Inspirational Women is a peer support group that was set up for anyone who identifies as a woman with a brain injury. The group was formed when the need for women's only services was identified by members of the Headway Derby community.
The group was originally named 'Out of the Abyss' as the women accessing support from Headway Derby found it difficult to be open about their feelings and struggles in mixed gender groups. The Inspirational Women group is exactly what it says on the tin; a group of Inspiring Women that are trying to navigate life after sustaining a brain injury.
“Peer support groups are so vitally important to brain injury survivors, as they offer the opportunity to talk to likeminded people about situations they understand and can support with.
“There is something very powerful about a group of women that are so supportive of each other, who want each other to win at life. At Headway Derby we are so proud of the Inspirational Women's group and everything they have achieved both in their personal life's and as a group.”
(Emma Morris, Service Manager Headway Derby)
What’s the impact?
The aims of the Inspirational Women's group are to: Welcome, Challenge, Achieve and Progress.
Women are welcomed to the group by their peers and given time to settle in and build trusting relationships with the group, the staff and volunteers that facilitate the sessions.
The group then offers individuals the opportunities to challenge themselves. An example of this is when one of the group members spoke about a goal they wanted to achieve; running for the first time on the treadmill at the gym. After speaking with peers, they decided to give it a go!
Next, they celebrate the achievements of the group. Using the above example, the individual went on to complete their very first 10K run and has signed up for a half marathon. When the group met and heard of the achievements this individual had worked towards, they celebrated together.
Finally, they aim for people to progress through the service. Headway Derby want individuals to reach a point where they can manage their lives independently, so Inspirational Women exists just for top up support as and when needed. The individual above has now completed their coach leader training to be able to lead running sessions for their local running club and continues to take part in runs where she can challenge herself.
All the achievements would not be possible if there wasn't a strong group of supportive and encouraging women. The group have become a social circle, and now independently meet to offer each other support around brain injury and other life challenges.
In June 2022, Headway Derby held their very first Women with brain injury conference, inspired by the Inspirational Women's group, and in partnership with The University of Derby.
“We wanted to show how powerful women can be with the right support. At Headway Derby we believe that sharing our experiences can help to build a better environment of support for everyone.”
(Emma Morris, Service Manager Headway Derby)
“In a world where I feel misunderstood, at Headway Derby I feel completely understood.”
“It's helped me realise I'm not alone and that there are people that get it! I'm new to the group and don't know people well yet, but I already feel supported by them.”
“I have been a member of Headway for a couple of years. Headway Derby help support me in all aspects of life post TBI. A safe, dignified, and confidential service is provided. Headway Derby listen, care and give you strategies to fulfil many opportunities. The staff are truly committed and are very friendly. I also thoroughly enjoy volunteering with the charity as I feel I have experiences to share and help others.”
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