Hats For Headway 2026
May 16
About Hats For Headway 2026
What is Hats for Headway?
Hats for Headway is an annual fundraising and awareness campaign run by Headway, the brain injury association. The event encourages people across the United Kingdom to wear a wacky, colourful, or creative hat, donate to Headway, and share a photo on social media to raise awareness about brain injury and its lasting effects.
The campaign takes place at the end of Action for Brain Injury Week, Headway’s flagship awareness week. By combining a fun, accessible activity with a serious message, Hats for Headway helps bring the issue of brain injury into public conversation while raising vital funds to support the charity’s work.
When is Hats for Headway?
Hats for Headway Day takes place on the final Friday of Action for Brain Injury Week. In 2026, it falls on Friday 16 May.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Friday 16 May |
| 2027 | TBC |
| 2028 | TBC |
Why Hats for Headway Matters
Brain injury is often described as a hidden disability. While the effects can be profound and life-changing, they are frequently invisible to others, which can lead to misunderstanding and a lack of support for those affected. Hats for Headway plays an important role in making brain injury visible and starting conversations about its impact.
The statistics are striking. According to Headway, there were 335,409 UK hospital admissions for acquired brain injury in 2023-24, which equates to approximately 919 admissions every day, or one every 90 seconds. Brain injury costs the UK economy at least 43 billion pounds each year, yet awareness of the condition and its consequences remains comparatively low.
Acquired brain injury can result from a wide range of causes, including falls, road traffic accidents, assaults, strokes, brain tumours, and infections. The effects vary enormously depending on the type and severity of the injury, but can include difficulties with memory, concentration, communication, emotional regulation, fatigue, and physical coordination. Many brain injury survivors face long-term challenges that affect every aspect of their daily lives, from maintaining employment to managing relationships.
How to Get Involved
Taking part in Hats for Headway is straightforward. On the day, simply wear a hat of your choice, whether wacky, creative, or just plain silly, and make a donation of 2 pounds to Headway. You can then share a photo of yourself and your hat on social media using the hashtag #HatsForHeadway to spread the word.
Schools, workplaces, community groups, and local Headway branches are all encouraged to organise their own Hats for Headway events. Headway provides downloadable campaign posters and other materials to help supporters promote the day. For print-ready copies of posters or additional campaign resources, you can contact the fundraising team at fundraising.admin@headway.org.uk or call 0115 924 0800.
Beyond the day itself, supporters can help by learning more about brain injury and sharing what they learn with others. Headway operates a network of more than 118 local groups and branches across the UK, providing support, services, and information to brain injury survivors, their families, and carers. Volunteering with or donating to a local Headway group is another meaningful way to make a difference.
About Headway
Headway is the UK’s leading brain injury charity. The organisation works to improve life after brain injury through a combination of direct support services, campaigning, and public education. Headway’s services include a nurse-led helpline, emergency fund for brain injury survivors in financial hardship, and an extensive network of local groups providing rehabilitation and social support.
Every pound raised through campaigns like Hats for Headway helps fund these services and contributes to Headway’s mission of ensuring that brain injury survivors and their families receive the support and understanding they deserve. Research has shown that every 1 pound spent on brain injury rehabilitation delivers up to 16 pounds in savings across the NHS, social care, and the wider economy.
#HatsForHeadway #BrainInjury #ActionForBrainInjury
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