Cash-strapped brain injury service to continue

Helen Fairweather said losing the service would have been "devastating"

A brain injury service that was due to close this month over financial difficulties has been given a last-minute reprieve.

Headway Norfolk and Waveney - described as a "lifeline" - said it could no longer run its seven day centres and outreach support groups in King's Lynn, Norwich, Dereham, Long Stratton and Great Yarmouth, having gone into liquidation.

However, the centres will now stay open, with jobs secured for staff, after the service was taken on by Headway Suffolk.

"We understand how important Headway is to people that we wanted to step in and help people in Norfolk," said Helen Fairweather, chief executive of Headway Suffolk.

The charity supports individuals and their families who have been affected by brain injuries, including those acquired in road traffic accidents, falls, surgery, and through brain tumours and infections.

As part of the transfer, the service's scope will be expanded to include people with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis and dementia.

"I know a lot of people were really concerned and really worried," added Ms Fairweather.

"It's such a family organisation and people get to know each other and support each other, and it would've been devastating if they'd been split up and sent to different day centres, or had no support at all."

She said she believed the transfer of the contract with Norfolk County Council on 1 December would be "seamless".

"It shouldn't have too much impact - it will be the same staff and the same venues," she told BBC Radio Norfolk.

"[Clients] will still have the high quality service and care they've always had."

Resources including laptops, games, jigsaw puzzles and art and craft materials will not be inherited by Headway Suffolk, because the Norfolk group went into liquidation.

It has appealed for the public's help and has started fundraising and grant applications.

Claire Boothby-Barnbrook, who runs Headway Norfolk and Waveney, said its priority had always been to secure the best outcome for clients and staff.

"We are grateful to our clients for the outpouring of support that we have received and for their championing of a valuable service," she added.

"We are confident that, in assuming responsibility for our service provision, Headway Suffolk will strengthen and sustain the Headway service across the region, while continuing to share our deep commitment to brain injury survivors and their families."