Cllr Fay Howard visited Headway Swindon in Dorcan as the New Year got underway. She met staff, volunteers and adults who attend the centre throughout the week.
During the visit, the Mayor was shown around the building and its specialist spaces. These include areas used for cooking, speech and language support and mindfulness activities.
She also spent time speaking directly with people who attend the centre regularly. Many shared their personal experiences and explained how the service has supported their recovery and wellbeing.
Headway Swindon has been supporting adults with traumatic and acquired brain injury, as well as their families and carers, since 1989. The centre operates five days a week from 10am to 4pm.
The service is delivered by a team of staff, volunteers and students on placement. Each person attending is supported by a dedicated support worker who helps tailor activities to their individual needs.
Some attendees told the Mayor they have been part of the centre for many years. They spoke about the strong sense of community and understanding that comes from being among others with similar lived experience.
One newer attendee explained how his communication skills had improved since joining. He highlighted the value of the structured and personalised support available at the centre.
Volunteers at Headway include students gaining practical experience and people with personal links to the service. One volunteer had previously attended as a client and later returned to support others after benefitting from the charity herself.
Activities at the centre varied across the room during the visit. People were seen discussing the news, completing puzzles, writing New Year reflections and building Airfix models.
The charity also offers cooking, gardening and art sessions. Activities are chosen to reflect personal interests while supporting rehabilitation goals.
Headway Swindon receives some council funding for certain attendees. Others are supported through Social Care funding or private arrangements.
Fundraising plays an important role in keeping the service running. People who attend the centre are often involved in fundraising activities.
Among the fundraising items available are wipe-clean cookbooks designed to make cooking more accessible for people living with brain injury. Proceeds help support the charity’s ongoing work.
The visit highlighted the everyday support being provided in Swindon to help people rebuild confidence, skills and a sense of belonging after brain injury.
