New Headway Resource Centre Officially Unveiled

South West law firm Irwin Mitchell has teamed up with Headway Bristol - the Brain Injury Association to sponsor a new resource centre which the charity hopes will be a ‘one stop shop’ for people across the region who are affected by head injuries.

The official opening of the Resource Centre on Monday 9th May coincides with the charity’s annual Action for Brain Injury (ABI) Week (9-15 May.)

Speaking about the firm’s link with Headway, Jonathan Peacock, Regional Managing Partner at Irwin Mitchell’s Bristol office, which specialises in helping people with serious head injuries, says: “From our work with clients with head injuries we know that survivors and their families have many questions about brain injury itself and they need to be aware of all the help, information and support available.

Headway Bristol clients will now be able to access the best available published information in comfortable surroundings.

“The importance of the work done by Headway in supporting clients and their families cannot be over-estimated and we’re delighted to be working in partnership with the charity to set up and maintain this valuable centre.“

Also attending the official opening of the Headway Bristol Resource Centre will be local dignitaries, Cllr Janet Biggin, Chair of South Gloucestershire Council and Cllr Peter Edwards, Vice Chair of Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Kate Croucher, Chief Executive of Headway Bristol, commented: “The centre has for many years provided a much needed service for local people who are affected by head injuries as well as their families and carers.

“Trying to find reliable and objective information can often be bewildering for people suddenly faced with a life changing head injury and we wanted to provide a ‘one stop shop’ for our clients. The resource centre will not only provide a wide range of reference books and leaflets on head injuries but will also provide information about the many organisations out there who can provide much needed help and practical support. We also have a range of DVDs and audio books for our clients and even relaxation CDs.

“Service users who have had a sneak preview of the Resource Centre have told us they find it a relaxed, friendly and welcoming space. They are delighted with the range of books and information available and we believe it will play an important role in the service we provide in the future.”

Note to Editors:

ABI Week is a chance to celebrate the vital work of Headway's groups and branches across the UK, while at the same time raising awareness of brain injury and its devastating effects.

Headway Bristol is a local charity with over 20 years experience of providing support, service and information to brain injury survivors, their families and carers, as well as to professionals in the health and legal fields. It serves those with brain injuries across Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North and N East Somerset.

Key facts:
- Each year around 1.4 million people attend Hospital A&E in the UK following a head injury
- It is estimated that across the UK there are well over 500,000 people of working age living with permanent disabilities as a\ result of a head injury.
- The major causes of head injury are road traffic accidents, assaults and falls, accidents at home work or playing sports
- According to Headway, 76% of people with brain injuries in the UK think of it as an invisible disability and 48% find it hard to tell others about their brain injury.