Headway Guernsey has been seeing demand for its services growing steadily, with up to 50 people attending sessions weekly.
The charity has said community support is vital in its work to help people with brain injuries rebuild their lives.
As well as the 40-50 people who attend Headway Guernsey sessions weekly, up to 100 are supported by the charity, it said.
That includes adults with acquired brain injuries, including strokes, traumatic injuries, post-concussion syndrome, infections and brain tumours.
Philippa Stahelin, Chief Executive of Headway Guernsey, said as a charity, it depends on consistent community backing to sustain its services and respond to demand, including a growing number of younger stroke survivors.
“We don’t have a waiting list. If somebody gives us a call and says they want an assessment, we’ll have an assessment within 10 days.
“We rely entirely on the generosity of the local community and local businesses. We will always provide a place for someone to know that they’re not alone and that they are understood.”
Headway’s work has benefited from the support of the Sure Community Foundation, said Ms Stahelin.
In 2025, the Foundation contributed £2,616 to Headway Guernsey, as part of more than £44,000 it donated to charities across Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man.
Beyond financial support, the Foundation works with charities throughout the year, providing backing through fundraising initiatives, events and wider engagement to help organisations continue delivering essential services in their communities, said Emmily Rowlinson, Sure Community Foundation spokesperson.
“We are proud to support Headway Guernsey – local charities provide the continuity of care hospitals cannot always deliver, and our funding helps islanders access vital services close to home when they need them most.”
Headway runs a range of community initiatives, from gym buddy schemes and supported outings to group activities that help people reconnect with everyday life and, where possible, return to work.
For Karen Gibbs, that support has been an important part of rebuilding her life following a brain aneurysm and stroke more than a decade ago.
Her recovery involved relearning everyday tasks while adapting to the longer-term effects of brain injury, including fatigue, memory challenges and emotional changes.
“You don’t realise how much your brain controls until something like that happens,” said Ms Gibbs.
“I had to relearn how to do simple things and cope with constant fatigue. Being around people who understand makes such a difference – it’s a safe place where I could start to rebuild.”
Headway provides a range of services designed to support people at different stages of recovery, including cognitive rehabilitation programmes, social sessions, community activities and practical support to help rebuild confidence and independence.
The charity works closely with healthcare professionals to ensure individuals are supported as they transition out of hospital, and aims to assess new referrals within days, operating without a waiting list.
For more information about Headway Guernsey, visit its website.
To find out more about the Sure Community Foundation or how to get involved, visit Sure Community Foundation or contact Sure Community Foundation at communityfoundation@sure.com.
Headway also runs fundraising events, including its popular annual ‘Hats for Headway’ day, which is this coming Friday.
