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Writing project gives brain injury survivors a voice

One person is admitted every 90 seconds in the UK with an acquired brain injury; Headway East London’s new website tells some of their stories during Action for Brain Injury Week (18- 24 May)

Hackney-based charity Headway East London has announced the launch of a ground-breaking new website Who Are You Now?, publishing the candid life stories of people affected by brain injury. The online project currently features five first-hand narratives and coincides with newly released statistics revealing that London hospital admissions for acquired brain injuries (ABI) are up 17% since 2006/7, equating to 348,934 nationally or one every 90 seconds (courtesy of Headway UK).

Part of Headway East London’s work to raise awareness of brain injury, Who Are You Now? tells the stories of survivors in their own words: who they were, what happened to them and how they have been changed by their experiences. Writer in residence Christina Petrie worked alongside members to develop the personal, unique accounts of this little-explored issue. The project began in late 2013, and currently has a further seven stories in progress for future publication.

Laura Owens, Communications Manager at Headway East London says “Launching this new website during Action for Brain Injury Week (18-24 May) and alongside Headway UK’s report aims to increase awareness of a growing issue in both the local area and the UK.”

“The report’s figures will definitely surprise the many people who have no idea how common brain injuries are. Whilst medical advances thankfully mean a large number of people now survive, the reality is that many of them will need extensive ongoing support rebuilding their lives”.

Development Director Ben Graham adds “With Who Are You Now? we want to give a voice to those who can best explain what it’s like to live with an acquired brain injury. The causes, effects and consequences can vary enormously, and by hearing directly from those affected we can better understand and assist them.”

“The new statistics highlight the growing demand for Headway East London’s services, and we hope that Who Are You Now? in turn highlights the value of these services by giving people with brain injury the respect and support they need to lead a full and active life.”

Notes:

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is an umbrella term for any injury to the brain sustained since birth, excluding neurodegenerative conditions. The most common causes of ABI include traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, brain tumour, meningitis, aneurysm, haemorrhage, encephalitis and anoxia.

Headway East London supports people affected by brain injury. Working across 13 London boroughs we offer a unique, fully integrated service for our members designed to encourage co-production, respect and empowerment. Traditional therapies and support work is offered alongside our day service Headway House; a community where people can make the most of their abilities and interests, from art to writing to food projects and beyond. We believe that everyone has something to contribute within Headway East London and the wider community and that every person with a brain injury should be valued, respected and given the opportunity to live a full and active life.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Laura Owens .