Rehabilitation after Brain Injury

Headway is a charity set up to give help and support to people affected by brain injury. This information sheet is designed to provide you with details of our Cognitive Rehabilitation Programme which we are currently offering. Please note; there is a charge for accessing some of Headway Portsmouth and South East Hampshire’s Services.

What is Cognitive Rehabilitation?

Unlike most other cells in the body, brain cells do not regenerate when they are destroyed. However, this does not mean that no recovery can occur. The brain is somewhat flexible and is able to reorganise itself, to an extent, in order to regain lost function. This is known as brain 'plasticity'.

During recovery, other areas of the brain take over the activities of the damaged areas and new nerve pathways can be established using undamaged brain cells. Engaging in activity helps these alternative pathways to develop.

Rehabilitation aims to help the brain learn alternative ways of working in order to minimise the long-term impact of the brain injury. Rehabilitation also helps the survivor and the family to cope successfully with any remaining disabilities. (Headway UK)

Here at Headway Portsmouth and South East Hampshire, we offer a Cognitive Rehabilitation Programme designed to support your individual needs. We work with you enabling you to understand and adjust to the effects of your brain injury, re-learn lost skills, learn new skills, employ strategies and achieve personal progression goals at a pace that suits you.

This programme consists of:

Living with a Brain Injury - A close look into the brain’s physiology with reference to ABI (Acquired Brain Injury) and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)

Improving Communication - Understanding the importance of good communication and to explore alternative forms of communication

Strengthening Relationships - Raising awareness of difficulties experienced with family, friends and loved ones

Behavioural Management Strategies - Looking at gaining and sustaining control, positive thought, feeling and behaviour. Dealing with issues surrounding Anger, Anxiety, Depression and Frustration

Strategies to Improve Memory - A cognitive perspective into the function and process of Memory. Exploring techniques and coping strategies to help improve Short term and Long term memory

Better Planning and Organising - Looking at cognitive/executive skills needed to plan ahead. The benefits of planning, routine and sequencing

This programme is designed to challenge, encourage and improve executive skills which may have been lost as a result of brain injury and contribute to improved cognitive ability. The programme is delivered at our Cognitive Rehabilitation Centre at the Mountbatten Centre, Portsmouth. This is a social setting, in a safe and comfortable environment where you can feel relaxed. Enrolment is available throughout the year.

Should you choose to use our service, self-referral or referral by a professional i.e. Adult Services are accepted. Once referred, you will be invited to attend an initial assessment where we discuss and agree outcomes and tailor a programme to meet your needs.

Costs can be met through Direct Payments from Adult Services, from your personal budget provided by Adult Services or funded privately. If you need help and advice finding funding please read Headway UKs factsheet on Self Directed Support https://www.headway.org.uk/Factsheets.aspx or contact us to discuss your needs.

Length of course: 10 weeks

Session time: 2 hours, once a week

Cost: £350