 people living with complex and long-term impairments caused by their acquired brain injury. Weekly attendance  ensures people have the high quality and specialist care needed to improve or sustain their function, wellbeing, physical and mental health. Additionally, the team provided individual community-based outreach rehabilitation to a number of individuals supporting them with particularly challenging life situations.

Our Hospital Liaison Team directly supported 154 acquired brain injury patients, and 116 of their family members/supporters through regular attendance at Yeovil District Hospital, Musgrove Park Hospital, the specialist Somerset Neuro Rehab Centre based at Dene Barton, Taunton, as well as other community hospitals. Through the year the team provided nearly 1,500 appointments to these individuals, supporting them through their challenges and assisting them to access their rights. The team also delivered 14 education sessions attended by 49 family carers/supporters.

The ‘Talking Headway’ information and support line has provided 300 hours of specialist skilled staff to make it easier for people living with acquired brain injury to receive timely help. People phone/email with a vast array of queries and needs, and are supported through information, practical advice, signposting and emotional care.

85 professionals and stakeholders attended our April 2023 Conference at Taunton Racecourse to gain a greater awareness and understanding of acquired brain injury and our charity.

Over 100 social care council employers enjoyed our November 2023 training workshop about acquired brain injury and executive functioning, which was co-delivered by two of our rehabilitation clients. Feedback included:
‘Just thought I’d share with you that Headway Somerset delivered an excellent presentation today as part of the Carnival of Practice. Sam, James and Steve were excellent – it was really
powerful.’