A CHARITY supporting people with brain injuries has secured more than £300,000 to expand its services.

Headway Essex has been awarded a £340,457 grant from the Big Lottery Fund to set up a Community Rehabilitation Hub for adults living with an acquired brain injury in south Essex.

The new hub will be open next summer and will provide additional community support and a new flexible rehabilitation service.

Headway Essex, based in Head Street, Colchester, already provides a helpline, one-to-one visits and monthly support groups. It also delivers specialised brain injury rehabilitation activities from its centre in north Colchester.

Joanna Wright, chief executive of Headway Essex, said: “People who are living with a brain injury need a safe and supported environment and time to adjust to the changes in their life if they are going to be able to fulfil their potential.

“From experience of running rehabilitation services in Colchester, better outcomes are made when people attend regular, structured sessions with a rehabilitation purpose over a set period of time. For many clients, we take them on a journey from surviving to thriving.”

The charity has also secured a Big Lottery grant worth £9,835 for a digital skills programme.

Andy Plowright, Headway Essex day centre manager, said: “Digital access to services can bring huge benefits, but can also expose vulnerable people to situations that put them at risk of abuse or fraud. This means they need additional support.”

Headway hopes to be able to purchase the day centre in February.

Ms Wright added: “We are working hard to purchase the freehold to the Headway Centre.

“It has been our home for over 30 years now. To own the building is a key part of our sustainability plan.

“Colchester Catalyst Charity and other organisations have already provided funding. We now have £40,000 left to raise.”

To donate call 01206 547616.