Every month, Headway Bristol opens its doors to provide a space for survivors of brain injury, their carers and families to share experiences, connect and receive support. The focus is on offering emotional support, practical knowledge and respite to help navigate life after acquired brain injury (ABI). We caught up with Leanne, the Hospital & Community Navigator at Headway Bristol, to hear what she had to say about the group.
“I’ve supported people with acquired brain injuries across various settings since age 18. I started at Headway Bristol in 2018 and spent three years as a Support Worker before my current role. I’m empathetic, experienced and passionate about helping people.”
Headway Bristol: Thanks so much for chatting to us about the Care and Connect Group, Leanne. So, what’s the group actually like? What happens?
Leanne: My pleasure! Think of it as a friendly, informal get-together. It’s a supportive environment where you can grab a drink, have a proper chat and connect with others who truly understand what you’re going through. It’s designed as a relaxed social space to share experiences, gain peer strength, take time out for yourself and learn coping skills.
HW: Who comes to the sessions? Do I need a referral to join?
L: No referral needed. The group is completely open to anyone affected by an acquired brain injury (ABI). There tends to be a mixture of ABI survivors and their carers and families, plus a few staff and volunteers from Headway Bristol. Often we have around 10 or 15 coming across the evening, so plenty of people to chat and catch up with, but not overwhelming!
HB: How much is a session?
L: Completely free.
HB: Can you go as as one-off?
L: You can come as much or as little as you like. Dip in and out of the service as your personal needs, schedules or energy levels change
HB: I imagine some people might be a bit nervous the first time they come?
L: Don’t worry, we’ll make you feel right at home! There’s always a session lead from Headway Bristol, usually me, to settle you in with a cuppa. If we have new faces, we’ll do a quick introduction so everyone knows who’s who.
HB: Is there a structure or agenda?
L: Nothing formal like that. People arrive as an when they can, and after introductions we just check in to see if anyone has anything on their mind they’d like to talk about. We talk about everything and anything, not just brain injury.
HB: If people need a private chat, is there space for that?
L: Absolutely. If you ever feel like you need to speak privately, you can always step aside with our session lead for a one-to-one conversation. Although it’s designed to be a group event, it serves as a gateway to request one-to-one carer advice, hospital navigator services, or legal and financial signposting from the Headway Carers Team.
HB: Do you need to book in advance?
L: Nope, but if you are planning to attend, it helps to let us know. That way we can plan ahead to make sure everyone who does attend is fully supported. For more information, or to be added to our contact list, email [email protected]. If you then can’t make it, we’ll miss you but don’t worry! Just let us know as soon as you can.
HB: When and where does it happen?
L: You can join us on the second Tuesday of the month, 7pm–9pm at the Wellspring Settlement (in the same building as the Wellspring Surgery). This is at Beam Street, Barton Hill, Bristol, BS5 9QY. (We’ll shortly be moving to a new site in Kingswood, so that’s another reason to be in touch before you come.)
HB: Is there parking? And toilets?
L: Yes there’s parking, even blue badge parking, and toilets with grab bars. And did I mention the tea and biscuits as well!?