Headway Essex

The Benfleet Community Fayre
2025-06-01 12:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London)
The Benfleet Community Fayre is returning for 2025 with a day packed with fun and entertainment for all the family.

Live Music
Delicious Food & Drink Stalls
Bar On-Site
Local Crafts & Business Stalls
Fun Activities & Demos Throughout the Day

Sunday 1st June at Woodside Park, Manor Road, Benfleet, Essex SS7 4PA
12noon -5pm
Come together with friends, family, and neighbours to celebrate our vibrant community! A fantastic day out for all ages — don’t miss it!
All proceeds donated to chosen charities Yellow Door and Headway Essex

TCS London Marathon 2025
2025-04-27 | london
Run With us!
If you have been lucky to gain a ballot place for the 2025 TCS London Marathon, why not take on this incredible challenge for a good cause.
We are looking for runners who would like to carry our torch and raise money and awareness for people suffering from brain injury.
Our goal is to raise as much money as possible to help sufferers of brain injury and create awareness. Please reach out if you’re able!

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Make every step count!

Colchester Half Marathon 2025
2025-03-16
The Colchester Half Marathon is back for 2025!
We have secured a limited number of places for the Colchester Half Marathon. This 13.1 mile race makes its way through the historic city of Colchester on Sunday 16th March.
Headway Essex empowers brain injury survivors, offering them support, guidance, and hope for a brighter future. By taking up this challenge and raising money for Headway Essex, you can help us continue this vital work.
Register today and make every step count!
When: Sunday 16th March 2025
Where: Colchester
Starting and finishing at the JobServe Community Stadium – the route will take you past some of Colchester’s iconic landmarks!Thousands of people line the streets to cheer you on as you run through the City centre, and out into the scenic country lanes surrounding Colchester!
Fundraising target: £150
To register your interest or for more information please complete the form and our fundraising team will be in touch, alternatively email fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk or call 01206 845945

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Chelmsford Half Marathon 2025
2025-03-02 | Anglia Ruskin University, Bishop Hall Lane, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, Bishop Hall Lane,, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1SQ, United Kingdom
Join the Chelmsford Half Marathon 2025.
Starting and finishing on the iconic campus of Anglia Ruskin University, the course route is on closed roads, passing some of the major landmarks in Chelmsford. Major road closures will be in place for a traffic free course.
Take the challenge and enjoy the run!

When: 2nd March 2025
Where: Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford
Ticket release four – 1 January 2025 (10% Discount): Half £58.50 10K £40.50 5K £22.50
Ticket release five: – 1 February 2025 (Full price late entry): Half £65.00 10K £45.00 5K 25.00
Registration is through Chelmsford Half Marathon https://chelmsfordhalfmarathon.eventrac.co.uk/e/chelmsford-half-marathon-10836
Please sign up and raise money for Headway Essex enabling us to continue running vital services that help improve the lives of adults with acquired brain injury.
To find out more about raising money for Headway Essex please complete the form and our fundraising team will be in touch, alternatively email fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk or call 01206 845945

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Transylvania Winter Wilderness Trek 2025
2025-02-20 08:00 - 2025-02-24 17:00
Experience this spectacular snow-shoe trek into the snowy forests and mountains of Transylvania. Includes a night sleeping in the Hotel of Ice.
20th February 2025
Register your interest for more details.
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Benfleet 15 Race 2025
2025-01-19
Run With us!
Join the Benfleet 15 for 2025 and run for us to raise funds and awareness for Headway Essex
Take the challenge and enjoy the run!
The Benfllet 15 is a challenging 15 mile, multi-terrain course, incorporating sections of the 2012 Olympic Mountain Bike course, Canvey Island sea wall, and the undulating Hadleigh Downs.
(not suitable for spikes or wheelchair competitors)
The 2025 race will again be chip timed.
Registration is through Benfllet RC and entries can be completed at https://www.nice-work.org.uk/races/benfleet-15
When: 19 January 2025
Where:Hadleigh Country Park, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2PP
Please see https://benfleetrunningclub.co.uk/benfleet-15/ for full details.
Please sign up and raise money for Headway Essex enabling us to continue running vital services that help improve the lives of adults with acquired brain injury.
To find out more about raising money for Headway Essex please complete the form and our fundraising team will be in touch, alternatively email fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk or call 01206 845945

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Make every step count!

A Christmas Carol at Colchester Castle
2024-12-08 14:00 - 16:30 | Colchester Castle, Castle Park, Colchester CO1 1TJ, Colchester Castle, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ, United Kingdom
This event is now fully booked.

Colchester Arts Centre Director Anthony Roberts will be performing his traditional rendition of the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, with musical accompaniment by Jamie Cunliffe, in the beautiful surroundings of Colchester Castle.
This timeless tale is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit.

This fundraising event is kindly supported by Colchester Museums, with all proceeds being donated to Headway Essex
Sunday 8th December
2pm – 4.30pm
Colchester Castle, High Street , Colchester, Essex CO1 1TJ
Adult £15.00
Child £8.00 (16 yrs and under)

Headway Essex Christmas Choir 2024
2024-12-07 14:00 - 17:00 | St Botolph’s Church St Botolph’s Street Colchester CO2 7EE, St Botolph’s Church St Botolph’s Street Colchester, Colchester, CO2 7EE, United Kingdom
Chorus Iceni and Kingsland Church Children’s Choir come together to make an afternoon of musical family entertainment.
Saturday 7th December
2pm – 5pm
St Botolph’s Church
St Botolph’s Street
Colchester
CO2 7EE

TICKETS AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR
++ BLACK FRIDAY SALE ++
Tickets reduced for a limited time only
Adult £8.00
Child £3 (under 16 yrs)
Refreshments and raffle will be available to purchase on the night
Kindly sponsored by Blackwater Law

Headway Essex Christmas Fayre 2024
2024-11-30 10:30 - 14:30 | The Headway Centre, Woodland Walk, Colchester, CO4 6DH, United Kingdom
Join us at the Headway Centre for our Christmas Fayre and meet Elsa and our Christmas Elf!
The event will be jam packed with Christmas fun including:
• Face Painting • Bric a Brac • Raffle • Kids Clothes • Kid’s Christmas Crafts
• Pre-Loved Ladies Clothes • Refreshments • Sweets • Christmas Cards
• Name and Win the Monkey and more…
Saturday 30 November
10.30am – 2.30pm
The Headway Centre, Woodland Walk
Colchester, Essex, CO4 6DH
Entry to the Fayre is free and we have ample free parking!
Santa’s Grotto only £2 per child

Essex Classic Vehicle Show 2024
2024-09-22 10:30 - 16:30 | Lower Castle Park, Castle Rd, Colchester, CO1 1UW
Head down to Castle Park, Colchester on Sunday 22nd September for a fun-packed day with the family!
EXHIBITORS
NOW CLOSED FOR REGISTRATION AS WE ARE AT FULL CAPACITY
VISITORS
YOU CAN STILL BOOK YOUR TICKETS BELOW
Headway Essex is hosting our annual Essex Classic Vehicle Show and this year is set to be another roaring success! Lower Castle Park will be filled to the brim with over 200 classic cars, along with entertainment and a variety of stalls – there is something for everyone. Come and join the fun and help Headway Essex continue to support adults living in Essex with an acquired brain injury.
Sunday 22nd September 2024 – 10:30am – 4:30pm
Lower Castle Park, Colchester Castle, High Street,
Colchester, CO1 1UW
PLEASE NOTE: KING’S MEADOW CAR PARK IS AVAILABLE TO USE BUT THE WEIR BRIDGE IS NOT IN USE DUE TO SAFETY. IT IS A 5-10 MINUTE WALK TO THE PARK ENTRANCE VIA LEISURE WORLD. SO MAYBE NOT IDEAL FOR THE LESS ABLED. OTHER TOWN CAR PARKS ARE OPEN ON SUNDAYS.

Sponsored by

Public Admission
*save money and book your tickets online
Adult Ticket £6
Child Ticket £3
Concessions Ticket £3
Family Ticket £14
Under Threes go FREE
*On the day tickets will be available at the gate at the following prices. Adult £7, Child/Concession £4, Family £15.
Exhibitor Tickets £10 – REGISTRATION CLOSED DUE TO FULL CAPACITY
Includes a pitch to display car, admission for driver and passengers and entry into the competition.
All entries must be pre-booked with no on the day entries allowed. For those booked in with us please note our Exhibitor rules. For any queries email fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk.
For group bookings, all individual email addresses must be added.

Headway Essex will have a photographer at the event. Visitors irrevocably consent to the Photographer using the Photographs for any purpose whatsoever, including public display, portfolio display, non-commercial publication in any media, commercial publication in any media. Visitors irrevocably consent to the Photographer using the Photographs in the EEA including the UK and globally.

Jurassic Coast Weekend Trek 2024
2024-09-06 08:00 - 2024-09-08 17:00
Trek this extraordinary coastline between Dorset and Devon with almost 95 miles of spectacular scenery, dates available 6th -8th September 2024.
Registration fee £80
Minimum sponsorship £640 includes all food, accommodation and camping equipment, transfers, leader support, cooks and drivers.
( Please note: 80% of the minimum sponsorship is to be reached and sent to us no later than 10 weeks before departure)
Register your interest and for more information complete the form below, alternatively contact our fundraising team email fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk or telephone 01206 845945.

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The Virtual Fun Walk 2024
2024-09-01 18:00 - 2024-09-30 20:00 | anywhere
Join Headway Essex and the Fun Walk Trust!

The Fun Walk is staying virtual for 2024 and will be held throughout September
You can choose to walk either 2K or 5K anywhere and any time during September 1-30th 2024.
To sign up and raise money for Headway Essex who support those living in Essex with an acquired brain injury see below:
Registration

About The Fun Walk:
The Fun Walk Trust, a registered charity, publicises an annual Fun Walk event and creates the material to enable participating charities and local community groups to organise their own sponsored walk(s) during the selected month. This leaves the participating organisations free to focus on encouraging their supporters to take part and raise sponsorship money for the organisation’s projects and good causes.
A bonus pot donated by local businesses, incentivises supporters to take part, and tops up any money raised, over and above that raised by the participants themselves.
For any additional queries, please contact us at fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk

Skydive 2024
2024-07-20 | Beccles Airfield, Ellough, Suffolk, NR34 7XD, United Kingdom
Headway Essex Skydive 2024. This could be your year for adventure. If you have ever thought about doing a skydive, why not tick it off the ‘bucket list’ and make this year, your year for adventure.
Join us for a tandem skydive, leaving from Beccles airfield, with your experienced trainer, you will jump from 13,000 feet. Reaching exhilerating speeds of up to 120mph your efforts will raise vital funds to support adults with acquired brain injury in Essex.
For more information, please register your interest below
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RideLondon Essex 2024
2024-05-26
Choose to cycle 30, 60 or 100 miles and join one of the greatest cycling events in the RideLondon Essex. Cycle traffic free roads whilst seeing the sights of London and through the beautiful Essex countryside.
Register your interest below and our fundraising team will be in touch or for more information email fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk or telephone 01206 845945

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ABI WEEK 2024
2024-05-20 - 2024-05-26
During ABI week, A Life Rewritten is about identity after brain injury. How survivors have experienced post-traumatic growth through a process of change.

The campaign details the negative and difficult aspects of brain injury. This can include the ripple effect, for example on partners and family members, who often need to make life changes and adjustments to their own goals and expectations.​
Brain injury can affect anyone at any time, focusing particularly on how it throws plans into disarray, changes life goals, and even the sense of who we are.​ Quite literally, a life rewritten.
The campaign will tell the story of plans gone awry. Most of us have at least a rough life-plan in our heads, however these can be violently thrown off course either by an illness or accident leading to brain injury. ​
These events will often come out of nowhere and may spark a re-evaluation of life aims and objectives, meaning a recalibration of what is important to us.​
Strokes, falls, road traffic collisions, assaults, brain tumours, meningitis… these are just a few examples of brain injury causes.
Headway Essex is here to support everyone affected by a brain injury, and those caring for them. Through the support of a network of local groups and branches, our free helpline and comprehensive online resources, we rebuild lives – second by second, step by step, day by day.
In our blog section, you can read inspirational stories of people who have been helped by Headway Essex and experienced a life rewritten after a brain injury. Read Debi’s story and Ben’s story.
Take a second to find out more and, if you can, please get involved – by donating, volunteering, or taking part in an event

Snowdon Sea to Summit
2024-04-01 08:00 - 2024-07-31 17:00
Challenge yourself for Headway Essex with this multi-activity challenge by cycling, trekking and kayaking 30 miles all in one day!
Fully supported with mountain leaders, kayak instructors and walking guides with dates available in April 2024 and July 2024.
Hotel, support, snacks and transfers all included.
Registration fee £ 99
Sponsorship £460
Register your interest and to find out more please complete the form below and our fundraising team will be in touch, alternatively email us fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk or telephone 01206 845945

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Escape The Wild For Headway
2023-09-28 | Coniston Lake District, Coniston Lake District, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21, United Kingdom
Join us for an adventure on the 28th September 2023, Coniston Lake District.
This one day adventure promises to be an exhilarating and uplifting outdoor experience. Under the watchful eye of highly trained instructors, participants are encouraged and empowered as they take on a series of challenges, specifically designed to take them outside their comfort zone.

Do you have what it takes?
Starting at a remote location, teams will brave the elements and find their way back to the comfort of civilisation and Escape the Wild. You can expect abseiling, river scrambling, trekking, waterfall jumping, mental fitness workshops, and much more!
All culminating at the final destination where prizes will be awarded to the winning team and biggest achievers over a BBQ before departing home.
Both teams and individuals are welcome! Whether it’s a group of colleagues or a group of friends looking for their next adventure, this event is for all!
Not only will you leave feeling tired, happy and very proud of your achievements; you will gain great new relationships with other supporters of Headway. Don’t forget this is all for a fantastic cause – funding our frontline services and making a huge difference to people living with the effects of brain injury.

Key information
Where? Coniston, Lake District
When? Thursday 28th September 2023
What is the registration fee? £40 per person
What is the minimum sponsorship? £200 per person
Who can participate? Both teams and individuals are welcome! Can you convince your colleagues to take part? Or perhaps you’re a group of friends looking for your next adventure?
Is food provided? All participants are required to bring a packed lunch and fluids for during the day, a BBQ is provided after the challenge.
What will I need? Hiking boots, comfortable clothes including waterproofs & a rucksack. A full kit list will be provided after registration.
Health and safety? All activities are risk assessed and further details can be provided on request. All participants are covered under Public Liability Insurance whilst taking part in the challenge.

To register your interest, please fill in the form below and the Headway Essex Fundraising team will be in touch. Good luck!

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For any additional queries, please contact us at fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk

As always, thank you for your continued support!

Hats for Headway Essex 2023!
2023-05-19
Don’t be late for this date! Friday 19th May is all about parading around in the most ridiculous hat you can find! Go bonkers with a bowler or clownish with a cap! Turn a beanie bizarre or make a Fez look freaky!

Get creative and wear your HAT FOR HEADWAY!

It’s all about raising vital funds and awareness during Action for Brain Injury Week and frankly, getting to laugh at everyone donning a goofy piece of headgear. All you need to do is wear your lid for the day and donate to Headway Essex, that’s it!

Our patron, David Tennant, is encouraging everyone to get involved!

A few examples of the difference you and your support will make by taking part:
£5 could help fund a telephone call providing emotional and practical support at a time of need.
£20 could help fund a place at one of our support groups helping alleviate isolation.
£100 could fuel the minibus for a month to ensure our clients can get to our day centre.

Anyone can join in! From local businesses, social clubs or theatre groups to sports teams, schools and colleges. We would LOVE to see you get involved, even better if we see photographic proof!

Call us on 01206 845 945 to sign up your business, school or group, or you can email the fundraising team at fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk

Anyone can grab their crown of choice and text HATS followed by their donation amount to 70490
Or simply donate through our website here

Remember to tag us in your photos using @Headway.essex @HeadwayEssex
and our hashtag #HatsforHeadway

Don’t miss Hats for Headway!
Friday May 19th

ABI WEEK 2023
2023-05-15 - 2023-05-21
Strokes, falls, road traffic collisions, assaults, brain tumours, meningitis… these are just a few examples of brain injury causes.
Brain injuries can have devastating, life-long effects on anyone, including you and your loved ones.
Headway Essex is here to support everyone affected by a brain injury, and those caring for them. Through the support of a network of local groups and branches, our free helpline and comprehensive online resources, we rebuild lives – second by second, step by step, day by day.

It only takes a second for your life to change.

Taking place between the 15th and 21st May is ABI Week (Action against Brain Injury) where we’re encouraging everyone to get involved and informed, as we’ll be posting every day through our socials.

Every 90 seconds someone in the UK is admitted to hospital
with an acquired brain injury.

Take a second to find out more and, if you can, please get involved – by donating, volunteering, or simply raising awareness of our services – because every 90 seconds, someone like you needs our help.
Another great way to get involved is to join Headway Essex at the end of ABI week for Hats for Headway Essex where we’ll be encouraging companies, schools and social groups to get together and wear their silliest hats and help raise vital funds for people living with acquired brain injuries.

In the time it takes you to watch this video, someone like you will be admitted to a UK hospital with a brain injury. We’ll be adding more stories throughout the week and updating our socials to keep you up to date.

Carers Workshop - 20th April POSTPONED
2023-04-20 | Springfield Parish Centre, St Augustine’s Way, Springfield, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 6GX, St. Augustine’s Way, Springfield,, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 6GX, United Kingdom
The Carers’ Workshop, due to happen on 20th April 2023 has been postponed.
New locations and dates will be announced soon
If you would like to attend a rescheduled workshop, please register your interest by emailing:
abisupport@headwayessex.org.uk
or call 01206 845945 Option 3
What will be provided:
The purpose of the workshop is to provide carers with information and support to help them in their caring role. In addition, it will offer therapeutic activities and gentle seated yoga to allow some quality time away from the caring role and an opportunity to recharge your batteries. The workshop also provides an opportunity to talk to other carers and receive peer support from people who are experiencing similar challenges in their daily lives.
During the day we will look at understanding brain injury, how everyone is managing their caring role and address the importance of self-care when being a carer. To support this, we will have various expert speakers running sessions alongside relaxation activities.

Speakers will include:
Rob Warren, a Clinical Specialist Neurological OT.
Dr Carleen Scott, Chartered Clinical Psychologist specialising in Brain Injury, Stroke & Neuropsychology who will talk about the needs for self-care when you become a carer.
Meryl Dear, Hands Above Massage, an organisation that works with carers, offering massage therapy.

Benefits for Carers:

A better understanding of brain injury and its effects.
Be better able to relate to and support the cared for.
Learn techniques for self-care.
An increased understanding about the causes of stress, and how to manage it better.
Individual stress levels will have reduced.
In addition to this we hope the relationship with the cared for will improve and the cared for will be encouraged to be more independent.

Here To Help
For more resources and information for carers of adults with acquired brain injury, please visit the carers section on our website

Tandem Skydive 2023
2023-01-01 - 2023-12-31 | Beccles Airfield, Ellough, Suffolk, NR34 7XD, United Kingdom
Enjoy this thrill seeking challenge of a lifetime by flying through the clouds at over 13,000ft with the breath taking scenery below and raise vital funds for Headway Essex. A tandem skydive will have you strapped to a qualified instructor as you reach speeds of up to 120mph for a truly unforgettable experience.
A registration fee of £50 is required and your sponsorship target is a minimum of £395. As long as you reach the target, all costs of the jump is covered otherwise the difference will have to be paid.
Register your interest below and our fundraising team will be in contact with you.
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