Useful organisations
The directory of useful organisations is divided into categories that may be useful to people looking for information and support on different aspects of brain injury.
Click a category below to view relevant organisations.
Headway is not responsible for the content of external websites. Links may open in a new window or tab.
Awareness and prevention
Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust
The Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust is committed to saving young people's lives by promoting safe cycling and, in particular, the use of cycle helmets.
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Brake - the road safety charity
- Tel: 01484 559909
- Fax: 01484 559983
- Helpline: 0845 603 8570
- Email: helpline@brake.org.uk
- Website: www.brake.org.uk
Brake, the national road safety charity, works to stop death and injury on the roads and to care for people affected by road crashes. Brake also runs educational initiatives and campaigns for tougher laws against dangerous drivers. Brake produces a range of support literature for people bereaved and injured at these particularly devastating times. This literature is distributed by the police forces following every fatal crash and often after a serious injury. Brake also runs a helpline, through which its highly trained operators can support families and friends following the aftermath of a road crash. The helpline provides both emotional support as well as practical information on the many procedures that follow a death on the road. The helpline also acts as a signposting service directing callers to counselling services, trauma therapists and self-help groups.
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CO Awareness
CO-Awareness is an organisation that supports the many victims of Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning and Toxic Combustion (TC) poisoning, their families and friends.
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Disability Alliance Education and Research Association
Universal house
88-89 Wentworth Street
London
E1 7SA
Aims to break the link between poverty and disability.
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Neurological Alliance
The Neurological Alliance
Stroke House
240 City Road,
London
EC1V 2PR
The Neurological Alliance is a wide range of neurological charities which have come together to make life better for people in the UK with a neurological condition. Our aims are to raise awareness of neurological conditions and their impact; inform and influence policy makers about the needs of people with neurological conditions; secure the highest standards of service and improved care for people with neurological conditions; promote research and the dissemination of information about neurological conditions.
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RoadPeace
UK national charity provides emotional and practical support to road crash victims (bereaved and injured) and runs a Helpline which is open from 9am-9pm 7 days a week. Campaign for road safety.
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Royal Association for Disability And Rehabilitation (RADAR)
- Tel: 020 7250 3222
- Website: www.radar.org.uk
- Fax: 020 7250 0212
- Email: radar@radar.org.uk
- Minicom: 0207 250 4119
RADAR is a co-ordinating body with over 500 members associations. It acts as a pressure group on central and local government. RADAR is concerned with every aspect of disibility, but is particularly involved with access, education, employment, holidays, housing, mobility and social services.
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Acquired brain injury
AVM Support UK
Provide various support services for people affected by Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM).
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Brain Tumour UK
Brain Tumour UK works to conquer brain tumours through research, education and support.
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Brain and Spine Foundation
Research, education and information. Booklets on a wide range of neurological conditions and symptoms and an online discussion forum. Helpline is staffed by neuroscience nurses.
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Brain and Spinal Injury Charity (BASIC)
BASIC provides a specialist resource at the Neurocare Centre for people and their families in crisis following a traumatic brain injury or neurological diagnosis.
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Different Strokes
This is a new charity for young stroke survivors aiming to provide access to physio and exercise, information and counselling and advice on further education and job opportunities.
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IIH UK
IIH UK is dedicated to providing sources of information and support to people with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), their families, friends and carers. We also strive to promote awareness of IIH. Furthermore we campaign for funding to facilitate more research into IIH and to support the Charity's public, social and support activities.
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Meningitis Trust
The Meningitis Trust is the UK's longest established meningitis charity. It helps around 20,000 people each year through its unique range of professional services and community support; giving vital support to those who have been affected by this life-changing disease. With as many as 500,000 people living in the UK who have had either viral or bacterial meningitis and up to one adult in every four knowing of someone who has had meningitis, the charity's ongoing work is much-needed.
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Stroke Association
The Stroke Association is the only UK wide charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. The Stroke Association funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation; campaigns to increase knowledge of stroke and improve stroke services; and act as a voice for everyone affected by stroke. Stroke survivors and family members are supported directly through its Life After Stroke Service. The Stroke Association also provides a range of informational publications, a stroke helpline and an information service for anyone affected by stroke.
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Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust
Since 1996, the charity has become the largest dedicated brain tumour charity in the UK with the highest level of laboratory based brain tumour research in the country. The Trust offers support to patients diagnosed with a brain tumour as well as their families and/or carers.
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Carer and family support
Brain Injury Group
B.I.G is a support group for people who have loved ones with devastating brain injuries. They may be severely disabled, in a persistent vegetative state, minimally aware/conscious or locked in.
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Carers UK
Carers UK is a membership organisation of carers, led by carers for carers.
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Caring with Confidence
Caring with Confidence is a FREE programme for carers. If you are looking after a friend or relative, Caring with Confidence can help and support you to make a positive difference to your life and that of the person you care for.
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CRUSE Bereavement care
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Princess Royal Trust for Carers
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers is the largest provider of comprehensive carers support services in the UK.
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Relate
Aims to support marriage and family life. Relate has a range of literature and can refer to local branches for individual counselling services.
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Stroke4Carers
Website containing over 300 pages with easy to use interactive advice, information and support for unpaid stroke carers.
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Children and young people
Brainwave Centre Ltd (Brainwave Centre for rehabilitation and development)
- Tel: 01278 429089
- Email: brainwavetherapy@hotmail.com
- Fax: 01278 429622
- Website: www.brainwave.org.uk
Design home-based programmes of rehabilitation for children involving both physical and cognitive techniques.
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British Institute for Brain Injured Children (BIBIC)
BIBIC is a national charity offering practical help to families caring for children with conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, developmental delay, traumatic and acquired brain injury and specific learning difficulties such as attention deficits, hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia and dyspraxia.
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(The) Children's Trust, Tadworth
The Children's Trust is a national charity providing residential rehabilitation, community services, information and support to children and young people with acquired brain injury and their families.
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Child Brain Injury Trust
The Child Brain Injury Trust (CBIT) supports children, young people and families affected by an acquired brain injury, to enable them to achieve their potential.
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Contact a Family
- Tel: 020 7608 8700
- Web: www.cafamily.org.uk
- Fax: 020 7608 8701
- Helpline: 0808 808 3555 (10am-4pm, Mon-Fri)
- Textphone: 0808 808 3556
Contact a Family is the only UK-wide charity providing advice, information and support to the parents of all disabled children - no matter what their health condition. We also enable parents to get in contact with other families, both on a local and national basis. Each year we reach at least 250,000 families.
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Trust-Ed
Provide educational services for young people with acquired brain injuries.
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Cognitive and behavioural problems
Brain Tree Training
Produce home-based cognitive rehabilitation courses for those with acquired neurological injuries.
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Challenging Behaviour Foundation
Provide an info service, fact sheets, support network to improve the lives and conditions of people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour, their immediate family and carers.
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Counselling Directory
Connecting you with professional support - find a counsellor or psychotherapist near you.
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Depression Alliance
Depression Alliance is the leading national charity for people affected by depression. We provide a range of information and support services & work to reduce the stigma and isolation often associated by depression.
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Learnet
A Resource for Teachers, Clinicians, Parents, and Students by the Brain Injury Association of New York State. Contains a range of tutorials covering different aspects of brain injury. Whilst the materials are aimed at students and young people, they are also applicable to adults.
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Communication problems
Aphasia Now
'Aphasia now' is a website started by an aphasia wanted to get in touch with like minded and other sufferers to learn more about the invisible disability.
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Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice
Can supply details of therapists by region or specific condition.
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ARCOS - the Association for Rehabilitation of Communication and Oral Skills
ARCOS is a national charity. We work with children and adults who have communication and eating (swallowing) difficulties, their families, carers and others involved. ARCOS provides information, advice, practical help, specialist therapy training and other services not readily available elsewhere.
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Connect - the communication disability network
Connect - the communication disability network is a charity for people living with aphasia (communication disability) following stroke, accident or tumour.
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Speakability
Advice line for people with dysphasia (loss of language following stroke or head injury), their families and professionals. Advice on accessing services, benefits, holidays, equipment and computer technology. Also gives advice on self-help groups and speech therapy.
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Funding
Headway Emergency Fund
Grants of up to £500 to help families and individuals cope with the practical implications of a sudden catastrophic brain injury.
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Independent Living Fund
- Tel: 0845 601 8815
- Website: www.ilf.org.uk
- Fax: 0115 945 0945
- Email: client.service@ilf.org.uk
The funds were set up as a national resource dedicated to the financial support of disabled people enabling them to choose to live in the community rather than residential care.
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Turn2Us
We are a charitable service which helps people access the money available to them - through welfare benefits, grants and other help. Our free, accessible website has been designed to help you find appropriate sources of financial support, quickly and easily, based on your particular needs and circumstances.
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International organisations
Brain Injury Association of America
- Tel: 703 236 6666
- Website: www.biausa.org
- Fax: 703 236 6001
- Family helpline: 800 4444 6443
Aims to create a better future through brain injury prevention, research, education and advocacy.
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Headway Ireland
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International Brain Injury Association
The International Brain Injury Association (IBIA) is dedicated to the development and support of multidisciplinary medical and clinical professionals, advocates, policy makers, consumers and others who work to improve outcomes and opportunities for persons with brain injury.
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Legal
APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers)
APIL (the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers) was established in 1990 by a group of lawyers working on behalf of personal injury victims and now has over 5,000 members. It is an independent, not for profit organisation providing accreditation to lawyers specialising in the area of personal injury law. Hold a directory of accredited solicitors.
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Association of Independent Visitors (UK)
A nationwide group of current and ex Court of Protection Visitors who formed an alliance to work with private clients and their families, solicitors, Deputies and Attorneys in upholding and safeguarding best interests.
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British Association of Brain Injury Case Managers (BABICM)
- Tel: 01604 879171
- Website: www.babicm.org
- E-mail: secretary@babicm.org
BABICM is a professional association that was established in 1996 to promote the development of case management in the field of acquired brain injury.
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Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)
- Tel: 0141 331 2726
- Helpline: 0800 358 3601
- Website: www.cica.gov.uk
- Fax: 0141 331 2287
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority administers the criminal injuries compensation scheme throughout England, Scotland and Wales. We pay compensation to people who have been the victim of a violent crime.
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Expert Witness Directory
See also: British Psychological Society (BPS)
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Law Society
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Office of the Public Guardian
The Office of the Public Guardian supports and promotes decision making for those who lack capacity or would like to plan for their future, within the framework of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
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Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland)
The Office of the Public Guardian has a general function to supervise those individuals who have been appointed to manage the financial or property affairs of an adult who lacks the capacity to do so for themselves. The office is based in Falkirk and covers the whole of Scotland
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Other useful organisations
NHS Direct / NHS 24 / NHS Direct Wales
Medical advice from qualified nurses.
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Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB)
Supporting people with sight problems
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Equality and Human Rights Commission
- Helpline (England): 0845 604 6610
- Helpline (Wales): 0845 604 5510
- Helpline (Scotland): 0845 604 8810
- Website: www.equalityhumanrights.com
The Equality and Human Rights Commission champions equality and human rights for all, working to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and to build good relations, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate in society.
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SCOPE
Supporting people with Cerebral Palsy
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Rehabilitation and care services
British Dietetic Association
The British Dietetic Association, established in 1936, is the professional association for dietitians. Its aims are to:
- advance the science and practice of dietetics and associated subjects
- promote training and education in the science and practice of dietetics and associated subjects
- regulate the relations between dietitians and their employer through the BDA Trade Union.
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British Society of Rehabilitation Medicine (BSRM)
The Society encourages doctors in all clinical specialties to be involved in education and research into the management of disability. Membership of the BSRM is open to all registered medical practitioners interested and concerned with its objectives.
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carehome.co.uk
A comprehensive guide to all registered UK care homes, including those for specific needs relating to a brain injury.
Care Choices Ltd
Care Choices Ltd offers a free residential/care home search service. The company has a database of care homes, nursing homes, elderly accommodation and similar establishments throughout the UK.
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Care Quality Commission
Our job is to check whether hospitals, care homes and care services are meeting government standards. Website provides a comprehensive directory of care homes, care in the home services and other primary and secondary health services.
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Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is the professional, educational and trade union body for the country's 45,000 chartered physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and assistants. It aims to support its members and help them to provide the highest standards of patient care.
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Disabled Living Foundation (DLF)
380-384 Harrow Road
London
W9 2HU
- Tel: 020 7289 6111
- Website: www.dlf.org.uk
- Helpline: 0845 130 9177
- Email: info@dlf.org.uk
- Text phone: 020 7432 8009
DLF are the leading source of information on disability equipment. They aim to give advice and information on any aspect of disability presenting problems through providing an information service and answering queries by telephone and letter. Maintain a large equipment display area, which may be visited by appointment.
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Queen Elizabeth's Foundation for disabled people
QEF works with people living with physical and learning disabilities or acquired brain injuries to gain new skills and increase independence.
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Relatives and Residents Association
Provides information and support about carehomes.
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United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum (UKABIF)
Aims to promote understanding of all aspects of Acquired Brain Injury and to provide expert input to policy makers, service providers and general public. Website contains a directory of brain injury rehabilitation services.
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Vitalise
Vitalise provides respite care and short breaks for disabled people and carers.
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Headway is not responsible for the content of external websites. Links may open in a new window or tab.
If you spot any mistakes, or know of any useful organisations that do not have entries on this directory, please let us know.