Headway Sussex at the ISDN Conference: Supporting Stroke Survivors Beyond Recovery

On Thursday, September 19th, the Headway Sussex team had the privilege of attending the first Integrated Stroke Delivery Network (ISDN) Conference for Sussex. The theme of the event, “From Patient to Person”, explored how healthcare professionals can better support stroke survivors throughout their recovery journey.

We took this valuable opportunity to showcase our work, bringing along our leaflets, banners, and our well-known brain-shaped sweets to raise awareness of the services we offer. The highlight for us was creating two large posters to highlight our services that we believe can make a huge impact on stroke survivors:

Our Key Services for Stroke Survivors

• Futures Group: This group provides a supportive and welcoming environment for stroke survivors to connect with one another. It’s a space to share experiences, rebuild confidence, and receive both emotional and practical support. By fostering a sense of community, we help survivors navigate life after stroke and regain a sense of independence, with emphasis on returning to work.
• Counselling Services: A stroke can have lasting psychological effects, and we know that emotional recovery is just as important as physical rehabilitation. Our specialised counselling services help individuals process the trauma of a stroke, build mental resilience, and adjust to the life changes that come with it.

Stroke Is a Brain Injury—And We’re Here to Help

It’s essential to understand that a stroke is a form of brain injury, even though it is often viewed differently.

At Headway Sussex, our expertise extends beyond traumatic brain injuries to include strokes, offering holistic support to those who need it. Whether through counselling, group activities, or our broader range of services, we are here to help stroke survivors regain confidence and find new paths forward.

Sam Shephard on the ISDN Conference Panel

One of the highlights of the event was having Sam Shephard from our team participate in the panel discussion. Sam addressed questions about our Hospital Liaison Service, which helps stroke thrivers, as well as individuals with other types of brain injuries, find the right resources and support. This service plays a vital role in signposting survivors to the appropriate services, ensuring a smoother and more informed recovery process.

A Message from Stroke Survivors

Throughout the day, we learned directly from stroke survivors and healthcare professionals, each sharing invaluable insights. The key takeaway from the conference? Stroke survivors want to be treated with respect and dignity—a message that resonated deeply with us. It reaffirms our commitment to providing care that recognises the individual behind the injury.

Thank You, ISDN

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the ISDN team for inviting us to such a meaningful event. We were thrilled to contribute, connect with others in the stroke support community, and continue learning how we can further improve the lives of stroke survivors.

For more information about how Headway Sussex supports stroke survivors, or to find out more about our Futures Group, Counselling Services, or Hospital Liaison Service, please contact us.