I'm living with a brain injury

A brain injury can affect every aspect of your life and people turn to Headway with a variety of support needs. Here you will find a list of just some of the ways we may be able to help you if you are living with the long-term effects of brain injury.

Things to do

• Find out about the effects of your brain injury
• Get support from our free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 2244 or helpline@headway.org.uk
• Make contact with your local Headway
• Connect with other people affected by brain injury on our online communities
• Get more information on brain injury in the about brain injury section or from our award-winning factsheets and publications
• Apply for a Brain Injury Identity Card to provide reassurance in everyday situations or the criminal justice system

Rehabilitation and continuing care

Unlike most other injuries, a brain injury doesn't simply heal in time and many people who sustain a moderate or severe brain injury will never fully recover to be the person they once were and live the life they once lived.

But with the right help, at the right time, there can be life after brain injury.

The Rehabilitation and continuing care section of this site can provide further information and support.

Practical advice

Headway's range of booklets and factsheets cover a range of issues that can impact on the life of a person living with a brain injury, including coping with memory problems, parenting after brain injury, and even practical challenges such as driving after brain injury.

They are designed to provide information about the subject matter, as well as offering practical advice where appropriate.

The booklets, many of which have been recognised for their excellence by the British Medical Association, can be purchased via our online shop. Alternatively, relevant booklets will be sent free-of-charge to helpline callers.

Helpline

Our freephone helpline is another vital source of support and information that you may benefit from. Run by a team of nurses and non-clinical staff with experience and expertise in a variety of areas, the helpline is there for anyone who has a question about brain injury. regardless of the severity of your injury, or if you're a carer, family member or friend. It also exists to provide support to professionals working in the field of brain injury.

You can also contact the team if you would like to discuss any issues with people who understand and who will listen, while signposting you on to other services if appropriate.

For more information on the Headway helpline, click here or call 0808 800 2244 or email helpline@headway.org.uk.

Local support from Headway groups and branches

There are more than 125 Headway groups and branches across the UK, each providing vital support and rehabilitation services to people in their local communities affected by brain injury.

The services provided by the groups and branches can vary, so it's important to check out what support is available in your area.

Brain Injury Identity Card

The Headway Brain Injury Identity Card is designed to help police officers and staff more easily identify brain injury survivors and ensure that they receive an appropriate response and support.

The card can also provide brain injury survivors with added confidence in everyday social scenarios.

Each card is personalised, helping the card holder to explain the effects of their brain injury and request any support they may need.

Apply for a card today. 

Online communities

A brain injury can be isolating. It can affect one's ability to lead an active, social life, whether as a result of physical, cognitive or emotional issues, or by virtue of carers have a lack of time for themselves.

Many people also report to Headway that their friends or families simply don't understand what they're going through. They don't see what is hidden.

Headway operates a number of social media channels to connect with people who need our help or want to support our work:

The Headway HealthUnlocked community provides a safe and welcoming environment for people directly affected by brain injury - whether living with an injury or caring for someone who does - to come together to provide mutual support. Here, you can talk about anything related to brain injury - from symptoms and rehabilitation to welfare benefits and local services - and get answers and support from people who have been through a similar situations.