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 long-term 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.
