Why we exist

Headway Somerset exists to support individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) their families and support networks.

Our history is the personal story of parents, who over thirty years ago, experienced the devastating news that their daughter had received a serious head injury in an accident. Following a long period in hospital there was a return home to Somerset where the family quickly realised that there was little or no community support for their daughter or for them. It is thanks to the energy and resourcefulness of this family and a small group of friends and supporters that Headway Somerset was born.

An acquired brain injury can happen to anyone and happen at any time. When it does Headway Somerset is here to help.

Acquired brain injury (ABI) includes trauma such as a blow to the head from assault or accident, strokes, haemorrhage, aneurysms, tumour, meningitis/encephalitis and oxygen deprivation. In Somerset every year about 3000 people have a hospital admission due to ABI.

Every year an estimated one million people attend Accident & Emergency Departments in the UK following a head injury. It is estimated that around 500,000 people of working age are living with long-term impairments as a result of ABI.

From hospital admission, through to discharge home and at every stage of your recovery Headway Somerset is here to support you with:

  • Specialist Information and Practical Advice
  • A listening ear and time to talk
  • Services to help your adjustment to living with brain injury and recovery including – Education Groups, Rehabilitation Centres, Peer Support Groups and One to One Support 

Our Talking Headway Support Line is available Monday to Friday from 10am till 4pm   Call: 01823 618519 or email: Info@headwaysomerset.org.uk