Join a Support Group

Our specialist monthly Support Groups are for anyone affected by an acquired brain injury including family, friends and unpaid carers. Come along to meet people living with similar challenges and join in the discussion about life after an acquired brain injury.

What happens at our Support Groups?

We know from experience that people rarely receive sufficient information to enable full understanding of what has happened to them, what they can do or what to expect in the future. The aim of the Support Group meetings is to provide the opportunity to meet with others in similar situations and exchange information. Also, to receive specialist support from group facilitators, speakers and from each other in a relaxed, friendly, informal setting.

Clients find these support groups extremely helpful, and often new friendships are formed which provide an ongoing source of support. New group members are welcome to join a taster session. Some people prefer to join an online group whilst others prefer to go along to a face-to-face group.

Brain injury survivors are not the only ones to benefit – partners, relatives, parents and family or friend carers also attend to share experiences and provide mutual support to one another. Hearing and learning from the experiences of other family members can be extremely helpful.

If you are an interested professional able to volunteer your time Headway would be delighted to invite you along. We welcome external speakers and others who can offer expert support or volunteers willing to help. Professionals who are interested in understanding more about the impact of brain injury are also welcome.

Eastbourne Support Group

Eastbourne Group – 7.00-9.00pm

This group meets on the first Wednesday of the month from 7-9pm at Faraday House.

Faraday House
1 Faraday Close
Hampden Park
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN22 9BH

Brighton Daytime Group

This group meets on the first Thursday of the month from 11am-1pm at Small Hall, Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, Kemptown, Brighton, BN2 1RL

Brighton Evening Group

This group meets on the third Wednesday of every month from 6-8pm at Small Hall, Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, Kemptown, Brighton, BN2 1RL

Worthing Group

This group meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from 6-8pm at the Maybridge Keystone Centre.

Maybridge Keystone Centre
Rayleigh Way
Worthing
BN12 6JD

Bognor Regis Group

This group meets on the second Thursday of each month from 12.45-2.45pm at the Laburnum Centre.

The Laburnum Centre (Age UK)
Lyon Street
Bognor Regis
PO21 1UX

Crawley Group

Crawley Group –  11am-2pm

This group meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 11am-2pm at Maidenbower Pavilion.

The Longley Room

The Orchard, 1-2 Gleneagles Court, Brighton Road,

Crawley

West Sussex. RH10 6AD

Online Evening Support Group

For those who can’t make a group in person, we run an evening group via Zoom on the second Wednesday of the month from 6.00pm-7.30pm. For access details to the Zoom group, please contact Sam Shephard.

 

Online Daytime Support Group

For those who can’t make a group in person, we run a daytime group via Zoom on the fourth Thursday of the month from 11am-12.30pm. For access details to the Zoom group, please contact Sam Shephard.

Headway Sussex Futures Group

This group is aimed at those who are living with the effects of brain injury who are interested in taking the next steps towards rebuilding their lives after brain injury. The group meets online every fortnight.

Members draw on each other’s experience and knowledge to learn and rediscover skills, and identify new opportunities.  These are things that people living with the effects of brain need to consider to be able re-enter the workplace, including the preparatory steps to do this.

The Futures Group is not solely for people focusing on return to work and education, but is there for anyone looking to reengage with meaningful activities.  Alongside re-learning important life skills, members of the group share experiences and helpful approaches to personal wellbeing.

People need to have a good or improving awareness of how they have been affected by their brain injury to benefit fully from the Futures Group.  To discuss whether this group would be good for you, please contact Sam Shephard by email or phone 07776 528796.

Young Adults Support Group

Discover a supportive community designed specifically for younger individuals, aged between 18 and 30, navigating life with brain injuries.
Our group places a strong emphasis on the importance of connecting with peers in your age group, fostering a sense of togetherness, and ensuring that no one feels isolated in their journey.

Throughout our monthly Online meetings, we delve into a range of topics that are particularly relevant to individuals in this age bracket. From exploring strategies for socialising and maintaining relationships to discussing educational pursuits and career aspirations, we aim to provide practical insights and emotional support.

Additionally, our sessions offer a safe space to openly address the complexities of navigating intimate relationships and sexuality post-injury. We understand the unique challenges young adults face when it comes to these sensitive topics and strive to facilitate open and respectful dialogue.

Furthermore, we explore the intricacies of re-entering the workforce or pursuing new career opportunities after a brain injury. Whether you’re seeking advice on job hunting, workplace accommodations, or vocational training, our group is here to offer guidance and encouragement.

Moreover, we tackle the topic of driving with sensitivity and practicality, acknowledging the desire for independence while ensuring safety remains paramount. We discuss strategies for assessing driving readiness, obtaining necessary adaptations, and accessing alternative transportation options where needed.

Above all, our aim is to empower young individuals with brain injuries to increase their independence and lead fulfilling lives. Through shared experiences, mutual support, and valuable resources, we strive to create a supportive network where everyone feels heard, understood, and encouraged on their journey towards recovery and personal growth.

How we fund our Support Groups

First and foremost we are here for you. We would never want someone not to come because they feel they can’t afford to make a donation.

However, to run our Support Groups we have to pay for venue hire, our facilitators time and refreshments. If you are in the position to make an affordable donation, this would be appreciated and very welcome.

You can donate using the personalised QR codes on display at each of our support groups with just a few simple steps to follow using your mobile phone. Alternatively, you can donate online via JustGiving or directly into our bank account: HSBC Lewes, Headway Sussex Ltd, sort code 40-28-15, account number 11314815. We also have collection boxes at our Support Groups.