Action for Brain Injury Week 2025

Headway Essex’s 2025 campaign, "On a Good Day," powerfully captures the unpredictable journey of life after brain injury.

With some days filled with energy and potential, while others present overwhelming challenges, this variability underscores the importance of kindness, understanding, and unwavering support.

Last week, our co-founder Roxanne had the privilege of visiting the Headway Centre in Colchester and meeting the dedicated team and the inspiring individuals living with ABI, which was truly memorable. Discussing the growing landscape of hardware & software tools within the adaptive gaming space, along with showcasing how our range of Thumb Soldier adaptations for controller customisation. 

They were so positive about the possibility for making gaming accessible for people with fine motor difficulties and there is much to think about with the potential role of gaming in brain injury recovery—highlighting how inclusive design can support both rehabilitation and fun.

The team confirmed gaming offers a range of benefits for people with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)—including cognitive, emotional, and social advantages.

Here are some key benefits they identified:

1. Cognitive Rehabilitation
Improves memory, attention, and processing speed through problem-solving, puzzle, or strategy games.

Encourages neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire and adapt—which is vital in recovery.

2. Motor Skills Development
Many games help with hand-eye coordination, fine motor control, and reaction times, especially those that involve physical interaction (e.g., with controllers or adaptive devices).

3. Emotional and Mental Health
Gaming can reduce anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation, which are common after ABI.

Offers a safe space to experience challenge and accomplishment, boosting self-esteem and mood.

4. Social Connection
Online and multiplayer games enable social interaction and help reduce loneliness by connecting users with others, even remotely.

5. Routine and Motivation
Games can provide structure, goals, and motivation for daily activity, helping maintain a routine that aids in recovery.

6. Pain and Fatigue Management
Engaging gameplay can serve as a distraction from pain or fatigue, making rehabilitation more tolerable.

Accessible gaming can open new avenues for engagement, enjoyment, and rehabilitation - whether its taking to the tracks with some laps in Gran Turismo with Racer Kit or something a bit more relaxing with gameplay using Studs Kit on the Switch.

Thank you to everyone at Headway Essex for your time, enthusiasm, and commitment. It was so lovely to meet you all.

#AcquiredBrainInjury #AdaptiveGaming #NeuroRehabilitation