Headway Essex

Headway Essex Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Headway Essex, The Headway Centre, Woodland Walk, Colchester.

As a charity, our mission is to ensure that everyone in Essex living with an acquired brain injury can live a fulfilling life and that families and carers are better able to cope with their caring roles.

Dive into 2026 Swim Serpentine this September.Whether you’re a first-time open water swimmer or a seasoned pro, this ico...
29/05/2026

Dive into 2026 Swim Serpentine this September.

Whether you’re a first-time open water swimmer or a seasoned pro, this iconic swim has something for everyone.

We still have charity spaces available! Join Team Headway Essex and take on this amazing open water challenge while raising vital funds to support people affected by brain injury.

Every stroke you swim will help change lives.

Sign up today and make your swim count!

https://www.headwayessex.org.uk/headway-events/swim-serpentine-2026/
or

What a beautiful sunny week it’s been! At our centre in Colchester, we’ve been making the most of our outdoor space and ...
29/05/2026

What a beautiful sunny week it’s been!

At our centre in Colchester, we’ve been making the most of our outdoor space and enjoying plenty of fresh air and fun activities together.

On Tuesday, we had a great action-packed archery session with our friends Alex and Dave from Flexfit Yoga. Pretty much everyone had a go, amid lots of laughter, and even a few impressive shots too.

We took so many brilliant photos, but here are a couple of our favourites

A huge thank you to everyone who joined in, and a special shoutout to Flexfityogadave for his patience, encouragement, and expert coaching throughout the session.

Celebrating an incredible achievement!During our recent BIG Week of fundraising, five of our amazing service users went ...
28/05/2026

Celebrating an incredible achievement!

During our recent BIG Week of fundraising, five of our amazing service users went above and beyond to support Headway Essex. Their determination, positivity and effort in support of the week were truly inspiring, and we wanted to recognise their achievements with special medals.

Three of the medals have been presented, with the remaining two to follow soon, but we couldn’t wait to celebrate them all!

Congratulations to Tonia, Jonathan and Kevin!

Each person overcame significant personal challenges to complete their fundraising efforts. Tonia knitted for over an hour every day for a month and held a knitting sale, Kevin walked 120km in a month, and Jonathan — who has sight loss following his brain injury — ran a 5K race.
Every single one of them should feel incredibly proud of what they achieved.

Thank you for helping raise awareness and support for people living with brain injury across Essex. You are all superstars to us.

With grateful thanks to Andrew at Anglia Trophy for kindly donating the medals.

Headway Essex Trustee Glen Hickman is riding the length of Britain from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money and a...
28/05/2026

Headway Essex Trustee Glen Hickman is riding the length of Britain from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money and awareness for Headway and Air Ambulance UK. A ride of over 1,600kms!

He is almost there now and has reflected on his ride and what has brought him to this point.

“When I think about my journey of five years (and one month), it’s quite sobering: I was found in a coma, at the side of a road, not in a very good way. And here I am, cycling to raise money and awareness. I am seeing and experiencing some great things (mainly the rain) but it shows “scars show us where we’ve been, not were we are going”.

Glen is a great inspiration, and we are beyond proud of him and all that he has achieved.

If you would like to support Glen’s journey and help raise funds for Headway Essex, please donate and share this post.

To sponsor Glen please follow this link to his Just Giving page
https://www.justgiving.com/page/glenhickman-lejog-hwessex

STALLHOLDERS WANTED! We’re on the lookout for vintage stallholders, car jumble and automobilia traders, plus fantastic f...
27/05/2026

STALLHOLDERS WANTED!

We’re on the lookout for vintage stallholders, car jumble and automobilia traders, plus fantastic food vendors for our flagship charity event — the Headway Essex Classic Vehicle & Vintage Show!

Sunday 20 September 2026
Colchester Castle Park

Set in the stunning grounds of Colchester Castle Park the Headway Essex Classic Vehicle and Vintage Show is in its eleventh year and attracts hundreds of vehicle exhibitors, enthusiasts and several thousands visitors each year. This promises to be a fantastic day with a great turnout expected.

If you’d like to secure a spot at this lively event, drop us a message today — spaces are limited and filling up fast!

Email [email protected]

Let’s make this an unforgettable day for vehicle enthusiasts, families, and day-trippers, all while supporting Headway Essex .

Headway Essex supports adults living in Essex whose lives have been greatly impacted by a brain injury.

https://www.headwayessex.org.uk/headway-events/headway-essex-classic-vehicle-and-vintage-show-2026/

What a day! This Saturday we joined the Colchester Castle parkrun to help raise awareness of brain injury, and it turned...
26/05/2026

What a day!

This Saturday we joined the Colchester Castle parkrun to help raise awareness of brain injury, and it turned out to be such an amazing morning!

It was so lovely to see so many of the Headway Essex family there, including staff, volunteers, service users, supporters, and friends. Some people travelled a long way to join us. Seeing everyone together in their Headway T-shirts was so special.

We’d like to say a huge thank you to Stewart for giving us this fantastic opportunity, and to the wonderful Boxted Runners who volunteered on the day too. You were all amazing!

And to the Parkrun community - what a friendly, positive, and welcoming bunch you are! We loved meeting you, and you made us feel right at home. We hope our cheers from the sideline helped make your hot, hilly run a little easier.

Thank you all for helping make it such a memorable morning and for supporting awareness of brain injury. We loved every minute of it!

During ABI Week, we’re helping raise awareness of how much life can change after an acquired brain injury. Recent figure...
23/05/2026

During ABI Week, we’re helping raise awareness of how much life can change after an acquired brain injury. Recent figures show that nearly 90% of people feel lonelier after their injury, which highlights just how important understanding and support can be.

Living with a brain injury can affect people in many different ways. Fatigue, anxiety, memory difficulties, changes in social awareness, and communication challenges such as aphasia can make everyday conversations and social situations harder to navigate. The impact is often felt not only by the individual, but also by families, carers, and close relationships.

With the right support, people can rebuild confidence, independence, and connection with everyday life. Recovery is about much more than physical rehabilitation, it’s also about helping people regain routine, purpose, and meaningful relationships.

Support can include help with communication, memory, concentration, and everyday living skills, alongside personalised goals that help develop coping strategies, manage daily routines, and build independence over time.

Social connection also plays an important role in recovery. Peer support groups, activities, and workshops can help reduce isolation, create a sense of belonging, and give people the opportunity to reconnect with others who understand their experiences.
No one should feel they have to face the impact of a brain injury alone.

If you or someone you know is affected by ABI, reaching out to a local support network can make a real difference. Community support is often one of the most valuable parts of recovery.

To contact us please call 01206 845945 or email [email protected]

22/05/2026

As part of ABI week, we’ll be at the Colchester Castle Park parkrun on Saturday 23rd May raising awareness of brain injury.

ABI Week runs from 18–24 May and is an important opportunity to raise awareness of acquired brain injury (ABI) — the challenges it can bring, and the importance of understanding, compassion and support for those affected.

We’d love as many people as possible to come along and join us. Whether you run it, walk it, jog it, or simply stroll it, everyone is welcome.

If you’d prefer not to take part in the course itself, you’re very welcome to come along and cheer from the sidelines instead.

Bring your friends, family, and anyone who wants to be part of something positive and inclusive — every step counts!

Colchester Castle Parkrun
9am, Saturday 23rd May

For anyone who is running/walking as part of the Headway group we are meeting at the bandstand for 08:30, for a quick briefing and a group photo.

We’d love to see you there!

Colchester Castle parkrun

“Don’t Forget About Me” programme for people supporting family or friends with an acquired brain injury.Caring for someo...
20/05/2026

“Don’t Forget About Me” programme for people supporting family or friends with an acquired brain injury.

Caring for someone with an acquired brain injury can change so much, and many people suddenly find themselves supporting a loved one without really knowing what to expect or where to turn for support.

Our Don’t Forget About Me programme was created to give carers, family members and friends a space to feel supported, informed and connected.

These relaxed weekly sessions are a chance to:
- Hear from experienced guest speakers
- Pick up helpful advice and information
- Meet others who understand what you’re going through
- Share experiences in a welcoming and supportive environment
- Take some time for you

One previous attendee said:
“I struggled for months - alone - trying to support my husband. Headway was the first to ask ‘how I was’. I was encouraged to attend a group session and this course. I have met some incredible people and learnt so much. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that I am not alone.”

Benfleet
Fridays from 12th June – 10th July
10am – 1pm

If you think this programme could help you or someone you know, please get in touch — we’d love to hear from you.
T: 01206 845945
E: [email protected]

These sessions are free and kindly are funded by a grant from Essex County Council.

Livewell Southend
Kool Carers
CAVS Voluntary Services
Rainbow Services (Harlow)
Harlow Council
Essex Carers Support

Address

The Headway Centre, Woodland Walk
Colchester
CO46DH

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Headway Essex posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share