Brain injury charity Headway East London has re-opened for the first time since December, though Covid restrictions mean it must operate at lower capacity than usual.
Before the pandemic, Headway had the capacity for up to 40 members in the Hackney-based centre at one time. Now, Government guidelines allow a total of 15 people for support groups.
Since reopening on 1 March, Headway East London now allows 20 members into the centre, with numbers split between the art studio and the main centre.
The charity operates across 13 London Boroughs and has 141 members.
Virus levels in December forced the charity to return to working remotely in the New Year, as they had to do in March 2020. They provided two Zoom groups a day with activities ranging from football and dance to general conversation sessions. Members had calls from their key workers and there were essential doorstop visits for help with shopping.
The centre has now been able to reopen with the addition of bubbles, regular testing and hourly surface cleaning.
Day service manager, Sarah Lantsbury, said: “With brain injuries, some people struggle with fatigue and concentration, so it can be hard being on a computer screen. The practicalities of using technology can be difficult and there are lots of people who just don’t have access.
“As a result of brain injury lots of people lose friendships and have breakdowns in personal relationships. Headway is a community for people to come together with their peers and other people who understand what they’re going through.”
Lantsbury said being able to open was “fantastic… You can hear lots of laughter drifting through the building, people catching up with each other, there is a little bit of hope for the future”.
A member of Headway, Jason F, said: “The art studio is a home away from home. Familiar faces are important and I’ve missed everyone. Feels like old times, it’s so good to be back having a chat with people and doing my artwork.”
Another member said: “Happy to be back as life stopped when Headway East London stopped. Funny how you get used to things… especially when you have a brain injury – you just like things to stay the same. Change is hard for people who have a brain injury. I am eternally grateful for Headway East London.”
