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.

Sally Brighton-Kelby joined us in October 2026 as the Chief Executive Officer of Headway Sussex, bringing more than two decades of senior leadership experience from across the local and national charity sectors. She has most recently been Director of Development at Surrey based charity Young Epilepsy and before that Director of Income Generation at Martlet’s Hospice in Hove. Sally has lived in Sussex for most of her working life and has strong networks across the southeast, including in the health and social care sectors. She is recognised for her strategic clarity, collaborative leadership style and her commitment to ensuring that service users receive the support, advocacy and opportunities they need to thrive.

Sally’s career is defined by delivering meaningful change and leading high-impact projects. Her leadership has shaped organisational strategy across multiple charities, ensuring that teams, services and partnerships are aligned around clear purpose and measurable outcomes.

She has a strong track record of delivering growth and building financial and operational resilience. Her experience in fundraising and retail has delivered diverse and impactful income streams and she has won many multi-year grants to launch and sustain innovative programmes.

She strongly believes in client involvement in the development and delivery of services, and is passionate about ensuring their stories are told and their voices are heard. Over the years Sally has had significant experience working with volunteers and sees their support as vital to achieving the charity’s mission.

She has expertise in building and developing high-performing teams, leading brand and marketing development, and expanding audience engagement through dynamic social media strategies. Her work consistently results in stronger visibility, deeper community engagement and improved access to life-changing support.

At Headway Sussex, Sally aims to drive forward a future-focused vision rooted in empathy, expertise and hope — values she works to embed in every aspect of the charity’s mission.

As Deputy CEO at Headway Sussex, Dr Alison Burleigh (BSc Hons Psychology, PhD, DClinPsych) plays a leading role in delivering and developing our specialist services for individuals and families affected by acquired brain injury (ABI).

Alison qualified as a Clinical Psychologist in 2001, she brings extensive experience in neuropsychology and cognitive rehabilitation. She oversees our Helpline Service, providing expert guidance to clients, families, and professionals, and leads our Counselling Service. Alison is also responsible for managing all referrals and assessments across the organisation.

With professional expertise enriched by personal experience of brain injury within her own family, Alison brings both clinical excellence and deep empathy to her role—empowering survivors to rebuild their lives with confidence. She has been a valued member of the Headway Sussex team since 2018.

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.

Roxanne leads Headway Sussex’s digital marketing, fundraising and grant development, helping to secure the vital income needed to support people living with acquired brain injuries across Sussex.

She is responsible for developing and delivering fundraising campaigns, writing grant applications, managing relationships with trusts and foundations, and creating engaging communications that inspire individuals, businesses and communities to support the charity. Roxanne also oversees the charity’s website, social media channels and digital marketing strategy, ensuring Headway Sussex reaches more people affected by brain injury while raising awareness of its life-changing services.

Working closely with colleagues, supporters and partners, Roxanne develops creative campaigns, shares the stories of clients and fundraisers, and promotes opportunities for people to get involved through fundraising, volunteering and corporate partnerships. She is passionate about using digital innovation and compelling storytelling to increase the charity’s impact and long-term sustainability.

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.

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.

After graduating with a Bsc in Advertising and Marketing communications, Emily worked in a London Based Advertising firm as an Account manager.

During this time Emily experienced a traumatic head injury. Upon the extensive recovery period Emily studied for a Masters in Events Management, and also volunteered time to support Oral & Maxillofacial Trauma Patients.

Since then has worked for other charities as well as within the Exhibition Events Sector, alongside this continuing to volunteer support of patients of Maxillofacial Trauma.

Using experience of a head injury, combined with professional and academic background has gone hand in hand with her new role at Headway Sussex as Community Fundraiser and Helpline support. Which involves building relationships with stakeholders and donors, contributing to the internal and external communications. But, also supporting on the helpline by offering support and guidance to individuals and families affected by acquired brain injury (ABI). Further to this, helping develop promotional ideas to raise awareness of ABI, which she is passionate about.

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.