Developed with input from local volunteer led branches across Wales, and the independent charity Headway Cardiff and South East Wales, the manifesto calls on the next Senedd and Welsh Government to prioritise brain injury survivors and the lifeline services that support them.
What we’re calling for
Headway’s manifesto for the upcoming election calls for the new Senedd to:
Fix and equalise access to rehabilitation including community reablement
Enhance care and support to improve wellbeing and independence
Strengthen brain injury understanding, awareness and data collection
Headway UK’s Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Richard Wood, said:
“Across Wales, brain injury survivors continue to face serious barriers to accessing timely, specialist rehabilitation.
"Challenges include postcode lotteries in community-based reablement and mental health provision, as well as huge pressures on social care, families and unpaid carers. These challenges are compounded by gaps in data and a lack of understanding of brain injury.
“Local Headways do an incredible job supporting survivors, but they cannot do it alone.
“The next Welsh Government and Senedd must take decisive action to ensure survivors and the services that support them are getting the support they desperately need.”
Why this matters
Every 40 minutes, someone is admitted to hospital with a brain injury in Wales. That’s 36 people every single day. In 2023/24 alone, there were 13,221 admissions. Whether resulting from head trauma, stroke, or another cause, a brain injury can profoundly alter how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.
Together, 14 volunteer-led branches and one local Headway charity provide vital support to brain injury survivors across Wales, supported by Headway UK.
Voters in Wales go to the polls to elect 96 MSs on Thursday 7 May 2026.
Headway is calling for commitments to meaningful action on brain injury. Survivors, families and the frontline services that support them deserve nothing less.
Support the manifesto
We want the next Senedd to prioritise brain injury survivors and the services they rely on. Here’s how you can help:
• Write to your MS candidates using the template here, including a copy of the manifesto and urging them to become Headway Parliamentary Champions if elected.
Manifesto available here
• The full PDF manifesto can be downloaded in English and Welsh here.
• A plain-text Word document in English and Welsh can be downloaded here.
Latest news from Headway UK
-
Headway UK saddened by death of footballer Jesus de Miguel
Read more about Headway UK saddened by death of footballer Jesus de Miguel
-
Welcome to our new website!
Welcome to Headway UK’s new website, designed to make it easier for people affected by brain injury to find the support, information and services they need.
-
New Chancellor’s first budget fails to deliver for charities
Charities need meaningful government action, but the government’s Autumn Statement offers little relief.
Read more about New Chancellor’s first budget fails to deliver for charities
Find out more
-
About brain injury
This section gives an overview of brain injury, including what it is, how it is treated and how it can affect people.
About brain injury -
I want to help
Whichever way you support Headway UK, you’ll be helping improve life after brain injury – and ensuring no one faces it alone.
I want to help -
Your stories
Real stories from people affected by brain injury, sharing their experiences of life, challenges and recovery.
Your stories
Support our work
We need your help
Every 90 seconds, someone is admitted to a UK hospital with a brain injury. Your donation helps Headway UK provide specialist advice and support to brain injury survivors and their loved ones.
£9
could help fund a Headway Brain Injury Identity Card every month, giving brain injury survivors confidence in social situations and access to the right support.