Our People

Joy Ward - Funding Strategy & Retail Support Manager

I first became involved with Headway following my son’s accident. The information, advice and support given was remarkable, Headway has helped my son to come to terms with his disability and has provided him with strategies that have enabled him to live with the long term effects of brain injury.

In 2005 I was able to take a sabbatical from my career as an HR professional which enabled me to assist Headway by raising awareness and funds. Through the support of my colleagues, friends, family, grant makers and the local community, we raised almost a million pounds towards the development of our new building and service.

On returning to my previous job I found I couldn't settle and knew that I wanted to continue to assist Headway in raising funds to support the service it provides.

You will find lots of information and ideas on fundraising initiatives here on this website however I would love to hear from you if you are considering undertaking a personal challenge to raise funds for us or if you wish to discuss any other aspect of raising funds in order to support the services we provide.

I would really like to showcase fundraising challenges on our website, so if you, your colleagues, friends or family are thinking of doing something new, exhilarating or just plain daft for Headway don’t forget to let me know!

Sue Bowler – Chairperson

My links with Headway Portsmouth & South East Hampshire began through my professional connections. I am a partner at regional law firm Coffin Mew LLP. For a number of years I was Head of the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Department and I then lead the whole Private Client group of teams within the firm before taking a break for maternity leave.

I specialize in dealing with cases for clients who have suffered serious brain injury as a result of either an accident or medical negligence and this work brought me into contact with Headway. I quickly realized the enormous value that the support of Headway brings to those who have suffered such injuries, their families and carers.

A great deal of my work for my clients involves coordinating and monitoring rehabilitation and care packages, including working with specialist case managers. This work has also involved many of my colleagues who have assisted my clients with matters such as wills, probate, moving house, family break-up, employment disputes and Court of Protection Deputyship. I act as professional Deputy for all of Coffin Mew’s Court of Protection clients.

My professional experience has therefore given me a wide understanding of the issues faced by those who have suffered brain injuries and their families. This has helped me in my role as a Director of Headway, a position which I have held since 2005, apart from a break of 18 months when my daughter was born. My leadership responsibilities in my “day job” have helped with my role as Chair and similarly my work with Headway has added to my professional skills.

Dr Warren Dunger – Trustee

I am a Clinical Neuropsychologist working in an NHS neurorehabilitation service.In this role, I support people to adjust to the changes that can come with an acquired brain injury. This might include changes to thinking skills (e.g. memory),emotions (e.g. anxiety), and behaviour (e.g. difficulty managing what we say or do). Neuropsychologists use knowledge about how the brain works to understand why something may go wrong and consider what might help in day-to-day life.

I first became involved with Headway Portsmouth & SE Hants when I was working at a local hospital. It was wonderful to see the support Headway offered to patients and their loved ones during such a difficult time. I would often signpost or refer people to Headway to support their ongoing recovery outside of hospital. I was delighted when I was asked if I would be interested in being a Trustee for the charity and have been in this role since 2018.

Outside of my NHS role, I work at a University and teach psychologists to understand brain injury and how to support people who might be struggling with this. We also undertake research to explore how to improve the lives of people affected by a brain injury or other neurological conditions.

Although everyone’s experience of brain injury is unique, so much can be helped by sharing these experiences with others. Headway Portsmouth & SE Hants is a great place to do this!