An Acquired Brain Injury is usually a sudden and unexpected event that could happen to anyone. It can be caused by a stroke, a bleed on the brain, an infection, a tumour, a fall or a traffic accident, for example.
There are approximately 30,000 people in Ireland living with an Acquired Brain Injury and it is estimated that every year between 9,000 and 11,000 people sustain a traumatic brain injury in Ireland.
HEADWAY is a not-for-profit organisation that provides rehabilitation services for people living with brain injuries. It was founded in 1985 and is accredited internationally by CARF (Commission for Rehabilitation Facilities). Headway’s aim is to help people with Acquired Brain Injuries to rebuild their lives. Headway trys to help individuals to make the most of their potential, improve their quality of life and increase their level of independence. Every brain injury is unique – therefore all Headway services are tailored to each individual, based on their needs and their goals.
View the photo gallery: The people of Headway
An acquired brain injury does not just happen to one person in isolation – it can often have a significant and devastating impact on their family as well. Therefore, Headway helps and supports family members as well as the individual affected by the brain injury.
Headway offers rehabilitation services in Dublin, Limerick , Kerry, Carlow and Cork. It provides:
- Information and Support
- Community Re-integration
- Return-to-work Support
- Training Workshops and Psychological Support
- Support Groups
- Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Specialist Psychology Services
- Neuropsychological Rehabilitation
Headway’s services are free of charge. This is possible through government funding, grants, fundraising and donations. Should you wish to donate to Headway, please visit Headway website or Facebook page.
People can refer themselves to Headway or they can be referred by a family member or health care professional.
Why not visit Headway web site headway.ie to learn more? You can call the Headway Helpline on Freephone 1800 400 478 for forms, information or support. Headway is also on Facebook, twitter and Instagram (please see link below).
