Rebuilding Life After Brain Injury: Supporting Headway Cambridge & Peterborough

Every 90 seconds, someone in the UK is admitted to hospital with a brain injury.

That’s around 350,000 people every year whose lives change in an instant.

Brain injury can affect every part of a person’s life – walking, talking, thinking and feeling. For many, it means losing not only the life they once lived, but also the person they once were.

But recovery isn’t just about physical healing. It’s about rebuilding confidence, rediscovering identity, and finding hope again.

That’s why CPSL Mind is proud to support the vital work of Headway UK through our Good Life Fund Plus, helping fund the Cambridge and Peterborough portals of Headway’s specialist brain injury support services.

Together, we’re helping people rebuild their lives after brain injury.

Life After Brain Injury

A brain injury can happen to anyone, at any time.

It may be caused by an accident, stroke, infection or trauma. And when it happens, the impact can be life-changing, not just for the person affected, but for their families and loved ones too.

Headway provides essential support for people adjusting to life after brain injury. Their services help individuals regain independence, relearn lost skills and navigate the emotional challenges that often follow.

From supporting people transitioning from hospital back into their communities, to offering one-to-one outreach sessions and peer support groups, their work is rooted in empowerment, inclusivity and kindness.

At the heart of their services are the Neuro Hubs – welcoming, non-judgemental spaces where people can rebuild confidence, learn new skills and connect with others who understand their journey.

Activities range from cooking lessons and independent living skills to creativity sessions, mindfulness activities, exercise and physiotherapy classes, and speech support. All are designed to help individuals rediscover their abilities and rebuild their lives in a supportive environment.

The Mental Health Impact of Brain Injury

While the physical effects of brain injury can be significant, the emotional and mental health challenges can be just as profound.

People may experience anxiety, depression, mood changes or feelings of isolation as they adjust to their new circumstances.

That’s why mental health support is such an important part of the recovery journey.

Recently, CPSL Mind partnered with Headway Cambridge & Peterborough to deliver mental health training for their group, led by one of our wonderful trainers, Anne. Together, we explored the emotional impact of brain injury and shared practical ways to support mental wellbeing.

The session focused on recognising stress triggers, being patient with ourselves through change, and building compassionate coping strategies.

Some of the key messages included:

• Recognising new stress triggers and understanding how they affect us
• Being kind and patient with ourselves as we navigate change
• Leaning on supportive people in our lives – no one should do this alone
• Focusing on what we can control, and gently letting go of what we can’t
• Reconnecting with activities that bring joy and purpose

Together, we are helping people build confidence, self-awareness and resilience for life after brain injury.

TK’s Story

When we visited the group recently, we had the pleasure of speaking with TK, whose story is a powerful reminder of the strength and determination people show in the face of life-changing challenges.

TK is just 33 years old. He achieved a first-class Law degree from Cambridge University and was working as a solicitor before sadly experiencing a brain injury caused by an infection. As a result, he now faces difficulties with speech and communication.

But TK’s passion for helping others has never changed.

“I have always wanted to help people and love being around others,” he shared.

TK has been part of Headway Cambridge & Peterborough for around six years. He attends the hub service twice a week and also receives one-to-one outreach support in the community with his key support worker, Anna.

For the past three years, TK has been volunteering one morning a week at Oxfam in St Ives, and he has recently started attending a new group called ‘I Can’, which he now goes to independently.

His journey is a powerful example of resilience, determination and the life-changing impact of supportive communities.

Abby Glonek, CPSL Mind’s Good Life Fund Coordinator, said:

“TK is a wonderfully inspiring young man, and stories like his are exactly why we are proud to support organisations like Headway through our Good Life Fund Plus. Their work is helping people rebuild confidence, independence and connection after brain injury.”

Working Together for Better Mental Health

At CPSL Mind, we believe that no one should face mental health challenges alone.

Through partnerships like this, we are able to support organisations doing incredible work in our communities and ensure that people living with complex health challenges have access to the support they need.

Because rebuilding life after brain injury is not something anyone should have to do on their own.

For more information about Headway, please visit: www.headwaycp.org.uk