THIS week, we’re shouting about a charity that helps people who have suffered brain injuries re-learn key skills and regain their independence.

Headway Swindon supports around 30 brain injury survivors by offering free cognitive rehabilitation therapy sessions every weekday in its Dorcan HQ.

Pat Jefferies credits the sessions with boosting his confidence and changing his life for the better after he had car accident in 2016.

He said: “Before my accident I was a happy man, I liked my work as a window cleaner and I was happy at home, fishing and betting on horses – life was great. I would go out with my sons and grandchildren and take them to play in the park, we had a great connection.

“I didn’t know much about my accident and couldn’t do much afterwards but my children helped me out with daily activities and with personal care. I saw photographs of myself after the accident and it scared me.

“When I first started coming to Headway I was like a tortoise in a shell. The staff started to really help me with my confidence. They make me feel better every month and if it wasn’t for Headway I’m sure I would be in a home.

“I can’t put into words how great Headway has been to me. I have come so far since my accident, it’s very hard but I’m doing it.

"My home life is different now since my injury and I don’t have the same connections as I did before with my family but I am working on that. I have changed but I feel myself coming back.

“For anybody that suffers with a brain injury, they should get in touch with Headway as it has been brilliant for me.”

This week is particularly important for the Headway charity as it marks the return of their nationwide Action for Brain Injury campaign which, this year, focuses on fatigue.

Chief executive officer of the Swindon branch Jane Weston said: “People think it’s just getting tired but it’s on a whole different level, it’s devastating. We help people repair connections in their brain and make new ones. It can be hard work but it’s very rewarding, it takes pressure off their families and improves their relationships.”

According to a national survey, 70 per cent of brain injury survivors think that fatigue is the most debilitating effect of their injury, three in four survivors feel that people do not understand their fatigue, and four in five feel that their life would be improved if people did.

Tomorrow, members will don silly hats and be joined by Wyvern Theatre actors in Alice in Wonderland-themed costumes to mark the end of this year’s campaign with Hats for Headway.

Call 01793 674820 or visit headwayswindon.org.uk for more information.

Is there something in Swindon that you want to shout about? Call 01793 501734 or email daniel.angelini@newsquest.co.uk