Headway Essex

Headway Essex Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Headway Essex, Charitable organisation, The Headway Centre, Woodland Walk, Colchester.

As a charity, our mission is to ensure that everyone in Essex living with an acquired brain injury can live a fulfilling life and that families and carers are better able to cope with their caring roles.

Who needs a therapist when you've got four paws and a cute fluffy tail?Okay, maybe not instead of a therapist, but thera...
17/06/2026

Who needs a therapist when you've got four paws and a cute fluffy tail?

Okay, maybe not instead of a therapist, but therapy animals can make a huge difference to our wellbeing and especially for people living with a brain injury. From reducing anxiety and boosting confidence to providing comfort on tough days, these furry friends have a special way of helping us heal.

What's your favourite animal pick-me-up?

Thank you Jackie from Together Animal Assisted Therapeutic Sessions for bringing along your furry (and not so furry) Friends.

Big shoutout to Marie, Tesco Highwoods Community Champion !Bex popped into Tesco Highwoods, Colchester today to collect ...
17/06/2026

Big shoutout to Marie, Tesco Highwoods Community Champion !

Bex popped into Tesco Highwoods, Colchester today to collect some fantastic raffle prizes for one of our upcoming events.

Marie has been an incredible supporter of our charity and has helped us on several occasions. Tesco's Community Champions do so much to support local charities, schools and community groups, and for smaller organisations like ours, that support really does make a huge difference.

We rely on the kindness and generosity of local businesses and community champions to help us continue the work we do, and we're so grateful for the encouragement and support we've received from Marie and the team at Tesco Highwoods.

Thank you!

15/06/2026

It’s fair to say that Karen and Dave were absolutely buzzing after completing their wing walks!
They’ve kindly shared some footage from the day, and it looks incredible – what an experience!
Not only did they take to the skies, but they’re also raising funds for Headway Essex to help support people living with a brain injury.
If you’d like to show your support and help them reach their fundraising goal, any donation would be hugely appreciated.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/karen-oreilly-wing-walk
https://www.justgiving.com/page/dave-aerobatic-wing-walk
Thank you, Karen and Dave, for taking on this amazing challenge, for your courage, your smiles and for making a difference!
If you would like to take on a wing walk yourself or challenge you can find more details here:
https://www.headwayessex.org.uk/i-want-to-help-2/our-events/

Domestic Abuse AwarenessDid you know that research has found reports of domestic abuse can increase during major nationa...
12/06/2026

Domestic Abuse Awareness

Did you know that research has found reports of domestic abuse can increase during major national football tournaments? One UK study found that incidents reported to police rose by 26% when the England team won or drew, and by 38% when they lost.
While football itself does not cause abuse, major sporting events can coincide with factors such as heightened emotions and increased alcohol consumption, which may contribute to increased risk in some households.

For people living with a brain injury, who may already face challenges with communication, confidence, or dependence on others, recognising unhealthy or controlling behaviours can be even more difficult.

Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported. If you are worried about your own situation, or concerned about someone you know, please remember that support is available. You do not have to face things alone.

If you would like to talk, please call us in confidence. Our team is here to listen, offer support, and help you explore your options in a safe and non-judgemental environment.

You can call us on 01206 845945, email [email protected] or ask to speak to your support worker .

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/getting-help-for-domestic-violence/

Together, we can create safer communities for everyone.

CareConnect – A Supportive Space for CaregiversBeing a caregiver can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging, emoti...
12/06/2026

CareConnect – A Supportive Space for Caregivers

Being a caregiver can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging, emotional and sometimes isolating. CareConnect offers a welcoming space where caregivers can meet others who understand, share experiences, and find support.

Facilitated by Dr Liliane Silva, Lecturer and Clinical Psychologist, the group uses Integrative Community Therapy (ICT) to encourage open conversation, shared learning and mutual support. You're welcome to share your thoughts and experiences, or simply come along and listen. There is no pressure to speak – everyone takes part in the way that feels comfortable for them.

Previous discussions have been around:
Coping with changes in life and identity
Managing caring responsibilities
Looking after your own wellbeing
Healthcare and medication management
Building confidence and practical skills
Dealing with feelings of guilt and stress

Each session begins with a simple check-in, giving everyone the opportunity to share how they're feeling or celebrate something positive. The group then explores a topic that naturally emerges from these conversations.

CareConnect is about supporting one another, sharing experiences and recognising the strengths caregivers already have. Most importantly, it's a reminder that your wellbeing matters too.

Benfleet
Second Thursday of every month
7:00pm – 9:00pm

To find out more, please contact us:
01206 845945
[email protected]

Connect with others, share if you'd like to, listen if you prefer, and feel supported.

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Livewell Southend
CAVS Voluntary Services
NHS Essex
Action For Family Carers
Carers First
Castle Point Borough Council

This Sunday Karen O ‘Reilly is bravely taking to the skies, for a daring wing walk to raise funds for Headway Essex. “It...
11/06/2026

This Sunday Karen O ‘Reilly is bravely taking to the skies, for a daring wing walk to raise funds for Headway Essex.

“It’s possibly the craziest idea I’ve ever had. I’m nervous and excited. I admit I will be glad when it’s over. But I’ve been absolutely blown away by the support I’ve had so far. “ “An acquired brain injury is a terrible thing for all those drawn into its whirlwind, but Headway Essex and all their staff, supporters, carers and clients are inspiring beyond belief. In these difficult and often divisive times, it’s wonderful to spend a bit of time focusing on the good - the strength, commitment, compassion, and caring - there is in the world.”

We wish her the very best of luck as she takes on this incredible challenge!

To sponsor Karen please follow this link to her Just Giving page
https://www.justgiving.com/page/karen-oreilly-wing-walk

A huge thank you to Big Yellow Self Storage in Colchester and Southend! This time of year, we're attending lots of commu...
09/06/2026

A huge thank you to Big Yellow Self Storage in Colchester and Southend!

This time of year, we're attending lots of community events to raise awareness of brain injury and the services Headway provides. That means plenty of transporting and storing bulky equipment such as gazebos, tables, and event materials.

Thanks to the generous support of Big Yellow Self Storage, we have the perfect space to keep everything safe, organised, and ready whenever we need it.

We're also incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from the Big Yellow team. Your kindness and generosity make a real difference and help us keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

We couldn't do what we do without supporters like you. Thank you for helping us continue our work in the community!

Big Yellow Self Storage
Big Yellow Self Storage

On Sunday we have two very brave people taking part in a wing walk for Headway Essex. (Don't worry the will be securely ...
09/06/2026

On Sunday we have two very brave people taking part in a wing walk for Headway Essex. (Don't worry the will be securely strapped onto the plane)

The amazing Dave of Flexfityogadave is doing not one but two wingwalks. The second being a full aerobatic wing walk including barrel rolls!

Send him your your favourite yoga poses, your good luck wishes and most importantly your sponsorship
https://www.justgiving.com/page/dave-aerobatic-wing-walk

Did you catch us on the radio on Friday?A huge thank you to Patrick Sherring Phoenix FM for inviting us to speak and for...
09/06/2026

Did you catch us on the radio on Friday?

A huge thank you to Patrick Sherring Phoenix FM for inviting us to speak and for giving Kev the opportunity to share his story. Kev sustained a traumatic brain injury following a scooter accident. The accident had a profound impact not only on Kev, but also on his family and friends, who stood by his bedside and supported him throughout his recovery.

Thank you to Kev for speaking so openly about his experience. His story highlights the challenges of recovery after brain injury and the importance of support from family and friends. By sharing his experience, Kev hopes to let others know they are not alone on their journey and to offer hope, encouragement, and strength to those facing their own challenges.

If you missed the broadcast you can catch it here.
https://phoenixfm.com/2026/06/05/one-2-three-friday-5-6-26-headway-essex-brain-injury-charity/

We’re looking forward to a jam packed day of family fun at the Benfleet Community Fayre on Sunday. Come together with fr...
05/06/2026

We’re looking forward to a jam packed day of family fun at the Benfleet Community Fayre on Sunday.

Come together with friends, family, and neighbours to celebrate our vibrant community! A fantastic day out for all ages — don’t miss it!

Benfleet Community Fayre
Sunday 7th June 2026
12pm – 3pm

We are really grateful to be chosen alongside and as one of this year’s charities.
This is amazing and will help towards the work we do at the Headway Centre in Benfleet where we support people whose lives have been impacted by a brain injury.

Address

The Headway Centre, Woodland Walk
Colchester
CO46DH

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

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