Welcome to Headway Plymouth
Oliver Colvile
In Memorium
Oliver Newton Colvile, aged 66 years, died peacefully on 21st October 2025 after a long illness. Funeral Service 12 noon on 4th December 2025 at St Peter’s Church, Alvescot, OX18 2PT.
Who are we?
Headway Plymouth is an independent, non-profit charity with over 35 years of experience in supporting individuals, families and carers affected by acquired brain injury (and the professionals who work with them).
Our mission is to help survivors regain independence and improve their quality of life through specialist social and cognitive rehabilitation and re-enablement.
We provide tailored support for adults with brain injuries, as well as respite and guidance for their families and carers. Our services include centre-based rehabilitation, group programmes and one-to-one outreach support – all designed to promote independence, self-esteem and overall well-being.
and professionals
Read the latest Headway Headlines
- We are a Warm and Welcome Space!
We are now funded by the UK Government (via Plymouth City Council) to be a Welcome Space from 1st November 2025 to 31st March 2026. That means that we have extended opening times for our clients and their families to come to our warm centre to save on their winter fuel costs. We offer a … Continued - Letters from Louise – October 2025
The lastest from our client, Louise, with her monthly update on how she has enjoyed her time at Headway Plymouth across October! 2nd October – Women’s Group I didn’t think I’d be able to make it to the group today, but I managed to get up and out in time to get the bus in … Continued - New NICE ABI Rehabilitation Guidelines Published Today
NICE Recognises Case Management in New National Guidance on Neuro-rehabilitation. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has today published its long-awaited guidance on Rehabilitation for Chronic Neurological Disorders Including Acquired Brain Injury — a major milestone for the field of neurorehabilitation and for the case management profession. A key recommendation within the new guidance … Continued
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Don’t miss your chance to join our final Headway training sessions of the year. Whether you’re supporting someone with a brain injury or looking to expand your professional knowledge, these sessions offer valuable insight, tools, and understanding.
🗓️ Upcoming dates:
Understanding behaviours that challenge – 12 Nov
Understanding brain injury – 21 Nov & 11 Dec
Navigating life after brain injury – 8 Dec
Brain injury solicitors training – 5 Dec
An introduction to brain injury – 15 Dec
Understanding MY brain injury – Christmas special – 17 Dec 🎄
👉 Book now via our website: buff.ly/Yqz82sm
The last day of National Trustees week and the last (but by no means the least) of Headway Plymouth’s five trustees is Karen Walker.
Karen has been a trustee for over ten years and has in recent years been the Charity’s Treasurer - keeping a close eye on our finances.
She’s also doing her bit to fundraise for the charity by running the 2026 TCS London Marathon. As you can see from her photo, Karen, is a seasoned runner - and is looking forward to taking part in her first mass participation road marathon.
To donate to Karen’s fundraising effort head to:
2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/karen-walker
Karen is a Litigation Assistant in the personal injury claims department at Wolferstans, with over 20 years of experience specialising in personal injury claims.
Karen is known for her compassionate and client-focused approach. She works closely with those she represents to ensure they receive the support they need and to secure the best possible outcome in every case.
Thank you, Karen, for your years of dedication and good luck with you winter training. Everyone at Headway is right behind you (about 26.2 miles behind you). ❤️
wolferstans.com/
Day four of National Trustee Week. Trustee #4 at Headway Plymouth is Anita Pascoe who has been a trustee for just over a year - jumping literally on board, at the same time as Allice.
Anita is the vital clinical lead on our board of trustees offering insight and guidance around clinical policy, practice and procedure and providing valuable professional supervision for our hospital liaison lead, Naomi.
Anita qualified as an occupational therapist in 1997 and has specialised in the field of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) since 2000, working both in residential rehab and in the community at a senior level. She began working as a case manager with Westcountry Case Management in 2004.
She undertakes a variety of activities to support case managers in their clinical practice, including induction training, facilitating peer support meetings, updating on current changes to legislation and practice, mentoring case managers, and working with the company director to provide clinical guidance and undertake quality assurance.
Thank you, Anita, for the valuable time you give and the wonderful contribution you make to the charity❤️.
www.westcountrycasemanagement.com/
A terrific day at the centre yesterday. Busy busy busy with a Guy Fawkes themed Food Is Fun CIC led session with clients choosing our menu and preparing (from scratch) home made apple chutney sausage rolls, seasonal slaw and bonfire apple and cinnamon muffins.
None of this is possible without the incredible support of our wonderful collaborators and funders:
Plymouth City Council
NHS Devon
The National Lottery Community Fund
The Claire Milne Trust
FareShare South West
We even had a special visit from BBC Devon - but more of that next week - 🤞
Day three of National Trustee week and our third trustee is Hilary Dicks who has been a trustee at Headway Plymouth for over two years.
After a career in banking, Hilary joined to UK Headway network as CEO of Headway Somerset. Her skills in the charity and case management sector led her to form Creative Case Solutions where she supported brain injury survivors and charities through her consultancy work.
More recently Hilary has taken well deserved retirement to support her family and grandchildren - but, after five years of supporting Headway Plymouth in her consultancy role, she now devotes her time to us as a vital trustee with a wealth of expertise around commissioning, policy and charity governance.
A more caring and devoted trustee, you would struggle to find.
Thanks Hilary. You are an invaluable part of Headway Plymouth. ❤️