Research

Investigating the impact of brain injury

Headway London is keen to support any research that can help to improve services and support for survivors of brain injury. We receive many requests from researchers looking for study participants and cannot offer to help with all of them.

We feel there is a need for more descriptive studies which record the lived experience of survivors, and that investigate the impact of brain injury services on recovery, mental health, self-esteem, and quality of life.

In particular, we are interested in supporting studies on the following areas:

The economic and social risk factors for acquiring brain injury in London.
The economic and social correlates of disability after brain injury.
The impact of social isolation after brain injury.

Read our Headway London Research Strategy

Priority will also be given to studies that capitalise on the expertise of the survivors – for example, those using self-report measures rather than/in addition to clinical tests and clinician or researcher led measures.

Please note that we have very limited resources and cannot guarantee the availability of meeting space or support with recruitment for research projects.

Correlations and interactions between self-esteem, mental health, inclusion, occupation and disability after brain injury.
The meaning of ‘occupation’, ‘role’ and ‘inclusion’ after brain injury – the development of functional definitions of these in terms of social care services, rehabilitative and vocational services.
The role of creative activity in brain injury rehabilitation.
The factors contributing to ‘resilience’ in recovery from brain injury and how these factors can be maintained and promoted.
The impact of a community /support on factors such as quality of life self-esteem, social isolation and mental health.

Research team

About

Sarah has been involved in Headway London since she was a teenager – as a volunteer, Coordinator, Senior Coordinator, Day Services Manager, Director of Operations and the CE since August 2024.

She loves Headway and is proud to be a part of it.

About

Natalie has worked at Headway Devon for 10 years running day services across the county and providing advocacy for adults with acquired brain injuries.

Why she loves Headway? “Brain injury continues to interest me after a decade of working in this area, I strive to assist individuals and their families to create a new sense of self following such an injury and advocate on their behalf.

About

Willa joined Headway London in 2023 to take up the role of Director of Finance.

She has previously worked as a Finance Director of charities in the educational, refugee and local community sectors for over two decades. Willa also runs her own business as an expert dealer in antique British porcelain.

What she loves about Headway? “We make a real, tangible difference to so many people’s lives. And the incredible creativity, spirit and love of the members – it makes your day, every day.”

About

Kath came to Headway London in October 2019, to take up the newly created job of Fundraising & Business Development Manager. She has worked in fundraising and charities for a very long time, and is looking forward to contributing to Headway’s future successes.

Why she loves Headway? “I feel at home in the Headway community. Everyone strives to do their best, it is very inspiring to work and have fun alongside so many talented and lovely people.”