Headway News "Executive diffi culties can be really tough"
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Spring 2022
Headway
News
The magazine of Headway - the brain injury association
“Executive
difficulties
can be
really
tough”
Executive Government Headway gets
dysfunction commits to creative
explained ABI Strategy
Page 10 -13 Page 14 -15 Page 24 -27
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02 Call our nurse-led freephone helpline 0808 800 2244
Welcome
Welcome to the spring magazine and we hope this arts-
focused issue lifts your mood, moves
edition of Headway News. you, and above all inspires you on your
Here we are again! own creative journey.
The spring issue is always a favourite Elsewhere, we’re feeling a sense
here in the Headway offices because of optimism thanks to a big
it marks a move away from the dark announcement made by the Prime
nights as we hurtle towards summer.
What better way to mark this than to
Minister back in December when
he committed to developing a new Who we are
add some colour into the magazine Acquired Brain Injury Strategy. Headway is the leading UK-wide charity
with a big feature on creative works. that supports people to rebuild their lives
While still in the very early stages, after brain injury through the provision
Creativity is many things to many the strategy provides an opportunity of information and support services
people, but for those who are affected to finally have the needs of brain across the UK. To find out more, visit
by brain injury it can be particularly injury survivors, carers and families www.headway.org.uk or you can call the
important. It’s an outlet to express recognised and addressed by freephone helpline on 0808 800 2244 if
thoughts about the injury and its government. you need support.
consequences, a chance to learn new
Over on page 14, we look at the
skills, an opportunity to meet people
current situation and answer some
and socialise, a way to help support
recovery by practicing things like
manual dexterity, planning, memory and
frequently asked questions about this
big news, such as what the strategy Go digital!
could cover and what happens next. Subscribe to our monthly Headway News
writing... the list goes on!
Bitesize email at:
Among all this optimism, we wanted headway.org.uk/join-our-mailing-list
Our Headway gets creative! feature,
once again to say a massive ‘thank
which begins on page 24, looks at
you’ to the amazing Headway Heroes
the wonderful work being done at
whose tireless fundraising efforts allow
Headway groups and branches across
the UK, where brain injury survivors are
creating some amazing art using a wide
us to keep supporting those affected
by brain injury. Essential contacts
Headway office:
range of techniques, from ceramics and As the days get longer you might be Bradbury House, 190 Bagnall Road, Old
photography to drawing and even paint thinking of getting out-and-about to
bombs (yes, we’re jealous too). Basford, Nottingham NG6 8SF
take on your own challenge. If you
fancy running a marathon, taking in the Telephone:
But it’s not just about visual arts. Kristin 0115 924 0800
beautiful British scenery with a big walk
McIlquham felt confused, angry and enquiries@headway.org.uk
or cycle ride, or even heading overseas
embarrassed after her father sustained
on a once-in-a-lifetime trek, take a look Nurse-led freephone helpline:
a brain injury when she was just six
at our fundraising opportunities from 0808 800 2244 (9am - 5pm, Mon to Fri),
years old. As with many children in a
page 20. helpline@headway.org.uk
similar situation, she struggled to fully
process and understand what had We’d love to welcome you to Team Website:
happened. Headway! www.headway.org.uk
Writing a play about the experience We hope you enjoy the magazine and Advertising:
as she approached her 40th birthday don’t forget, if you have any comments directorofcomms@headway.org.uk
finally gave Kristin the outlet she or ideas for future issues just email Fundraising:
needed. The performances help her them to Andrew on projects@headway.org.uk
to express her emotions while offering website@headway.org.uk.
support to others who might also be
struggling with the enormous impact a
brain injury can have on families. You The Communications Team
can read Kristin’s story on page 16.
Adding all this to our regular Creative
Expression feature at the end of the
DISCLAIMER: Advertisements in Headway News are accepted on a commercial basis. By publishing an advertisement, Headway does not indicate endorsement of the product or services provided by the advertiser.
The views expressed in articles or letters reproduced in this magazine do not necessarily represent Headway policy or the views of Headway’s Board of Trustees. They are primarily intended to provide the broadest
possible views from which readers may form their own Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Charity No 1025852) and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (Charity No SC 039992).
www.headway.org.uk 03
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welcoming and knowledgeable community where
people with brain injury, and their loved ones, come
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nderful to
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Visit our website at headway.org.uk/about-brain-injury for information on the effects of brain injury and practical guides to
help you cope. You can also get in touch with our helpline to talk through your concerns and get information that is tailored to your
circumstances. Contact the team on 0808 800 2244 or helpline@headway.org.uk
04 Call our nurse-led freephone helpline 0808
Wonga Wong 800 2244
In this issue...
6-9 Latest news
round-up 20-21 Challenge yourself
in 2022
10-13 Executive dysfunction
explained 22-23 Taking on the
London Marathon
14-15 Government commits
to ABI Strategy 24-27 Headway gets
creative
16-17 From a child’s mind
to centre stage 28-29 Inside your
incredible brain
19 Join the
conversation 30 Creative Expression
Go green!
Did you know that the plastic wrap used for
Headway News is recyclable? It’s made from
polythene film and starts to break down after
just three months. It can be recycled alongside
carrier bags at larger supermarket stores, not
at the kerbside. Do your bit to help save the
environment and recycle today.
www.headway.org.uk 05
Latest news round-up
With news of your charity’s ongoing work
to improve life after brain injury
ABI Week 2022: See the hidden me
Action for Brain Injury Week To the outside world, you may look as
you did before, but whether it be the
this year (16th to 22nd May) day-to-day difficulties, or reoccurring
will focus on what can be for misunderstandings of the effects of
many brain injury survivors, your brain injury, See the hidden me will
a hidden disability. See the empower survivors to talk about when
See the hidden me will help others see the
hidden disability has made life more
hidden me will raise awareness hidden you.
challenging, whilst also asking the general
and understanding of the often public for more understanding and respect. More information about the campaign and
misunderstood symptoms how you can get involved will appear on
The campaign will give a voice to survivors
of a brain injury, and work to our website and social media soon.
so friends, families, colleagues and
alleviate the challenges, and professionals can gain a better insight into
frustrations, survivors face. the invisible battles they may face every day. Nat Parr was the
deserving winn
er
of the 2021 be
st
hat competitio
n
Friday 20th May is...
Hats for Headway Day will
once again be taking place on
the Friday of ABI Week, and
it’s a great opportunity to raise
money for Headway while
having a little fun.
All you need to do to get involved
is wear your hat with pride, make a
donation to Headway and post a picture
on social media using the hashtag
#HatsForHeadway to show your support.
Every silly hat equals more funding towards
our vital support for those affected by
brain injury, and as always, we’ll be running
our ‘best hat’ and ‘best corporate photo’
competitions to celebrate your amazing
contributions!
Keep an eye on our website and follow
#HatsForHeadway to find out more.
06 Call our nurse-led freephone helpline 0808 800 2244
Government accepts more needs to be
done on concussion in sport
The government has Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of “Immediate action is required to build
Headway, said: “The DCMS Committee on the progress we’ve made to date –
accepted that it needs to heard scientific evidence alongside moving, particularly at grassroots level where we
take a proactive approach to powerful testimonies from sports people need an evolution of attitude when it comes
increasing awareness and whose lives have been impacted by brain to head injuries in sport.
understanding of concussion injury.
“For example, shared concussion protocols
in sport and ensuring “This was a robust inquiry and we thank the will help to reduce inconsistencies in the
protocols are observed. Chair and his fellow committee members way head injuries are identified and dealt
for their diligence and hard work. with in sport, but protocols are only of
Responding to a report by the Digital, value if they are properly implemented and
Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) “The DCMS Committee’s criticism of sport understood.
Committee into concussion in sport, the was clear, accusing it of ‘marking its own
government’s response set out a number homework’ due to a lack of scrutiny from “The government’s response does
of actions it says it will take to address the government. acknowledge that the development of
issue of concussion in sport. protocols will not change behaviours on
“We are pleased to see the their own and we welcome its commitment
Among these are support for further
research, the commissioning of shared
government has accepted most of to leading a campaign to ensure everyone
protocols among all sports, and a review of the committee’s recommendations involved in sport is concussion aware.
the way NHS England collates data about and that its involvement is needed “But we also call on the government to
concussion. to ensure sport adopts a cohesive, increase its scrutiny of governing bodies
and act on its ability to hold organisations
The government also committed consistent approach to concussion
to account if meaningful change does not
to delivering a comprehensive in sport. happen immediately.”
communications campaign to ensure
that everyone involved in sport, from the “Nonetheless, this response is a little
athletes to coaches and doctors, is aware underwhelming in terms of the urgency and
of best practice. level of government involvement.
“We need an evolution of
attitude when it comes to
concussion in sport.”
www.headway.org.uk 07
Latest news round-up
With news of your charity’s ongoing work
to improve life after brain injury
New road rules to aid
safer cycling
New rules to better protect Following a public consultation,
changes were made to the Highway
vulnerable users from harm
Code including new rules around the
have been welcomed by hierarchy of road users: H1, H2 and H3.
James, a former president of the London
Headway, although concerns The changes see priority given to the
Road Safety Council, welcomed the
remain over whether enough more vulnerable on the roads, whether
changes to the Highway Code but
it be to a pedestrian on a junction (H2)
has been done to make the cautioned that it was the responsibility
or ensuring vehicles don’t cut across
public aware of the changes cyclists or horse riders when they want to
of all road users to be respectful of one
another.
to the Highway Code. turn into a junction (H3).
“Cycling is a passion of mine for exercise,
The latest figures from the Department Importantly, Rule 59 has been
socially with friends/family and for
for Transport show that in the year up to strengthened. While it previously stated
commuting so I would always encourage
June 2021, 4,650 pedestrians and 4,510 that cyclists ‘should wear a cycle helmet
people to get on their bikes,” said James.
cyclists were killed or seriously injured on that conforms to current regulations, is
“However, cyclists are vulnerable and it is
Britain’s roads. With many of the people the correct size and securely fastened’,
right that they are afforded more room on
who use Headway services sustaining it now also explains that doing so can
the roads.
their injuries as a result of road traffic reduce the risk of sustaining a brain
incidents, the charity welcomes any injury. “Too often, important safety messages
update to the Highway Code that aims to are clouded by debate and division, as
improve road safety. The changes to the Highway Code have
drivers are pitted against cyclists and
been welcomed by campaigners such as
vice versa, when the reality is that every
James Cracknell OBE and David Baker,
road user has a responsibility to treat
who both sustained life changing brain
others who share our limited and often
injuries as a result of collisions while
crowded roads with respect.
cycling.
“We should all be familiar with The
“I welcome these changes in the
Highway Code – both the changes that
Highway Code,” said David. “I can’t
have been made and the vitally important
stress enough the importance of wearing
rules that remain, such as wearing a
a cycling helmet. If I hadn’t been wearing
helmet when cycling. It might just save
mine the day of my accident, I wouldn’t
your life.”
be here now.
“I was travelling at more than 20 mph David Baker supports the recent
when I had my accident. I went headfirst Highway Code rule changes
straight into the side of the van and
there’s only one winner in that battle, and
it’s the van.
“Without a helmet, I dread to think what
would’ve happened to my head.”
Headway Vice President James Cracknell
OBE also credits his helmet for saving his
life. James sustained a brain injury when
the wing mirror of a lorry hit the back of his
head while cycling in Arizona.
08
08 Call our nurse-led freephone helpline 0808 800 2244
Football fails again Adam Thomas poses in a jacket he bought
from our Cheadle shop!
Headway has hit out at the a concussion to have been considered
a possibility at the very least. At that
decision by Senegal to allow point, the principle of ‘if in doubt, sit it
Sadio Mane to continue out!’ should have resulted in Mane being
playing following a suspected substituted without another ball being
concussion in his team’s kicked.
Africa Cup of Nations match “The image of the player collapsing on
against Cape Verde. the ground and having to be helped from
the pitch after scoring his goal should tell
The striker collided with Cape Verde you everything you need to know about
goalkeeper Vozinha, who was sent off for the impact and the effect it had had on
the challenge and had to be helped off his brain.
the pitch due to being visibly unsteady on
his feet, seemingly as a result of the clash “Yet again, the desire to win is seen as
of heads. being worth serious risks to players’
Emmerdale
Mane, however, remained on the pitch,
health. It is simply shocking that this
continues to happen. star leads
Clear Out Your
despite seeming to lose consciousness
in the incident. Six minutes later, he “This follows an incident during a Premier
scored an excellent goal for Senegal,
Clutter call!
League encounter between Liverpool
before laying down on the halfway line. and Newcastle in December, in which
It was only then that the player was a goal was awarded despite Newcastle
substituted. defender Mike Dean lying on the ground
holding his head after a collision with a
We were delighted to
“On the face of it, this seems to be teammate. welcome Waterloo Road and
yet another example of football putting
Emmerdale star Adam Thomas
results ahead of player safety,” said “If football wants to be taken seriously
Luke Griggs, Deputy Chief Executive of when it comes to concussion, it simply back to the Headway charity
Headway. must take action to enforce and shop in Cheadle in January, as
strengthen its protocols.” the talented actor and social
“This was a sickening collision that clearly
left both players in enough distress for media influencer popped in
with a big bag of donations to
help support the charity.
Proudly sporting a stylish jacket he’d bought
on a previous visit, Adam dropped off a
range of fantastic items including a dolls
house and even a Harry Potter wand!
Adam called on his supporters to join in,
saying: “If you have got any stuff lying
around the house that you’re not using or
you’re looking at throwing away, please
don’t and donate it to the Headway charity
shop, because they need all the help they
can get.”
Thank you Adam, and we couldn’t agree more!
If you have anything you’d like to donate,
head to headway.org.uk/charity-shops to
find out how. We can even offer a collection
service for larger donations around the
areas of our shops, so there’s no reason to
delay that spring clean any longer!
www.headway.org.uk 09
Executive
dysfunction
explained
At the very front of our brain,
located just behind our
foreheads, is an area called
the frontal lobe. This area is
responsible for some of our
most complicated functions,
such as our personality, our
emotions, and a range of
complex thinking skills
that are collectively called
our ‘executive function’.
The frontal lobe is
particularly susceptible to
damage, which can often
result in changes in the
way the brain processes
executive functions.
When this occurs,
it is known as
‘executive dysfunction’.
In this feature we will take
a closer look at executive
dysfunction and how it can
affect brain injury survivors.
10 Call our nurse-led freephone helpline 0808 800 2244What is executive
dysfunction? PROBLEM SOLVING
The ‘executive function’ is a collection of
‘higher thinking’ skills. Some examples include: FLEXIBLE THINKING
Even when we don’t consciously realise it, we rely ORGANISING Decision making
on these skills when working, completing daily
chores, cooking, driving and other everyday activities.
Executive dysfunction can therefore cause various MULTI-TASKING SELF-monitoring
challenges and issues for brain injury survivors.
PLANNING
A simple task?
Illustrating executive function...
Let’s think about a fairly Executive dysfunction may
‘ordinary’ everyday task of cause difficulties with deciding
having dinner. what to have for dinner.
Firstly we use our decision-making skills to It may be helpful to limit choices to make it
decide on what it is we are going to eat. After easier, for instance choosing between two
we have decided, we plan the steps involved in meals. You could also plan meals in advance to
preparing the meal, we gather the ingredients take away the need to make a decision on the
we need, decide what we are going to do with day. Buying a recipe book or printing a recipe,
each one, plan to cook them so that we can and ticking each step as you go along might
serve everything at the same time. Part of this help with problems with planning or sequencing.
is to sequence things in order of what we Try to plan for delicious and interesting meals
are going to do. While cooking, there may be to improve motivation, or consider cooking for
several things going on at once... we multitask others as another motivating factor! Set timers
to address these things at the same time. to help with keeping on track. Reminding others
Something may begin to overcook or burn, we around that you will need to concentrate and
address this by problem-solving. And all of this switching off distracting noise such as radios
relies on being motivated enough to cook in the and television sets can allow you to remain
first place! better focused, which can help with multitasking.
www.headway.org.uk 11Your top tips “Executive
for coping with
executive dysfunction
We asked our online community to give
difficulties
their top tips for coping with executive
dysfunction. Here’s what they shared... can be
1. Take your time
“Never rush... it is the number one enemy of
really
tough.”
executive dysfunction. If you think it will take one
hour, allow a minimum of 1.5 hours. If you get
finished earlier than expected, it is a win-win.”
“I give myself plenty of time to do things and not to
rush around, and I also try to write things down so Tisha’s story
I don’t forget.”
“My biggest thing is having flexibility in the day, so Executive function
I don’t get overwhelmed and can take my time.”
underpins our adventures,
“Forgiveness and validation... it’s OK that I our successes, our
challenges, but its I moved to Dubai. I went on a
struggle sometimes, I’m doing well.”
tourist visa then got a full-time
location in the frontal
job within three months as a
2. surround yourself lobes of the brain makes Pilates instructor, then found
it particularly susceptible myself working and living in Abu
with supportive people to damage - something Dhabi.”
“I do what I can and the stuff I can’t I’m very lucky to
have a partner that does. I think who surrounds you
42-year-old Tisha, from
Tisha had a high level of
is a huge key to recovery. You need people who lift London, knows all too well. executive functioning; she
you up, because then you start to lift yourself.” worked in senior management
“I’m originally from France, but I
moved to London at the age of and enjoyed a busy social life
“Every day brings difficulties but with the right before her move to Dubai. She
18,” said Tisha.
kind of support network (family, friends and even was creative and artistic, bubbly
professionals) things do I suppose get a little easier.” “I worked in various fields and and energetic... but this was all
danced at professional level to change after a horrific car
for six years. I decided to try crash in 2019.
3. Take notes something new, and in 2018
“I find note-taking really helps. I tend to use my “One morning, I took a taxi to go
phone for notes and memos.” to work. We’d barely left when the
Tisha the day
after surgery driver decided to run a red light at
“My diary is so important... reflecting on a major crossing, and we were hit
conversations I’ve had straight after and try to full speed by a huge 4x4.
work out if I could be more flexible in my thinking
(doesn’t always work but keep trying). Lists, “What happened after that I only
shopping lists, job lists, always put things in your know from the police report, as I
diary as soon as they come up.” have no memory of the accident,
and very blurry flashes of the rest
of that day.”
4. Have a routine
“I am VERY rigid with my thoughts/actions. I find it Tisha suffered fractures to her
difficult to be spontaneous and prefer to stick to a spine, face and jaw, broken ribs
daily/weekly routine which can be boring but helps
me to remain calm and collected (most of the time!).”
12 Call our nurse-led freephone helpline 0808 800 2244and a bleed to the brain. However, her on your screen and no matter what you “Most people don’t realise that this
surgery was successful, and she was do or press it’s stuck? Well, that was stage can take months, or even years!
discharged after just one week. my brain at times!” I’m very lucky that the damage did not
affect my intelligence so I hope I can
Pain, severe vertigo, financial worries use that to help others, and also to
Tisha
and the stress of attempting a return help raise awareness.
to work while still recovering from the
accident eventually led Tisha to return “Working out your own symptoms
to the UK. From there she began and executive difficulties can be really
rebuilding herself after brain injury, with tough, especially because every injury
executive dysfunction being one of her is different.
most problematic issues.
“Looking back, here are the problems “There are general things that
I can isolate as issues with executive tend to show up, but with
function: executive functions, they will
“Planning: For me to go to tend to be very specific to
London the neurosurgeon had you, your brain, your specific
to talk it through with me injury, and your lifestyle and
step-by-step, because I honestly activity. It’s really worth
had no idea. When I got back taking the time to work out
to London, I realised that I
Tisha is now beginning to redevelop what they are, and how
her executive functions and is planning
could go to a supermarket, you can find compensatory
on moving away from London to the
pick something off the shelf South of France, where she hopes to strategies that are specific
and pay for it. But if I tried live a more peaceful life supporting to you.”
others who are rebuilding their life after
to think of a meal to cook, or brain injury.
what ingredients I needed, I
simply couldn’t.
“Multi-tasking: I couldn’t manage more
than one thing at a time. If I was talking
to someone and my attention was
caught by noise outside I would end
up frozen in the middle, and it would
take me ages to get myself back onto
the conversation. Trying to do more
than one thing at a time would get me
in a panic as I couldn’t manage my
attention on both tasks.
“Focus and attention: I’ve always been
someone whose attention tends to drift
off, but in the past I was able to notice
it straight away and bring myself back
to the task at hand. I started having
issues with my attention drifting, but
with me not even noticing and getting
lost in something else.
“Processing of information: My brain
would get stuck sometimes. Best I
can describe it is when your computer
freezes… you know that spinning circle
www.headway.org.uk 13Optimism
As government
commits to ABI strategy
On Wednesday 1 December Health would indeed be taking the lead generation to ensure the needs of brain
on developing such a strategy. injury survivors, carers and families are
2021 during Prime Minister’s finally addressed in a consistent and
Questions, Chris Bryant MP “This is very good news,” said Peter holistic manner.
asked the Prime Minister to McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway.
“For too long, the needs of brain injury “The effects of brain injury and its
back his Private Members Bill survivors and carers have not been impact on all aspects of life – and
on acquired brain injury. met due to inconsistencies in care society itself – have never been fully
and rehabilitation across the UK, and recognised by government. This has
The Bill, which was due to be debated in
differing approaches from government led to a lack of understanding of the
the House of Commons two days later,
departments. nature of the condition, uncertainty as
was set to require the government to
to its prevalence, and underfunding of
‘make provision about meeting the needs
of adults and children with an acquired “A huge amount of credit must specialist acute and community-based
rehabilitation and support services for
brain injury; and for connected purposes.’ go to Chris Bryant, Sir John
those affected.
In other words, devise and implement a
Hayes MP, and their colleagues
cross-departmental strategy to improve on the All-Party Parliamentary “Acquired brain injury shares many
Group for Acquired Brain similarities with other neurological
life after brain injury – something charities
conditions, but it requires specialist
such as Headway have, for decades, Injury for their outstanding rehabilitation and social support
been calling for.
efforts in making this happen. strategies. That’s why a unique strategy
The Bill, however, was never debated as for ABI is essential and we are delighted
Boris Johnson responded to Chris Bryant “The Acquired Brain Injury Strategy to support its development.”
by announcing that the Department of represents the best opportunity in a
14 Call our nurse-led freephone helpline 0808 800 2244Peter McCabe joined Chris Bryant MP and other campaing organisations to urge the Prime Minister to back the ABI Bill
Progress made The statement reiterated the government’s
commitment to supporting all people
In recent years, there has been some living with a brain injury and recognition
good progress in working with individual of the ‘strength of support for a more
agencies and departments of government. collaborative and cross-departmental
For example, Headway has developed a approach to ensuring that people with community-based services commissioned
partnership with the Department for Work ABI receive the support they need from by local authorities.
and Pensions, with training provided to statutory services.’
“Consideration should also be given to
Jobcentre Plus staff in Scotland, Wales In addition to promising a new strategy,
all agencies within the criminal justice
and England. the statement outlined plans for a call system receiving training to ensure
In addition, Jobcentre Plus staff now for evidence and the establishment of a brain injury survivors are identified at the
recognise the charity’s Brain Injury programme board, co-chaired by Gillian earliest stage of contact with the police.
Identity Card when supporting vulnerable Keegan and Chris Bryant.
“In addition, we would like to see further
clients, to ensure they can identify
customers who have a brain injury at the What could the reform of the disability welfare system
that would see a complex condition such
earliest opportunity. strategy cover? as brain injury assessed by those with
Similar collaborative practice is occurring Many government departments will be specialist knowledge.
in other areas of government. Headway is involved in the strategy, including the
working closely with Her Majesty’s Prison Department of Health, the Home Office,
“These are all long-standing but
and Probation Service by training prison and the Department for Work and achievable objectives. They will
and probation officers to recognise and Pensions. need the full commitment of
understand brain injury and its effects.
“One of the most encouraging aspects many people, but this strategy
Meanwhile, parliament is increasingly of this work is the commitment to bring gives us all hope.
engaged with the various issues associated together all areas of government,” said
“Other equally important areas that
with brain injury and sport, as evidenced by Peter McCabe.
we feel should be considered include
the recent DCMS Committee’s inquiry into
“A consistent approach is required, support for families and carers, improved
concussion in sport.
particularly as the needs of brain injury data collection on incidence and
But brain injury affects every aspect survivors and carers are rarely limited to prevalence to inform policy and planning,
of one’s life – and the lives of carers one service. and greater government involvement in
and family members – and that is issues with concussion in sport.
“The call for evidence will likely inform
why a holistic approach that spans all
the priorities of the programme board, “Progress will not be immediate, but we
government departments is essential.
however there are several key issues that look forward to giving our full support to the
we hope will be addressed. programme board at every step of the way.”
What happens next?
“These include equitable access to We will continue to provide updates
The Prime Minister’s announcement was specialist neurological rehabilitation on the development of the ABI
followed by a written statement by Gillian that is not time limited and transitions strategy, including any opportunities
Keegan MP, Minister of State for Care seamlessly from acute to post-acute to share your views, on the Headway
and Mental Health. services, including those delivered by website and social media channels.
www.headway.org.uk 15FROM
also suffered from a brain haemorrhage
at roughly the same age, so it was very
scary for us.”
A CHILD’S
Bill was in a coma for five months and
gradually regained consciousness. By
the time he returned home, he was a
changed man.
MIND TO
“He had forgotten who we were,” said
Kristin. “He had to learn how to do
everything again. He would tell rude
and inappropriate jokes and he lost the
CENTRE
ability to sing in tune.
“He became depressed, aggressive,
and irritable. It was like my dad had died
and had been replaced by an imposter.
STAGE...
“I felt a lot of anger and embarrassment
and I never wanted to bring my friends
around to meet him.
“At the time it was very confusing. I had
no help or understanding about the
A family’s world can be old when her father sustained a life- situation, I was just a child.”
changing brain injury.
flipped upside down by These feelings and experiences
a brain injury. Adults can Here, she shares her reflections of what remained with Kristin throughout her
struggle to understand and it was like to cope with the ripple effects life. As an adult, she moved into the arts
of a brain injury on the entire family. and became an actress and writer. It
cope with the immense
was only when she began writing a play
changes that the ‘hidden Kristin’s father, Bill, was in his late
about her experiences of brain injury
disability’ can bring, even 30s living a flourishing life. A popular
that she started to make sense of her
and creative entrepreneur, he owned
if they have been by the a nightclub, was a great singer, had
perplexing childhood experiences.
survivor’s bedside in a family and was a well-respected “When I was approaching my 40th
hospital, given information member of his community. Things began birthday, I wanted to address what
and offered support. to change for him when he started happened to us all,” she said. “I
suffering headaches. began writing this play to help me to
But what of children, who suddenly see understand a little more.
a parent so changed and are unable to “They were extreme headaches,” said
make sense of this? Kristin. “He went into hospital, where he “I describe the play as something
had three aneurysms that burst on the that’s forced me to confront, kicking
Kristin McIlquham found herself in this left side of his brain. My half-brother had and screaming, some of the unfinished
confusing situation at just six years
16 Call our nurse-led freephone helpline 0808 800 2244business in my life. It’ll be a funny and “Brain injury affects the whole family,
moving true story about the aftermath of and it’s so important to understand
my father’s brain injury and the impact that even family members who can’t
it had on our relationship, my life, and, express themselves, like children, can
well, pretty much everything.” be affected too.”
Kristin began researching others’ In November 2021, Kristin performed
experiences to help shape the play. a work-in-progress version of her play,
titled Headcase, at the Queen’s Theatre
“I can only speak for my in Hornchurch, Essex. The full play will
experience; I want this play to be performed in 2022, and you can find Krissi McIlquham performs Headcase at Queens Theatre
Hornchurch - photos courtesy of Alex Brenner
be seen by other families who details at www.queens-theatre.co.uk/
whats-on/show/headcase
have been affected by the same
thing. I never saw our story For information and guidance on
supporting children, see Headway’s
reflected anywhere growing up,
booklet Supporting children when
yet it affects so many people. a parent has had a brain injury
“In my research I was told of a quote a at headway.org.uk/information-
six-year-old said: ‘My father died but not library.
in the same way as my bunny rabbit.’ I
hold onto that.
“I learnt that no matter what age you are,
you will always be the child of someone
with a brain injury, and whatever feelings
that conjures up, well, that is okay.
Feelings of embarrassment and anger
are totally valid, never feel guilty for
having them.”
Kristin hopes that her play will help to
improve understanding of brain injury.
“I would hope people leave with a little
more knowledge of what brain injury
is and how it can affect families. For
people to think about the blurred lines
of memory and to leave feeling a little bit
of hope.
“Mainly I want people to have empathy
for both sides.
“Brain injury affects
the whole family, and
it’s so important to
understand that even
family members who
can’t express themselves,
like children, can be
affected too.”
www.headway.org.uk 1718 Call our nurse-led freephone helpline 0808 800 2244
Join the
conversation
When we launched our online WHO CAN JOIN? IS THE HEADWAY
forum on a new platform Anyone can join the community, but
called HealthUnlocked back it’s intended as a space for people HEALTHUNLOCKED
in 2012, we wanted a safe who are directly affected by brain
injury, including survivors and their
COMMUNITY SAFE?
space where survivors and loved ones.
The community is as safe as any online
their loved ones could come forum can be. Members can choose
to post publicly or just to registered
together to share their mutual
experiences and support each WHAT QUESTIONS CAN members, but we do issue guidelines
about not sharing personal information
other through the enormous I ASK? and unlike some popular social
Anything relating to brain injury! We
challenges of adapting to life know how broad that is, but people
networks, the registration process isn’t
too intrusive.
after brain injury. talk about a huge range of issues,
from partners looking for support while We moderate questions and their
It’s now almost 10 years on and we’ve
a loved one is in critical care right answers and will remove anything that
been inspired, educated and thoroughly
through to the practical issues that breaches our ‘house rules’, and we’re
blown away by the success of the
survivors encounter, such as returning always on hand if you need us to step
community. It has grown into a vibrant
to work and difficulties while in and help.
and welcoming online space, with more
out-and-about.
than 9,000 members from all walks of life
and at every stage of recovery coming A brain injury can affect everything HOW DO I JOIN?
together with one thing in common – so there’s no such thing as a silly Visit healthunlocked.com/headway
brain injury. question, and the chances are that to get started. We can’t wait to
another member will have been welcome you!
Here, we answer a few frequently
through a similar experience.
asked questions about the Headway
HealthUnlocked community to help you
get started...
“This forum
gave me a safe haven
where people understood
and could offer empathy
and helpful advice.”
Aelfwn, Headway HealthUnlocked
member
www.headway.org.uk 19Th an k YOU
TO
HEA D W A Y
S
OUR
HE R O E
Despite the challenging
times we’ve faced over the
past two years as a result
Read on to see some of our new
challenges for 2022 and, if you’re a keen
runner with a London Marathon place,
we hope to welcome you to Team
Headway!
of the pandemic, your
generosity and commitment
CAN WE
to our cause has enabled INSPIRE YOU?
us to continue providing
Fundraising can take many different
vital support and services to forms, and while the big events tend
those affected by brain injury. to grab the headlines, they can be a
daunting challenge for many people.
Whether you’ve worn a Hat for Headway,
Don’t forget that sometimes just selling a
taken part in our cycling or walking
cupcake can make a huge difference in
events, run a bake sale or conquered
raising vital funds!
epic challenges like the London
Marathon, we want to say a huge thank If you need more inspiration or support
you for what you have done and continue taking on your own fundraising
to do for us – you’re our Headway challenge, download our free fundraising
Heroes! guide at headway.org.uk/fundraising-
guide, or contact Juma on
Fundraising is no mean feat, but it is
fundraising.admin@headway.org.uk
so rewarding and every pound raised
or 0115 924 0800 to talk things through.
really does make a difference. So, with
the change of seasons we’d love to
welcome a new team of heroes to join
the cause and help improve life
after brain injury.
20 Call our nurse-led freephone helpline 0808 800 2244C h a l l e n g e y o u r s e l f
Here is a selection
of our favourite
IN
2022
events over the
coming year,
and you can
browse more at
headway.org.uk/
fundraising
Skydives
Location: Various Ultra Inca Trail trek
Date: Throughout 2022
After exiting the plane at 10,000ft you
Challenge walks Location:
Peru
Starts in Cusco,
will freefall for 40-45 seconds travelling Location: Various
Date: Throughout 2022
at up to 120 mph! At around 5,000 feet Date: Throughout 2022
the instructor deploys the main canopy There are many trails throughout Peru
Walk, jog or run at YOUR pace on the
and you will begin your five minute but the original Inca Trail is unrivalled.
Ultra Challenge Series event of your
scenic parachute descent, landing to Leading you along gushing rivers,
choice. Whether it’s along magnificent
the cheers of your friends and family. through ancient tunnels and over high
coastal scenery, or in stunning open
mountain passes to the Sun Gate. The
countryside, there’s an Ultra Challenge
For more info visit: sight of the magnificent lost city of
headway.org.uk/skydives for you.
Machu Picchu appearing through the
For more info visit: morning mist is one that will live with
headway.org.uk/ultra-challenge you forever!
Edinburgh For more info visit:
Marathon London to Paris headway.org.uk/treks
Location: Edinburgh cycle ride
Date: 28 – 29 May 2022 Location: Starts in London,
Join the UK’s second largest marathon ends in Paris!
through the beautiful capital of Scotland. Date: Throughout 2022
Enjoy a fantastic route that takes in some
This fantastic cycling challenge connects two of
of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks and
the world’s most famous cities! Cycling through
offers picturesque views along the East
beautiful English villages and into the stunning
Lothian coastline. Full and half marathon
countryside of rural France, you’ll pass historical
options are available, as well as shorter
landmarks and famous battlefields from World
10k, 5k and junior routes!
War I until you reach Paris.
For more info visit: For more info visit:
headway.org.uk/edinburgh-marathon headway.org.uk/cycle-rides
www.headway.org.uk 21“It was one of
the best things
I have ever done”
Amy Streather took on the the reason that I ran the marathon for
Headway. His fight and determination
London Marathon in 2021 continue to inspire me every day.”
to support Headway, raising
more than £11,000 in the How did you find the
process! As one of our lead-up and training?
Headway Heroes, we asked “I had trained and was ready to run the
Amy celebrates completing the marathon
her about the reasons for marathon back in April 2020, however friends in the crowd cheering me on.
tackling this epic challenge, unfortunately it did not take place due to I couldn’t have done it without them
Covid-19. I therefore lost my marathon
and her experience of and the support at home as well. Mile
fitness and when I realised that it might 20 onwards was very tough, but the
training, running and actually happen in October 2021, I thought of my grandpa’s strength
fundraising for charity. started training again - a bit last minute helped push me to the finish line.”
- in July.
What made you decide How do you feel now
to take on the London “I found the shorter runs enjoyable but
the long runs pretty boring when I was you’ve completed the
Marathon for Headway? on my own. Luckily, I had great support
challenge?
“In 2019 my 90-year-old grandpa from family and friends and I picked
beautiful places to run, including several “I have raised a total of £11,066
underwent an emergency craniotomy
laps around reservoirs, so that helped to (without Gift Aid). I feel very humbled by
for a brain abscess. Over the following
keep the motivation up. all of the generous people in my life that
months he had to learn how to eat,
have donated.
And what about the
swallow and speak again. This ongoing
emotional and physical battle was the “I’m proud of the money that I raised
toughest I have ever witnessed. big day? and for completing the marathon in 4
“On marathon day the atmosphere was hrs 33 mins. It now feels strange when
“His journey is what motivated me to run
amazing. Chatting to people before and you no longer have to run for hours at
the marathon and, although it seemed
during the run, finding out their reasons the weekend.
like a huge and slightly daunting
challenge for me, it was nowhere near for running. The support along the route “I am enjoying having a bit more
as tough as the daily fight that he and was overwhelming and really helped to freedom back, but it was one of the best
others recovering from brain injuries face. push me on when it got tough. things I have ever done and I will never
“I will never forget running over Tower forget it.”
“Those suffering with brain injury, like
my grandfather, and their families are Bridge and seeing my partner and
22 Call our nurse-led freephone helpline 0808 800 2244TAK I N G ON
TH LO
E N D O N IN
MA R A T H O N � p ro ve l ife after br ain in jury!
O C TO BE R ?
m He ad way and im
Join Te a
Donate to our Headway Heroes at
justgiving.com/campaign/headway-london-marathon-2022
The iconic London Marathon need with training tips, fundraising
advice and a chance to promote your
Ready to join us?
needs little introduction. JustGiving page on our challenge Follow these simple steps to get involved:
Since the annual event website.
• Setup your shiny new fundraising
started more than 40 years page on JustGiving, which will act as
ago, it’s become one of a hub for your fundraising efforts. Visit
the world’s most famous our campaign page to get started:
challenges and an essential justgiving.com/campaign/headway-
london-marathon-2022
on every runner’s to-do list.
• Contact our Fundraising Administrator
The marathon roared back to life last
Juma Khan on
year after a Covid-related cancellation
fundraising.admin@headway.org.uk
in 2020 and it’s back once again this
or 0115 924 0800 to say hello and tell
October, taking in the world-renowned
us you’ll be running for Headway. That’ll
route from Blackheath, over Tower
allow us to stay in touch and support you
Bridge and past London’s landmarks to
as the big day approaches.
its epic finish line on The Mall.
As always Headway’s team of heroes
will be out in force raising funds to help
improve life after brain injury while raising
awareness in our unmissable yellow
running vests!
Have a marathon place?
If you’re taking part in this year’s London
Marathon, we’d love to welcome you to
our team!
While we can’t take away the effort of
the challenge itself, as a Team Headway
member you’ll get all the support you
www.headway.org.uk 23HeAdWaY
GeTs
C r E aT i V e
a r t a t H e a d way
The joy of h E a s t W a l e s
a r d i f f a n d S out
Creative activities can
be hugely beneficial to
C
people after brain injury.
In preparation for a move to new
Many survivors report premises after many years at Rookwood
a positive impact from Hospital, members of Headway Cardiff
creative activities on a and South East Wales took part in
wide range of issues they an exhibition to reflect on the group’s
history, identity and future, while raising
face, as well as boosting
awareness of brain injury. The exhibition
mental health and was supported by funding from Cardiff
confidence. They can also and the Vale Health Charity.
help with rehabilitation Members were inspired by Jackson
by encouraging survivors Pollock when creating this artwork, using
to practice skills such paint bombs, water pistols and squeezy
as manual dexterity and bottles to produce splatter paintings.
memory. In doing so, they demonstrated that
In this feature, we showcase some physical disabilities can be circumvented
of the innovative ways that Headway to create impactful, expressive and
groups and branches across the UK explosive images, and that the joy of
are supporting their members in their participating in the creative process can
creative pursuits. be as important as the final work.
24 Call our nurse-led freephone helpline 0808 800 2244y
Showcasing creativit n
ia
at Headway East Loth
Members of Headway East Lothian voices, paintings and other
have access to a range of art lessons mediums.
as part of their weekly sessions, giving
them the chance to express artistic “This has encouraged our
talents and emotions through their work. members, who are all living
with disabilities and life-long
Development Officer Joyce Cattanach conditions, to be more aware of their
explains more: “Brain injury survivors local communities and how they can
at our group have been exploring relate to them and take a more active
both rural and urban areas, taking part, while building self-esteem,
impressions through sound, memory, confidence levels, tackling loneliness
photos and physical reminders. and social isolation.”
They brought this back to our
group sessions for discussion, then The group held a two-week exhibition
transferred these ideas into physical at Dunbar Town House which gave
artistic expressions using words, them the chance to showcase
their work.
Creativity for wellbeing
at Headway
Worcestershire
Art is a fundamental aspect
of Headway Worcestershire’s
Wellbeing Services, with brain
injury survivors benefiting from an
experienced ABI art teacher who
nurtures their ability to express
themselves creatively.
Previously, our clients tended to
leave their works in the art room.
Now, however, the talented artists
take home their creations to display
with pride!
www.headway.org.uk 25e n t in g w it h c r e a t iv ity
Exper im
H e a d w a y C a m b r id g e shire The beautiful
at
Anna Mumford, Creative Therapies remember more colour combinations (and practical!)
Headway Central
Coordinator at Headway each week, which has been a big
Cambridgeshire, has been putting her success.”
skills as a former art teacher to good
use by leading art sessions at the Asked what advice she had for
group’s Chesterton Hub every Friday. others who might be thinking of
Lancashire
Using a wide range of techniques,
taking up art after brain injury, Elaine
said: “You’ll only know if you have calendar
the group allows members to a go, so why not try it out and see?
experiment with their creativity while You might surprise yourself, and
Following a temporal lobectomy at the age
unlocking its many positive benefits. others too!”
of 11, Daniel McCullough struggled with the
Anna explains how the art sessions effects of brain injury throughout his early-adult
helped one client to practice her life. In his early 20s he finally turned a corner,
memory skills: “While working on getting the benefits he was entitled to after a
a particular art project, we started long battle and feeling an “improved mental
mixing paints together to create clarity.”
different colours. One of our clients,
Having always had a creative side, Daniel took
Elaine, struggled to do this due to
to photography when he noticed a decline in
her memory problems after a stroke,
wildlife in his local area.
and the following week she couldn’t
remember the right paints to mix. As a member of Headway Central Lancashire,
he donated this series of photographs for their
“I created cue cards to show which
2022 calendar, beautifully capturing the wildlife
combinations make certain colours,
and landscape of the stunning Lancashire
while our Community Rehabilitation
countryside.
Worker, Chloe Woods, used this as
an exercise in her sessions with the
client. Over time Elaine began to
26 Call our nurse-led freephone helpline 0808 800 2244AT
BUILDING CONFIDENCE
Headway SHROPSHIRE
Art Tutor Jo Chandler started the creative
sessions at Headway Shropshire in 2021,
taking in a wide range of techniques
including watercolour, clay, chalk and oil
pastels.
“The sessions help in a number of ways,
particularly with social interaction, self-
expression, building confidence and
promoting discussion,” explained Jo.
“I’ve noticed an increase in the length of
time clients can concentrate on tasks,
and while there can be frustration, there is
also enjoyment, relaxation and a sense of
achievement.”
Creativity with clay a
Headway Gloucesters
t InSGeTpIrEd
h ire tO
Kath Cooper has been leading the
popular pottery sessions at Headway
cReAtIvE?
We hope you’ve been inspired by this
Gloucestershire for nearly 20 years.
snapshot of some of the amazing creative
“Being creative with clay offers great works that brain injury survivors are getting
benefits on many levels to survivors of involved with up and down the country.
brain injuries,” said Kath.
Many Headway groups and branches offer
“Using repetitive actions such as rolling creative sessions, so if you’d like to find out
out slabs of clay, making coils and cutting more head over to headway.org.uk, pop your
clay out gives survivors the opportunity postcode into the ‘Find local support’ box and
to practice physical movement. Adding contact your local Headway.
intricate decoration and modelling using
You can also search online for local courses,
tools or painting on glaze can help survivors
groups and activities that inspire you and fit
practice their dexterity, fine motor, and
your needs.
co-ordination skills.
Whether through your local Headway,
“One of the most important benefits of
independent art group or college, or by simply
pottery at Headway Gloucestershire, other
picking up a paintbrush and starting your own
than being very enjoyable, can be the
work, see how you feel about giving art a try.
opportunity it provides for survivors to build
their confidence in trying something new Remember that there’s no right or wrong way
and making a finished piece of work to take to do it, it’s all about creativity, freedom and
home. This can then can be shared with expression – and hopefully having fun and
family and friends and can result in a great seeing some benefits! Also don’t forget we’d
sense of achievement.” love to see your creations!
www.headway.org.uk 27You can also read
