On 13th October 2021, we held our official launch of the opening of our new day centre service in Houghton Regis.

Matthew was brave enough to get on stage, take the microphone and talk to the attendees about his life since his brain injury. Below is a transcript of his speech that he read out on the day:

When I was young, I suffered my brain injury. It just started with headaches, and I was later diagnosed with hydrocephalus. After several operations throughout my young life, I am left with a shunt (which helps to keep me well). I can no longer go near magnets, let’s just say that!

Life as a child was not much fun as I was in and out of hospital and when I could go to school, I found it hard to stay awake, sleeping half the day away and the other children were not very nice to me. As an adult I still get very tired, it affects my speech, eyes, visual perception, concentration, short term memory, processing of information, sequencing things and my hands get very shaky.

I try to be as independent as possible, enjoy life and I love to laugh. Life is much better now, I go car racing, bowling, scouts, climbing, all sorts! I even work for my family business helping out with stock, orders and the delivery of pet food. My biggest wish is that I could go out on my own and drive myself around.

My first experience of Headway Luton was very good. I met Kim for a meeting, and I couldn’t wait to go back. I’ve made lots of friends there and it’s a good distraction from everyday life and problems. Headway is great, when I’m there I do cognitive sessions to keep my brain active, I especially love the computer sessions with Justin – he teaches me all about safety on the internet, typing and how to search for things. I do cooking with Rina where I make lots of cakes (which I love and I get to take them home).

You get lots of support at Headway Luton with all your problems and I really enjoy myself when I’m there. I would recommend Headway Luton to anyone with a brain injury, it’s really helped to build my independence.