Headway Norfolk to continue thanks to Suffolk ‘lifeline’

A brain injury charity facing closure this month has been saved after Headway Suffolk agreed to take on its Norfolk services.

Headway Norfolk and Waveney had gone into liquidation and was due to close its seven day centres and outreach support groups in King’s Lynn, Norwich, Dereham, Long Stratton and Great Yarmouth.

The centres will now remain open, with staff jobs secured following the move by Headway Suffolk, which will assume responsibility from 1 December when the Norfolk County Council contract transfers.

As part of the transfer, the service will expand to include people with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and dementia – progressive conditions affecting the nervous system.

Helen Fairweather, chief executive of Headway Suffolk, said: “We understand how important Headway is to people that we wanted to step in and help people in Norfolk.

“I know a lot of people were really concerned and really worried.”

“It’s such a family organisation and people get to know each other and support each other, and it would’ve been devastating if they’d been split up and sent to different day centres, or had no support at all.”

She said she believed the transfer would be “seamless” for service users.

“It shouldn’t have too much impact – it will be the same staff and the same venues,” she told BBC Radio Norfolk.

“[Clients] will still have the high quality service and care they’ve always had.”

Resources including laptops, games, jigsaw puzzles and art and craft materials will not be inherited by Headway Suffolk because the Norfolk group went into liquidation.

The organisation has appealed for public help and started fundraising and grant applications to replace these resources.

Claire Boothby-Barnbrook, who runs Headway Norfolk and Waveney, said its priority had always been securing the best outcome for clients and staff.

“We are grateful to our clients for the outpouring of support that we have received and for their championing of a valuable service,” she added.

“We are confident that, in assuming responsibility for our service provision, Headway Suffolk will strengthen and sustain the Headway service across the region, while continuing to share our deep commitment to brain injury survivors and their families.”

The service has been described as a “lifeline” by those who use it, providing vital support for people adjusting to life after brain injury.