Brain injury charity plans new facility and affordable homes in Newick

A valued local charity supporting people with brain injuries is reaching out to the community for backing as it pursues ambitious plans for its future.

Headways Sussex, based in Newick near Lewes, has submitted a planning application to Lewes District Council for a significant redevelopment of its site. In partnership with Remus Designer Homes, the proposals would see two existing buildings demolished and replaced with a modern facility, alongside the construction of 25 new homes—40 per cent of which would be affordable housing.

Facing financial pressures

Like many charities across the country, Headways Sussex is navigating increasing financial pressures and rising operational costs. The charity has highlighted that their current buildings are no longer fit for purpose. "Our current buildings at Newick are also no longer meeting our needs," a spokesman explained. "They are expensive to run, not energy efficient and do not provide the modern, accessible environment that the people we support deserve."

Without significant investment, the charity has warned it would struggle to continue providing the level of care that people in the community have come to rely upon.

Securing services for the future

Ian Foster, chief executive officer of Headways Sussex, believes the development is essential for the charity's long-term sustainability. "This is one way we can secure our services for the future," he said.

Foster, who has led the charity for four years, has deep personal connections to Headways Sussex. His family has been involved with the organisation for many years, and he describes it as "close to our hearts." Tragically, his son developed a tumour following a road accident and attended Headways before passing away three years ago.

Supporting those in need

When reflecting on the scale of need across Sussex, Foster pointed to concerning statistics. "A brain injury can happen to anyone," he noted. "In Sussex in 2021, over 1,000 people attended the hospital with an acquired brain injury. There are more people living in the community than you might be aware of."

The charity remains committed to serving the local area. When asked whether relocating to a new site had been considered, Foster was clear: "We want to remain in the community. This is a well known facility within Sussex."

Community support needed

Since the plans were submitted at the end of June, the proposals have generated mixed responses from the community. The charity is now actively seeking support from local residents and stakeholders as the planning application goes through the decision process.

Headways Sussex believes that this investment will enable them to continue delivering modern, accessible care while also contributing positively to local housing needs through the inclusion of affordable homes.

Source: Brain injury charity wants to build new facility and housing