Headway Annual Awards

The Headway Annual Awards is the biggest event in Headway’s calendar. It’s a day for celebrating the dedication, growth and outstanding achievements of brain injury survivors, carers, volunteers, and others in the Headway community across the United Kingdom.

Each finalist, chosen by a selection panel, will be invited along with a guest to a glittering luncheon at The Royal Lancaster in London on Friday 12 December 2025.

Nominate someone extraordinary

Do you know someone who has shown incredible strength in the face of brain injury? Or a carer who goes above and beyond every single day? Maybe there's a dedicated volunteer or staff member whose impact deserves the spotlight?

Now's your chance to celebrate them.

Award categories

Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year - sponsored by Slater & Gordon
Carer of the Year - sponsorship opportunity available
Volunteer of the Year - sponsored by Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP
Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award - sponsorship opportunity available
The Headway Extra Mile Award - for staff working in local Headway charities, sponsored by Irwin Mitchell

What makes a great nomination?

The more vivid and genuine your nomination, the better.  Help us to understand the journey, the challenges, and the achievements. Here's how:

• Tell their story: What was life like before and after the brain injury? What obstacles have they overcome?
• Be specific: How long have they volunteered? What sacrifices have they made? What milestones have they reached?
• Show the impact: How have they inspired others? What difference have they made in their community?

Let your passion shine through—your words could help them become a finalist at our glittering awards luncheon at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

Need inspiration?

Read our full guidance document on writing an effective nomination in our Related Resources section of this page.

Watch highlights from last year’s Annual Awards on our YouTube channel, including inspiring videos of each finalist in every category. For a glimpse into the event and the incredible stories shared, start with the featured ‘Carer of the Year’ video below.

Important notes 

• Nominations must be submitted by 22 July 2025
• Nominees must be aged 18 or over
• Nominations are not usually accepted for Headway UK staff, trustees, or their families—except for the Extra Mile Award and Achiever of the Year (if the nominee joined Headway after overcoming adversity).

Submit your nomination now and help us celebrate outstanding achievements within the brain injury community.

What you can expect

The Headway Annual Awards are back, and this year we’re heading to the elegant 5-star Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.  Please contact the Headway Fundraising Team on events@headway.org.uk to reserve a place.

When: Friday, 12th December 2025

Where: 5-star Royal Lancaster, Hyde Park, London

Cost: £3,400 for a table of 10 (individual tickets are available on request)
* All prices are subject to VAT

Reserve your place

Contact the Headway Fundraising Team by emailing events@headway.org.uk, or through the button below, to make a table reservation.

“The Headway Annual Awards is a fantastic corporate event where we pay tribute to brain injury survivors, staff, volunteers, campaigners and fundraisers across the Headway network.

"We look forward to seeing new and old faces this December at what promises to be an inspirational and moving afternoon.”

- Holly Howey, Events Manager

Winners of the 2024 Awards

You can watch all the action from the previous Annual Awards on our Headway Awards YouTube playlist.