Who we are

Headway East London is a unique, diverse and creative community of people living with brain injury and their families. Working across 13 London boroughs, the organisation offers specialist support and services including therapies, advocacy and family and community support.

We are a buzzing community where people connect, collaborate, and participate. We support our members (as we call our service users) to develop self-identities — friend, artist, dancer, singer, chef, domino player that are located in the present and future rather than the past.

Brain injury can affect anyone, and our members often experience multiple forms of discrimination because of the intersection between their disability and other parts of their identity including race, gender, sexuality or age. We work with marginalised groups that are disproportionally affected by the cost-of-living crisis and are often reliant on a complex and unfair benefits system.

At Headway East London, members can access the support they need whilst being recognised as individuals. Our volunteers, members, their families, and carers are the experts of brain injury. Together we work in partnership to achieve transformative change for survivors – to build a world in which people with brain injury are valued, respected and able to fulfil their potential.

Our work is guided by the principle of co-production. Projects aim to be co-produced in response to our members’ needs, desires, and ambitions. Through steering groups, catch-up groups and regular opportunities for conversation and feedback, members are actively involved in developing new ideas and helping to make decisions.