Aardman Animations' latest hit is an animated comedy that follows former Wallace and Gromit side-kick Shaun and his friends to the big city to rescue their lost farmer, who was forced to leave his farm as a result of Shaun's mischief.
When an accident results in the farmer receiving a bang on the head, viewers are shown that even minor head injuries can have consequences.
Following his injury, the farmer is diagnosed with memory problems. The film charts Shaun and the gang's adventures as they endeavour to take matters into their own hooves and help the farmer.
The film's closing credits display the charity's logo, helpline number and website address alongside a message saying: 'Getting a bang on the head can be serious.' In addition, a promotional photo of Shaun reading the Headway booklet Memory problems after brain injury has been produced, while the charity has been promoted by Aardman in numerous national press interviews and articles.
When creating the comedy, the producers were keen to be as sensitive as possible to the realities of head and brain injury, while seeing an opportunity to promote Headway. Indeed, the team at Aardman already had a sound understanding of brain injury thanks to co-director and writer Mark Burton who is a volunteer at Headway Thames Valley.
Mark, who delivers voluntary music sessions to the group's members, said: "I am delighted that we were able to work with Headway on this project.
"Given my association with the charity, I know that people who have sustained a brain injury often face extremely difficult daily challenges that can be devastating both for the individuals and their families.
"That is why we were so determined to get the balance right between comedy and raising awareness of the fact head injuries can have significant effects on people.
"Hopefully, the film will lead to increased awareness of head injury and its effects as well as the support that is available from Headway."
Headway was even represented at the official premiere of the film in Leicester Square, with Vice President James Cracknell and his family walking down the fittingly green - not red - carpet on Sunday 25 January.
In addition, Headway was able to host its own preview showing of the new movie a week later thanks to the generosity of the film's distributors, STUDIOCANAL, with special guests of the charity, including members of Headway Thames Valley, enjoying the chance to see the film ahead of its general release.
Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway, said: "We are proud to be associated with such a popular and well-loved character to raise awareness of brain injury.
"It is a difficult balancing act producing a comedy while trying to remain sensitive to the realities of head and brain injury and the effects they can cause. As such, we are pleased that the Aardman team chose to partner-up with Headway in promoting the help and services available from the charity."
Shaun the Sheep: The Movie was released in UK cinemas on 6 February 2015.
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