A SPECIALIST charity supporting brain injury survivors has opened a new hub in a bid to deliver a unique service for them and their families.

Headway Darlington and District has been running for several years but it has now launched a new service offering vital support once people have been discharged from hospital.

The charity, based at The Northern Echo Arena, aims to fill in the gaps for people who no longer receive medical support to continue with their lives.

People who have suffered a brain injury – whether it be through an accident, a haemorrhage or trauma – often face a life of significant challenge with little or no support.

Now, they will be able to access support to help people to return to work, live independently or simply to make friends and socialise.

Nicola Hughes, the charity’s chairwoman, became involved when her husband suffered a devastating brain injury in 2011.

“When my husband was discharged, I couldn't believe that there was no support available for him or me," she said. "The medical treatment he received was brilliant but after his initial recovery there is no on-going support available and that is where the charity is looking to step in.

"What we are trying to do is create a business model that will enable the charity to employ staff to work with survivors and their families to help them to move forward in their lives.

"The message that we want to get across is that a brain injury can result in a wide variety of problems for survivors and we are here to support them in what ever way we can.

"We are not looking to replace any other organisation, we are looking to work in collaboration with them in the best interests of survivors."

Jean Martin Savage, a retired psychologist, who worked in brain injury rehabilitation for more than 25-years, became involved with the charity in 2012.

She said: "We wanted all of the services in one base where people can come for support or information. There is advice for people to help them sort through their benefits of sessions for people to learn new skills."

Anyone interested in the charity should visit headwaydarlington.org.uk, email info@headwaydarlington.org.uk or call 01325-376444.