Headway Sussex warns: "If we go who will be there for people with brain injury?"

Headway Sussex is appealing for public support as the charity faces a critical moment in its future, warning that if it can no longer operate, people across Sussex affected by acquired brain injury could be left without a specialist local organisation to turn to.

Headway Sussex is the only charity in Sussex providing specialist, dedicated support to people living with acquired brain injury (ABI) and their families across Brighton & Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex.

For more than 38 years, the charity has supported people whose lives have been changed by brain injury – providing practical and emotional support, information, counselling, support groups, activities, hospital liaison and opportunities for people to reconnect with their communities.

But now, the charity is warning that its future cannot be taken for granted.

Like many charities, Headway Sussex is facing increasing financial pressures, rising operating costs and growing demand for its services. Difficult decisions have already had to be made about some services, and without significant investment, the charity says it will become increasingly difficult to maintain the support that people affected by brain injury across Sussex rely upon.

“If Headway Sussex goes, there is nobody else in Sussex providing this specialist, county-wide support,” said Ian Foster, Chief Executive of Headway Sussex.

“That is what makes this situation so serious. Brain injury does not simply disappear when funding becomes difficult. People still need somewhere to turn. Families still need advice and support. People still need somewhere they can meet others who understand what they are going through.

“We are incredibly proud of what Headway Sussex has achieved over the last 38 years, but we now need people across Sussex to help us protect its future.”

A brain injury can happen to anyone, at any age and for many different reasons, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain tumours, infections and other medical conditions.

The effects can be life-changing and may include difficulties with memory, communication, concentration, emotional regulation, mobility and independence. For many people, the impact can last for years or even a lifetime.

Headway Sussex provides a vital lifeline for people navigating these changes, as well as for their families and carers.

The charity currently provides support across Sussex through community hubs, support groups, online services, activities, counselling, outreach and specialist support.

However, the charity's current buildings at Newick are also no longer suitable for its long-term needs. They are expensive to run, not energy efficient and do not provide the modern, accessible environment that people using the charity's services deserve.

To address this, Headway Sussex has been working in partnership with Remmus Designer Homes on proposals that could provide the charity with a sustainable new future while allowing it to remain at its existing Newick site.

A planning application has now been submitted to Lewes District Council under reference LW/26/0343. (Please leave a comment here: https://planningpa.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=THDVLLJDH2800)

The proposals include a new purpose-built home for Headway Sussex, providing modern, accessible spaces for support, activities and office facilities. The wider proposal also includes 25 new homes.

Headway Sussex says the plans represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the charity's future.

“This is about much more than bricks and mortar,” said Ian Foster.

“It is about whether people affected by brain injury in Sussex will continue to have somewhere to go.

“It is about whether families will continue to have access to specialist advice and support.

“And it is about whether the people who come to our groups every week will continue to have a place where they feel understood, included and supported.

“We know how much Headway Sussex means to the people who use our services. We now need to show decision-makers just how important this charity is to Sussex.”

The charity is asking people who support its work to make their voices heard by leaving a positive comment on the Lewes District Council Planning Portal in support of the application.

People who have used Headway Sussex, have a family member who has been supported, have volunteered or fundraised for the charity, or simply believe specialist brain injury support should continue to be available in Sussex are being encouraged to share why the charity matters to them.

Every message of support can help demonstrate the importance of Headway Sussex and the role it plays in communities across the county.

Headway Sussex is also encouraging local organisations, businesses, community groups and elected representatives to stand behind the charity and help secure its future.

Ian Foster added:

“We do not want to reach a point where someone living with brain injury in Sussex asks, ‘Who can help me?’ and there is no specialist organisation left to answer.

“We have the opportunity to prevent that from happening.

“Headway Sussex has been here for more than 38 years. We want to be here for the next 38 – supporting the people who need us now and the generations of people who will need us in the future.”