Former brain injury charity trustee awarded for 36 years of service

Occupational therapist and brain injury case manager, Jackie Dean, from Wirral is being recognised for her “outstanding contribution” to improving the lives of brain injury survivors across the North West, by leading national brain injury charity, Headway – the brain injury association.

Jackie Dean, 68, has been involved with Headway Wirral since the charity was set up in 1988, as a committee member and then Chair - a position she held for over 18 years.

Solicitor and Headway Wirral committee member, Ann Allister, nominated Jackie for the award.

She said: “I have known Jackie for over 20 years, and I am delighted to have had the opportunity to nominate her for being outstanding – because she truly is.”

“Jackie shows infinite patience, calmness and kindness to all around her. She has done so for the incredible 36 years she has been part of the Headway Wirral community.”

Headway Wirral provides support for survivors of acquired brain injury, as well as their families and carers.

Through her leadership Jackie was ‘instrumental’ in developing Headway Wirral from three users meeting once a week when she took over as Chair, to the 120 service users Headway Wirral currently supports on a weekly basis free to the user, across four groups.

Among many other initiatives, Headway Wirral service users have a fun day trip once a month to teach skills in accessing the community and helping to tackle the sense of isolation that brain injury survivors often feel.

Jackie stepped down from the role of Chair in 2024 but remains an active member of the committee.

Ann added: “Jackie provides guidance, and unwavering support to the current Chair and those with acquired brain injury, both through awareness training as well as vital fundraising initiatives.”

“In her role as a brain injury case manager Jackie has given her time and energy in supporting people with brain injuries across the North West.”

Jackie’s commitment to Headway Wirral for nearly four decades has led to her becoming one of just three finalists for the Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award.

The accolade, sponsored by No5 Barristers’ Chambers will be presented by Headway – the brain injury association at its awards ceremony on December 5 at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in Mayfair.

Jackie said: “I am both honoured and humbled by nomination for this award.”

“I am privileged to have worked with people that have faced adversity through brain injury, and their wider families, and know the difference that Headway can make.”

Ann added: “Jackie has patience and a calmness that is valued by all those around her and makes time for all those she helps.”

“She so deserves to be nominated as a huge thank you from everyone at Headway Wirral.”