About the Organisation
Headway Suffolk is a charity supporting adults living with neurological conditions across
West Suffolk. Through rehabilitation, home care, clinical support, community hubs and
respite services. Headway enables people and their families to rebuild their lives
following life-changing injuries or diagnoses. Their Bury St Edmunds Neuro Wellbeing
Hub plays a vital role in offering structured rehabilitation, meaningful activities and
community connection.
The Need
Headway identified a clear need among their clients to grow and cook food on a budget.
Many individuals face challenges linked to brain injury or neurological illness, including
difficulties with memory, confidence and executive functioning. Through lived experience
feedback, focus groups and surveys, the staff observed increasing anxiety around food
preparation and reduced access to fresh, nutritious food. Clients also expressed interest
in learning how to grow their own produce and prepare affordable meals.
What the BRAN Funding Supported
The BRAN grant enabled Headway to deliver a skills development project centred
around creating new allotment space, delivering cooking skills sessions using air fryers,
supporting 44 clients to participate in structured activities and producing a recipe book
to extend learning beyond the sessions. The project strengthened both practical and
cognitive skills, helping clients engage in the full cycle of food production from growing
ingredients to preparing nutritious meals.
Implementation
Sessions were delivered at the Bury St Edmunds Neuro Wellbeing Hub with staff,
volunteers and clients all taking part. Although transport challenges made accessing the
allotment difficult for some the organisation adapted by maximising onsite activities.
Clients remained highly motivated and staff reported strong engagement throughout the
project.
Impact on Food System Resilience & Sustainability
The project improved cooking skills, food independence and participants’ understanding
of fresh food. Clients learned to prepare food safely using an air fryer, supporting their
ability to cook nutritious meals independently. Growing produce increased access to
fresh vegetables and reinforced sustainable food practices. Participants also
experienced positive wellbeing benefits through outdoor activity and social engagement.
Skills, Training & Community Development
The project improved cooking and growing skills while also building confidence and
independence. Staff and volunteers received training to support the programme
delivery, embedding the project’s benefits into ongoing service provision. Clients
demonstrated increased willingness to attempt cooking tasks, follow structured recipes
and prepare low-cost meals.
Beneficiary Story: M’s Journey to Independence
M, a 42-year-old client recovering from a traumatic brain injury, initially struggled with
multi-step cooking tasks due to memory and executive functioning difficulties. Using an
air fryer provided a simplified and safer alternative. With structured guidance, visual
prompts and repetition-based learning, M regained confidence in preparing meals
independently. Over time, he successfully cooked a variety of dishes and described
feeling ‘capable again’. The intervention significantly reduced safety risks and supported
his wider rehabilitation goals.
Evidence & Ongoing Impact
Headway has collected client stories, assessments and video evidence showcasing
improved skills, confidence and wellbeing. Cooking is now an established activity at the
hub and the allotment project will continue to grow as clients gain more gardening
experience.
Sustainability & Future Plans
The project is now embedded into Headway’s ongoing programme. Staff expect longterm benefits, including increased independence, enhanced confidence in meal
preparation and further development of food-growing skills. While new opportunities
have not yet emerged, the foundations laid by the BRAN-funded activities are expected
to create future pathways for growth and community engagement.
