We are thrilled to announce that we have received four years of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund! This money will enable the charity to continue running our vital Casework Service, which provides essential advice, advocacy and support for brain injury survivors and their families living across 13 London boroughs.
The specialist department was established in 2015 to improve individuals’ stability, wellbeing and self-esteem whilst helping them avoid the psychological, financial and personal crises that so commonly arise upon return to the community. Over the past four years, our team have worked from the charity’s Hackney day centre and two London hospitals (Homerton’s RNRU and The Royal London) and during 2018-9 offered support to more than 650 survivors and carers from the earliest stages of care and rehabilitation.
Utilising their skills and experience, the team have provided a range of information, advice, advocacy, and peer and family support groups, whilst also helping individuals navigate the health & social care system, benefits entitlements and signpost them to other services. Securing continuation funding from the National Lottery Community Fund enables this work to develop; ensuring vital continued long-term support that so many people affected by brain injury lack.
Casework Manager Natalie Clapshaw said: “We’re so grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund for recognising the vital work we have been doing over the past four years at Headway East London. Continuation funding like this is fairly rare, so this speaks volumes for the impact our service has had and the value it brings to survivors of brain injury in the local area.”
It is estimated over 100,000 people in London are currently living with the long-term effects of brain injury which can include significant physical, emotional and behavioural changes. Many survivors cannot return to work, experience relationship breakdowns and can become isolated within the community. Early intervention and long-term support are vital, as brain injury survivor Nina* demonstrates: “Meeting Headway (East London) in the hospital was probably one of the most important encounters of my life. When I got home and found out I couldn’t read, I wouldn’t have known where to turn to. I would never have got anywhere without them…What I used to do for a living before I can’t do anymore, so they’re helping me find a new and different path”.
Sacha Rose-Smith, Head of Funding for London at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “National Lottery money continues to change the lives of thousands of people across the capital. We’re delighted to fund Headway East, who are focused on providing essential advice, advocacy and support for brain injury survivors and their families. With their experience and passion, this money changes lives.”
You can read more about the Casework Service here.
To find out more about the National Lottery Community Fund here.
