“Headway made my invisible disability visible – to me, to my family, and to others, and helped me stop looking back at what I lost, and start looking forward to what I can still achieve.” – Jason
On this week’s Disability Matters on 92.5 Phoenix FM, we welcomed Ruth Lunnon from Headway Ireland and Jason, who lives with an acquired brain injury. Together, they offered powerful insights into the reality of brain injury in Ireland – from the history of Headway to the daily challenges and triumphs of recovery.
Headway Ireland: 40 Years of Support
Founded in 1985 by survivors of brain injury, their families, and supportive professionals, Headway Ireland has grown from a small peer support group into a national service provider. Today, Headway supports thousands of people each year through counselling, psychology, rehabilitative training, peer groups, and community-based programmes.
Ruth explained that around 100,000 people in Ireland live with the effects of acquired brain injury (ABI), which can result from strokes, traumatic injuries, surgery, or serious illness. While some people make a full recovery, many are left with lasting disabilities affecting memory, concentration, speech, mood, or mobility.
“There’s a huge adjustment when a brain injury happens,” Ruth noted. “It doesn’t just affect the person themselves – it impacts the whole family.”
Services and Supports
Headway offers a wide range of supports, tailored to meet people at different stages of their recovery. Their Information and Support Team is often the first point of contact. People can call the freephone helpline, email, or use the live chat on Headway’s website to speak directly with a trained team member. These services are available not only for people with a brain injury but also for family members and professionals seeking advice.
Once someone is ready to access more structured support, Headway provides:
- Psychology and Counselling – offering space to process the emotional and psychological impact of brain injury, from anxiety and mood changes to adjusting to a “new normal.”
- Rehabilitative Training – helping people regain skills, rebuild confidence, and prepare for returning to work, education, or community life.
- Peer Support Groups – giving people the chance to connect with others who share similar experiences, reducing isolation and creating a sense of belonging.
- Day Services – for those who may need a higher level of ongoing support in a structured environment.
- One-to-One Community Services – supporting people to set and achieve personal goals, such as getting back into hobbies, fitness, volunteering, or local courses.
Crucially, Headway also recognises the impact brain injury has on loved ones. They provide family support groups, counselling, and practical advice to spouses, parents, and children. Ruth emphasised:
“We recognise that brain injury happens to the whole family. Supporting relatives is just as vital as supporting the individual.”
Because of high demand, some of the more intensive services, such as counselling or day programmes, may involve waiting lists. Ruth noted that this can be frustrating for families, but highlighted that Headway never leaves people without support in the meantime. The helpline, information resources, and online supports are always available immediately, ensuring no one feels abandoned while waiting.
Jason’s Story: Life Before and After Brain Injury
Jason, a father of three and a former product manager in IT, shared his personal journey. In February 2021, he sustained a traumatic brain injury that changed his life overnight.
“I had no idea what a brain injury meant,” Jason recalled. “At first I thought I’d just bounce back, like with a broken leg. But the reality hit me later – the fatigue, memory issues, executive dysfunction. It was a huge adjustment.”
Initially, Jason tried to return to work too soon, but quickly realised he needed more support. That’s when Headway became central to his recovery. “They gave me information, therapy, and compassion-focused support. They also involved my wife, which was so important. Headway made my invisible disability visible – to me, to my family, and to others.”
Moving Forward
Today, Jason continues to adapt. While he knows he cannot return to his former career, he is focused on what he can do and values the support he’s received. “Headway has been a guiding hand,” he said. “They promote independence but are there as a safety net. I feel lucky – I’m still learning, and I’d encourage anyone to lean into the supports available.”
Looking Ahead
Ruth emphasised that more rehabilitation services are needed in Ireland, but positive steps are happening with the Neurorehabilitation Strategy expanding community services. For anyone affected by ABI – whether personally or as a family member – her advice is simple: get in touch.
📞 Freephone: 1800 400 478
📧 Email: info@headway.ie
💻 Live chat and resources: www.headway.ie
“Even if your brain injury happened years ago, or if you’re just looking for information for a friend or family member,” Ruth said, “we’re here to help.”
Disability Matters airs every Thursday at 4PM on Phoenix 92.5FM, with repeats on Monday at 3PM and Tuesday at 7AM & 3PM. Podcast available after each show on Mixcloud and on bcil.ie/radio.