After his brain injury, performing music no longer felt as easy as it once had. At the Headway Hub, Stephen found the space, encouragement and confidence to pick up his guitar again – and now he is preparing to perform in front of more than 100 guests at our relaunch.
Music has always mattered to Stephen. But following his brain injury, performing became something he no longer felt confident doing. The ability was still there; the confidence to share it with other people was not.
When Stephen began coming to the Headway Hub, there was no expectation that he needed to perform, entertain or prove anything. He simply had time to get comfortable, get to know the people around him and become part of the Headway community.
Then, one day, he brought his guitar in.
At first, it was small. Stephen played a little for himself. Then he began sharing his music with one or two other clients, playing guitar and singing in a relaxed setting. People listened, joined in and encouraged him to keep going.
Those small moments started to build into something much bigger. As Stephen became more comfortable with his peers and more confident in himself, he began playing to the wider group. What had started as simply bringing his guitar into the Hub has now grown into live performances for the people around him.
And this week, Stephen is taking another significant step.
At the official relaunch of the Headway Hub on Thursday 8 October, we are expecting more than 100 guests – including clients and families, professionals, clinicians, local businesses, community organisations and supporters. Stephen will be performing live for them.
For us, Stephen’s story captures exactly what the Headway Hub is there to do. Progress after brain injury does not always arrive through one big breakthrough. Sometimes it starts with feeling safe enough to try something again. Then having someone encourage you. Then realising you can do a little more than you thought.
Music has become one of the ways Stephen has rebuilt confidence, connected with other people and shared something he loves. Just as importantly, his performances have brought enjoyment to the wider Hub community too – with other clients listening, singing along and supporting him every step of the way.
We cannot wait to see Stephen perform at the relaunch, and we are very proud to have watched this journey unfold.
Find out more
The Headway Hub supports people affected by acquired brain injury to build confidence, independence, skills and connection in ways that are meaningful to them. To find out more about the Hub or our wider support, contact Headway Shropshire.