AN IMPORTANT Devon charity will now be providing weekly care, support and rehabilitation for people with brain injuries from a new Okehampton base.

Headway Devon supports people in the county who have brain injuries, as well as their family members and carers.

They have been providing weekly care, support and rehabilitation for a group of adults with brain injuries at the Winsford Centre at Halwill Junction for more than two years.

However, due to the isolation of the location they are now moving their brain injury support centre to Okehampton.

The new centre, which will be based at Fairplace Church, is scheduled to open in September.

The centre will offer support to anyone who has survived a brain injury as a result of an accident or assault, or because of a medical condition such as a brain haemorrhage, tumour, or meningitis.

News that Headway Devon are relocating to Okehampton has been welcomed by Okehampton resident Kerry Hampson, who has a son who suffers from the rare brain disease MoyaMoya, which causes strokes and seizures.

Ms Hampson's personal experience of brain injury has prompted her to pledge her support to the charity's new centre in Okehampton.

She said: 'I have received so much help and support from Headway Devon that when I heard that they were opening a centre in Okehampton, I wanted to get involved.

'I want to help the charity to open a successful centre, and I would also be really keen to hear from anyone in and around Okehampton who could help with fundraising.

'Headway Devon have to raise thousands of pounds every year to keep their centres open, so I wanted to get involved and help make sure that that the charity is supported.

'Brain injury can happen to anyone at any time. It can affect all ages, from young children to adults. The sooner people get support, the better their chances of making a good recovery.'

In a statement, Headway Devon said: 'The most common causes of brain injury are road traffic accidents, falls, and accidents at home or at work.

'People most at risk are 15 to 29 year olds and the over 65s. Effects of acquired brain injury include physical and cognitive problems, as well as changes in behaviour and personality.

'Around fifty people are admitted to the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital each month with a moderate to severe brain injury — this does not include people who sustain a brain injury for medical reasons, for instance stroke and tumours.'

Anyone who would like more information about supporting Headway Devon's new centre in Okehampton can call Nick Hall on 01392 224437 or email [email protected]">[email protected]. More information is available at http://www.headwaydevon.org.uk">www.headwaydevon.org.uk