Shropshire brain injury charity unveils £600,000 wellness centre
The Headway Hub in Shrewsbury has been renovated with help from a £475,122 National Lottery grant
A Shropshire charity supporting people affected by brain injuries has unveiled its newly renovated wellness centre following a £600,000 refurbishment project.
Headway Shropshire welcomed more than 100 guests from local businesses and the wider community to the official reopening of the Headway Hub at Oxon Business Park on October 8.
The project was made possible by a £475,122 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, alongside support from more than 15 local businesses.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner, was guest of honour and officially opened the refurbished building before meeting people who use the charity’s services.
Nia Rossiter, chief executive of Headway Shropshire, said the new centre would give staff more space to help people rebuild their confidence and independence after a brain injury.
“Headway has always been about helping people realise that life after brain injury can still be full of possibility,” she said.
“There is no single timetable for rebuilding a life: this Hub gives our team more room to help people build confidence, friendships and a life that feels like their own again.”
She added that the charity hoped to reach more people who could benefit from its support.
“We would love to reach a day when we no longer hear, ‘I wish I’d known about you sooner’,” she said.
The centre, which spans two floors, has been redesigned to improve accessibility and provide a welcoming environment for people with acquired brain injuries and complex or sensory needs.
Facilities include a large kitchen with wheelchair-accessible workspaces, an arts and music room, an IT suite to support life-skills learning, a social space and a fully accessible Changing Places wet room.
Staff provide a range of activities, including cooking, art and everyday life-skills sessions, alongside physical and social wellbeing support.
The refurbishment is the first full renovation of the charity’s headquarters since it opened in 2002.
Norman Harris, a co-founder of Headway Shropshire who also uses its services, attended the reopening.
He said the charity had helped bring together people who previously had nowhere to turn for support after a brain injury.
“Headway was an excellent way of bringing people together. It is an essential part of their life. They’re able to look forward to something,” he said.
“Everybody here is happy.”
Ms Rossiter said the refurbishment marked a new chapter for the charity and the people it supports.
“We’ve created a place our clients, families and community can be proud of; somewhere people can connect, feel supported, build friendships and access the opportunities they need to live well after brain injury,” she said.
More than 15 local businesses contributed to the project, including lead contractors Shuker Building & Development and architects Newcombe Farrer Holt Design.
Other businesses involved included John Poole Blinds, Nathan Lewis Removals and Adorn Home Styling, alongside local branches of Forbo and Howdens. Belvidere Lifts, Border Communications, Mobility Supplies and Unicorn Safety also contributed.
Headway Shropshire supports adults aged 18 and over with acquired brain injuries and neurological conditions, as well as their families and carers, across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and surrounding areas.