Supporting Brain Injury Survivors at Kent & Canterbury Hospital

After a busy summer where our small team took some much-needed breaks, we are back supporting patients on the Neuro Ward at Kent & Canterbury Hospital.

Every fortnight, our Service Coordinator visits the ward to meet with patients and healthcare staff. We provide information packs about brain injury, explain our services, and offer guidance for those starting to rebuild their lives after an acquired brain injury (ABI).

Life After Brain Injury – The Hidden Challenges

Brain injury is often called the “hidden disability” because its effects are not always visible. After discharge, many survivors experience significant challenges, such as:

• Changes in Cognitive Skills: difficulties with memory, attention, problem-solving, fatigue, or communication.

• Emotional Changes: anxiety, depression, mood swings, or frustration that can impact confidence and independence.

• Relationship Changes: strain on family, friendships, and work relationships as everyone adjusts to the “new normal.”

These changes can leave survivors feeling isolated, confused, and unsure where to turn for support once they leave hospital.

How We Fill the Gap After Discharge

Our service is here to make sure no one faces life after brain injury alone. We offer:

• Living with Brain Injury Courses – free, 8-week educational workshops designed to help survivors and their families understand brain injury, develop coping strategies, and connect with others in similar situations.

• Headway Brain Injury ID Card – a tool that helps survivors explain their condition in public and access understanding and appropriate support.

• Peer Support & Cognitive Support Groups – safe, welcoming spaces to share experiences, rebuild confidence, and receive expert guidance on practical challenges.

By meeting patients early – during their hospital stay – and staying connected after discharge, we help bridge the gap between acute medical care and long-term community support.

Get in Touch

If you or someone you love is living with the effects of brain injury, we are here to help.

📩 Contact us today to find out more about our free workshops, subsidised peer support groups, and cognitive rehabilitation support. Together, we can navigate life after brain injury.