After a period in Local Government, Baroness Cumberlege was appointed to Chair of the Brighton Health Authority and subsequently the South West Thames Regional Health Authority where she made radical changes to mental health services. She was ennobled in 1990 and in 1992 was appointed a Junior Health Minister. For five years she covered all health matters in the House of Lords and chaired a review of community nursing which initiated nurses being able to prescribe and become registered prescribers. She was commissioned by two Governments to produce national reports entitled ‘Neighbourhood Nursing – a Focus for Care’ and ‘Changing Childbirth’.

Baroness Cumberlege is a governor of Lancing College and is patron of the National Childbirth Trust, an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, a Vice President of the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives. In 2020 she led a major NHS review of maternity services and the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Review for the Government.

Ian has personal experience and understanding of the issues faced by people living with a brain injury and their families and carers. He is keen to hear from clients and carers and to directly feedback views to the wider Board of Trustees.

His wide professional background is in environmental and public health education and promotion. He is an expert trainer having designed and run courses and programmes to improve health services and health practice in the UK and overseas. He remains a Trustee of a Children’s Health and Development charity in Kenya.

Ian’s work across health and social care includes project development in mental health, homelessness, HIV and Aids and community out of hours services. He has been a committed and long term volunteer and advocate for development of Headway services and supports the Eastbourne Living Well Support Group. He is involved in community life in Uckfield, particularly in music and has performed in musical comedy productions for over 45 years.

Ian also leads on Client and Carer engagement for the Board and is pleased to hear from anyone wishing to hear from anyone – 07442 915430 or email ian.foster@headwaysussex.org.uk

Sam first connected with Headway as a service user and has since transitioned to working for the charity. His lived experience provides invaluable insight, particularly into the challenges people face after discharge. Sam holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science and a Master’s in Health Promotion.

He now leads the Brighton Support Group and the Headway Sussex Futures Group, while also expanding both our online sessions via Zoom and in-person groups to support a growing number of participants.

Sam is a Trustee at the UK Acquired Brain Injury Forum and a member of the Experts by Experience group at Heads Together. He is passionate about increasing awareness and understanding of brain injury.

Dr Alison Burleigh (BSc Hons Psychology, PhD, DClinPsych) qualified as a Clinical Psychologist in 2001 and has extensive experience supporting individuals affected by brain injury. At Headway Sussex, she manages our Helpline Service, offering expert support and guidance to individuals and families affected by acquired brain injury (ABI) and advice to professionals who may be supporting individuals with ABI. Alison also runs our Counselling Service and deals with all Referrals and assessments for Headway Sussex.

Alison is trained in cognitive rehabilitation, so can support individuals to regain and improve essential thinking skills like attention, memory, and executive skills and has been with us since 2018.

Alison’s professional expertise is deeply enriched by her personal experience—having close family members affected by brain injury has given her unique insight into the challenges faced by both survivors and their loved ones. Her compassionate approach, combined with her specialist knowledge, enables her to provide personalised support, empowering individuals to rebuild their lives with confidence.

Samantha has extensive experience in the voluntary sector, having worked across youth services, animal welfare, and infrastructure charities. She has held a variety of roles, including Fundraising, Regional Development, Media Coordinator, and CEO, and currently serves as a trustee for Making Space.

Having previously worked for Headway, Samantha is delighted to return and be part of the Headway Sussex team, bringing her expertise and passion for supporting those affected by brain injury.

Meet our Financial Accountant, Rob, the backbone of our financial operations.

With a sharp focus on detail and a commitment to efficiency, Rob manages the day-to-day finances of our charity.

From budgeting and accounting to financial reporting and compliance, Rob ensures that our resources are handled responsibly and transparently.

Rob’s expertise ensures that our financial systems run smoothly, allowing us to focus on our mission of making a positive difference in our community.

Roxanne spearheads digital fundraising and marketing at Headway Sussex, crafting compelling campaigns that engage donors, volunteers, and stakeholders to secure vital support for the charity. She manages our website and social media platforms, driving the adoption of digital technologies to enhance our outreach and impact.

With a BSc (Hons) in Criminology and a Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Roxanne has a strong academic foundation in understanding complex social issues. Her expertise aligns with emerging research into the link between brain injury and criminality, reinforcing the importance of early intervention and rehabilitation.

Beyond her digital role, Roxanne values the connections she builds with clients, carers, and colleagues at Newick.

Ian has returned to Headway Sussex to the role that he had previously held some years ago as Facilities Manager where he is responsible for the safety, management and maintenance of the site, buildings and facilities at Headway Sussex’s main site in Newick.

Ian is able to bring to this role his previous property and construction experience gained in private practice, local and central government and welcomes the opportunity to be working again at Headway with clients and colleagues both old and new alike.

Kate brings a wealth of experience and personal insight to her role as a Hospital Liaison Facilitator at Headway Sussex. Having worked as a social worker in fostering since 2009 and later as a Senior Lecturer in Social Work at a local university, she has spent years advocating for and supporting individuals in need.

After experiencing a stroke in March 2021, Kate gained first-hand understanding of the challenges that come with brain injury. The support she received from peer groups, along with her own journey of recovery, deepened her passion for helping others navigate life after brain injury. Her lived experience, combined with her professional background, allows her to provide empathetic and informed support to patients and their families.

Kate is based in East Sussex, where she works closely with medical professionals and patients to ensure a smooth transition from hospital care to community-based support.

As part of the Hospital Liaison Team, Kate is responsible for:

• Building strong relationships with hospitals and medical staff.
• Raising awareness of Headway Sussex’s programmes and services.
• Supporting patients and families in accessing the right care and guidance.
• Gathering feedback to continuously improve our support initiatives.

Kate’s dedication and personal experience make her an invaluable part of the Headway Sussex team, ensuring that individuals affected by brain injury receive the support they need from the very start of their recovery journey.

Davina brings extensive healthcare experience and a deep personal understanding of brain injury to her role as a Hospital Liaison Facilitator at Headway Sussex. After studying at King’s College London, she built a career dedicated to healthcare, working across urgent treatment centres, hospitals, palliative care, and community healthcare in Brighton and Worthing. Her hands-on experience has given her a broad perspective on patient care, from acute treatment to long-term support.

In 2017, Davina’s life was profoundly affected by a personal experience with brain injury, giving her an empathetic understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and their families. This personal connection fuels her passion for ensuring that others receive the guidance and support they need during their recovery journey.

Based in West Sussex, Davina works closely with hospital teams, patients, and families to provide vital support and ensure a seamless transition from hospital care to community-based rehabilitation.

As part of the Hospital Liaison Team, Davina is responsible for:

• Developing strong partnerships with hospitals and healthcare professionals.
• Raising awareness of Headway Sussex’s services and support programmes.
• Assisting patients and families in accessing the right post-hospital support.
• Collecting feedback to continuously enhance our services.

With her professional background and personal insight, Davina is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by brain injury.

Tracey and Debbie are the dedicated Living Well Programme Leads and Wellbeing Support Workers at Headway Sussex. With a shared passion for helping individuals rebuild their confidence and independence after brain injury, they play a vital role in supporting clients on their journey to recovery.

As leaders of our Living Well Programme, Tracey and Debbie create and facilitate engaging group sessions that promote cognitive stimulation, emotional wellbeing, and social connection. They design activities tailored to individual needs, helping clients develop new skills, regain confidence, and improve overall quality of life.

With their compassionate and person-centred approach, they also provide one-to-one wellbeing support, offering a listening ear, practical guidance, and signposting to resources. Their work ensures that every individual feels valued, understood, and empowered in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Tracey and Debbie are the dedicated Living Well Programme Leads and Wellbeing Support Workers at Headway Sussex. With a shared passion for helping individuals rebuild their confidence and independence after brain injury, they play a vital role in supporting clients on their journey to recovery.

As leaders of our Living Well Programme, Tracey and Debbie create and facilitate engaging group sessions that promote cognitive stimulation, emotional wellbeing, and social connection. They design activities tailored to individual needs, helping clients develop new skills, regain confidence, and improve overall quality of life.

With their compassionate and person-centred approach, they also provide one-to-one wellbeing support, offering a listening ear, practical guidance, and signposting to resources. Their work ensures that every individual feels valued, understood, and empowered in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Paul is a dedicated Wellbeing Support Worker at Headway Sussex, providing compassionate care and guidance for individuals living with acquired brain injuries. With a person-centred approach, Paul supports our clients in rebuilding confidence, independence, and social connections.

Working closely with our team, Paul helps to facilitate group activities, one-to-one support sessions, and wellbeing initiatives tailored to each individual’s needs. Whether offering emotional support, signposting to helpful resources, or simply providing a listening ear, Paul plays a vital role in enhancing the wellbeing of those we support.

Sally is a compassionate and dedicated Wellbeing Support Worker at Headway Sussex, supporting individuals living with acquired brain injuries to regain confidence, independence, and social connections. She works closely with our team to provide tailored support, ensuring each person receives the care and encouragement they need on their journey to recovery.

With a warm and understanding approach, Sally facilitates group activities, one-to-one sessions, and wellbeing initiatives designed to enhance quality of life. She offers emotional support, practical guidance, and signposting to resources that help clients and their families navigate life after brain injury.

Helen facilitates our support groups in Bognor Regis and Worthing, as well as our Younger Persons Group, providing a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals living with brain injuries. She is dedicated to helping people rebuild confidence, share experiences, and develop strategies for independent living.

Passionate about making a positive impact, Helen works closely with group members to ensure they feel heard, valued, and empowered. She also plays a key role in expanding our reach, encouraging more young people to connect with Headway Sussex’s services.

Arlette has been a Counsellor for over 30 years. She has also been a Carer for her brain injured son for 27 years and has acquired extensive knowledge of brain anatomy and brain function. She understands the cognitive, psychological, emotional and behavioural challenges that people may face following brain injury.

Arlette draws on her own life experiences to enable her to help others to re-build their lives and overcome the struggles and obstacles along the difficult journey to recovery. She adopts a person-centred approach to walk alongside her clients, guiding them towards acceptance and enabling them to develop coping strategies and find their own way forward.

Michaela has been a counsellor for 8 years. Having volunteered for Headway over 6 years she has strong understanding of the impact of a brain injury gained through interaction with clients and family members. She specialises in biography work, bereavement and topics related to brain injury.

Michaela comments that in the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity. People can change their destiny. Everyone given the right conditions and circumstances has an innate tendency towards positive growth. The role of Counselling and Psychotherapy in moments of difficulty is to provide support to discover opportunities and create new narratives for life.

 She practices in East Grinstead, Forest Row and Newick and can offer phone, online and face to face counselling.

Gill is an experienced BACP accredited counsellor and group facilitator and has worked with Headway since 2011.  She has personal and professional understanding of managing the challenges of acquired brain injury and works with both clients and family carers. Her voluntary work with Headway achieved a national Headway award in 2019.

Gill works holistically and creatively, incorporating various trainings such as Biographical Counselling, Anthroposophic Psychotherapy (holistic understanding) and EMDR (Eye Movement Therapy).  Her work includes counselling people who have experienced trauma; life-changing events; loss; anxiety; depression; long-term chronic illness; and anybody who feels ‘stuck’ and is looking for a new direction.

Gill works in Brighton but can offer online and phone counselling more widely.

Pete holds a BSC with Honours in Person-Centred Counselling. As a Headway volunteer for 3 years he gained understanding of the impact of a  brain injury. He also has personal and professional experience of mental health challenges.

Pete volunteers within the wider charity field supporting people living with or recovering from cancer and family and friends affected. He has also had training and experience counselling clients with addiction issues.

Pete practices in Newhaven and can offer phone, online and face to face counselling in the area.

A person-centred Counsellor with over 21 years of working experience, Bobbie is a specialist in neurological rehabilitation and brain injury both acquired and traumatic. She offers focused counselling with a view to clients reaching their full potential and enablement.

Anastasia is the Independent Woodwork Leader at Headway Sussex, bringing creativity, expertise, and a passion for hands-on learning to our clients. With a background in woodworking and craftsmanship, she leads engaging woodwork sessions that allow individuals living with brain injuries to explore their creative potential and develop practical skills.

Anastasia’s approach is person-centred and inclusive, ensuring that each session is tailored to individual abilities and interests. Whether building birdhouses, bat boxes, or other projects, she encourages clients to express themselves, gain confidence, and feel a sense of accomplishment.

With a strong belief in the therapeutic benefits of creative activities, Anastasia fosters a supportive environment where clients can learn new skills, engage in meaningful work, and connect with others.