Welcome Back, Paul!

Date: 31st October 2025

This week we were delighted to welcome Paul back to Headway Kent after a four-month recovery journey.

Paul first joined us after surviving a stroke 20 years ago. Sadly, he experienced another stroke earlier this summer and has since been receiving excellent care at QEQM Hospital, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, and Westbrook House for rehabilitation.

Paul’s story highlights not only the outstanding work of our NHS, but also the reality that rehabilitation doesn’t stop at discharge.

At Headway Kent, we continue that journey — supporting people to rebuild their confidence, regain skills, and reconnect with others after brain injury. Our approach combines practical support with compassion and a supportive community, helping each person fulfil their best potential.


Community and Peer Support

Our community groups are at the heart of what we do. They offer a safe, inclusive, and peer-led environment where members can share experiences, learn from one another, and enjoy meaningful social connections. We know that recovery is about more than therapy — it’s about belonging, understanding, and rebuilding a sense of purpose.


Living with Brain Injury Workshops

We also run free Living with Brain Injury” workshops — an 8-week course exploring every aspect of life after a brain injury. Topics include changes to the brain and cognition, fatigue management, relationships, identity, and emotional wellbeing. These sessions are open to anyone affected by brain injury and provide both knowledge and practical tools for day-to-day life.


Hospital Ward Visits

Our staff regularly visit patients on the neuro wards across East Kent, supporting people as they prepare for discharge. We help individuals and families understand what to expect after leaving hospital, offering reassurance and signposting to community services like ours to ensure they don’t feel alone once home.


Carer and Family Support

Brain injury affects the whole family, not just the individual. That’s why we also offer support for carers and loved ones, giving them space to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and access advice tailored to their needs. We recognise the vital role carers play and work alongside them to build resilience and maintain wellbeing.


 

We’re incredibly proud of Paul’s strength and determination, and we’re thrilled to have him back with us. His story is a reminder of what’s possible when hospital care, community rehabilitation, and peer support come together — and why we’re so passionate about continuing that journey at Headway Kent.

 

Find Out More

If you’d like to learn more about our groups, workshops, or support services — whether for yourself, a family member, or someone you support professionally — please get in touch.