Headway in Northern Ireland

16/03/2026

Update on Headway UK services in Northern Ireland

We want to update our community about some important changes to Headway services across Northern Ireland.

Headway UK is no longer directly delivering face to face services in Northern Ireland, however, you can still access brain injury support in the following ways:

Headway UK Support still available

Although Headway NI services have changed, Headway UK continues to support brain injury survivors, families, and carers in Northern Ireland through:

🟦 Nurse-led helpline – free, confidential support and information 0808 800 2244

🟦 Emergency Fund – financial assistance in times of crisis

🟦 Brain Injury Identity Card – helping people with a brain injury feel understood and supported in the community

Find out more at: www.headway.org.uk

Local volunteer-led support: Headway Ballymena

We’re pleased to share that Headway Ballymena—a volunteer‑led branch—remains active and continues to offer local support within its community.

Call 028 2565 1521 to speak to Frances for more information.

The Cedar Foundation now delivers the social support groups previously delivered by Headway NI.

Their programme is called ABI Choices.
If you or someone you support is looking for local social support, please contact Cedar directly:

📞 028 3026 3791
📧 [email protected]
🌐 Cedar Foundation Disability Charity NI
🌐 ABI Choices – Social Support Programme

Thank You

We recognise that change can be difficult, and we are committed to making sure people affected by brain injury in Northern Ireland know where they can turn for support.

Please feel free to share this post so others can stay informed.

26/08/2025

A fun cycle for Headway Foyle!

Members of the Headway Foyle group enjoyed a long-anticipated cycling session last Thursday at the centre’s accessible bike facility. Having been postponed on two previous occasions, the third attempt proved successful, with excellent weather providing ideal conditions.

Participants arrived early and eager to take part, and were assisted by Sean Harkin, who ensured the session was both safe and enjoyable. The group had access to a wide range of adaptive cycles, including tricycles, hand-pedal bikes and side-by-side tandems, allowing everyone to find a style that suited their needs.

A particular highlight of the day was the participation of Jenny, who, until recently, had been unable to find a cycling helmet to fit due to her condition. After an extensive search, an adjustable helmet was sourced, enabling her to cycle independently for the first time. Her enthusiasm and enjoyment set the tone for the entire group.

30/06/2025

Today we say goodbye to 2 of our team - Tina and Melanie. We wish them all the best for their futures and thank them for the contributions they made to Headway, both here and across the UK👏

13/06/2025

Our banner, from all our groups across NI,made up of small pieces of art on what makes a Good Day, was so well received during Action for Brain Injury week.
If you want help to have more good days than bad, maybe having a chat with our staff on Headway's confidential helpline might be a good beginning.
Just call 0808 800 2244

11/06/2025

This week is Carers Week
Carers don't forget to look after yourself too.
Like they say on a flight safety briefing -put on your own oxygen mask before helping others.
There is help in your local Trusts.

• Carers’ Information (Belfast Trust)
Carers Co-ordinator
Telephone 028 9504 2126
Email: [email protected]

• Carers’ Information (Northern Trust)
Carers Co-ordinator
Equality Unit, Route Complex, 8e Coleraine Road, Ballymoney, BT53 6BP
Telephone: 028 2766 1210
Email: [email protected]

• Carers’ Information (South Eastern Trust)
Carer Support Service
Ballynahinch Community Services 45-47 Main Street BT24 8DN
Telephone: 028 4372 1807

Email: [email protected]
• Carers’ Information (Southern Trust)
Carer Support Service
Tel: 028 3083 4252
Email: [email protected]

• Carers’ Information (Western Trust)
Carer Support Coordinator – Cathy Magowan
2 Coleshill Road, Enniskillen Co. Fermanagh BT74 7HG
Telephone: 028 66344163
Email: [email protected]

• Carers’ Information (Belfast Trust)
Carers Co-ordinator
Telephone 028 9504 2126
Email: [email protected]

• Carers’ Information (Northern Trust)
Carers Co-ordinator
Equality Unit, Route Complex, 8e Coleraine Road, Ballymoney, BT53 6BP
Telephone: 028 2766 1210
Email: [email protected]

• Carers’ Information (South Eastern Trust)
Carer Support Service
Ballynahinch Community Services 45-47 Main Street BT24 8DN
Telephone: 028 4372 1807

Email: [email protected]
• Carers’ Information (Southern Trust)
Carer Support Service
Tel: 028 3083 4252
Email: [email protected]

• Carers’ Information (Western Trust)
Carer Support Coordinator – Cathy Magowan
2 Coleshill Road, Enniskillen Co. Fermanagh BT74 7HG
Telephone: 028 66344163
Email: [email protected]

09/06/2025

Headway Ballymena, Newtownabbey, and Larne gathered at the Larne Leisure Centre for an exciting and spirited Boccia tournament.
The competition saw each team take to the court consecutively, with matches filled with tension and excitement. Spectators were kept on the edge of their seats, with moments that brought gasps of suspense followed swiftly by rounds of applause as players showed off their skills and determination.
Larne A team emerged as the clear leaders on the day, displaying impressive teamwork and precision throughout their games. Huge thanks to event referee Martin Longmore (Headway Larne volunteer) for his knowledge and fairness on the day😄

05/06/2025

Voluntary work can be very rewarding and enjoyable. Helping others and doing something productive can be a good way to boost self-confidence and help you back into a working routine. It can also be a good way of trying out things you have never done before and finding out your strengths and weaknesses.

find out how to volunteer here-
https://www.headway.org.uk/about-brain-injury/individuals/brain-injury-and-me/7-tips-for-volunteering-after-brain-injury/

04/06/2025

Headway Ballymena show their appreciation to our volunteer, Jonnie, while Wenda celebrates the outstanding volunteer work of the group.
Headway Ballymena like other Headway groups,have packaged and labelled boxes and boxes of merchandise for Oxfam on a regular basis.
Jonnie, who lives with Arthrogryposis (condition involving multiple joint contractures) ,volunteers at the group every Tuesday morning, before driving to his fulltime job in Belfast, at the University of Atypical.
Volunteer Now .now

03/06/2025

A message from our CEO Luke

Alongside fantastic staff, Headway - the brain injury association is fortunate to have many amazing volunteers across the network, all helping to improve liv...

02/06/2025

Our Magnificant 7- take a bow!
💪

30/05/2025

As we look towards the weekend here is an uplifting story from a brain injury survivor Steve.
His journey like many, was hard. He began to repeat things he was able to do easily and found rewarding
"Walking my dog Bruno twice a day gave me focus, and it also drove me from electric scooter, to a walker then a stick.
Recovery takes time, but with perseverance and support, you can find new passions and a fulfilling future ahead."
Read the full story here-https://www.headway.org.uk/about-brain-injury/individuals/brain-injury-and-me/steve-lightly/