Amy and Laurence's Story

Amy is an Oxford Head Injury Services service user and volunteer. Her husband, Laurence, now works full time with us as one of our Rehabilitation Coordinators.

When Amy’s epilepsy began to become more severe, life changed dramatically for both her and Laurence. Daily tasks became increasingly challenging and eventually it was no longer safe for Amy to continue working. Laurence became Amy’s full-time carer.

“It happened quite quickly,” Laurence says. “At first, we thought we’d be alright but eventually we realised we weren’t. Sometimes you have to let go of your pride and accept help.”

Like many families facing a significant change in health, Amy and Laurence found themselves navigating uncertainty and wondering where to turn for support. What started as a last resort became a source of friendship, practical advice, guidance and hope when they needed it most.

Regaining Confidence and Purpose

Initially Amy began to attend the Centre one day a week and was immediately welcomed by the Oxford Head Injury Services community. She says the biggest impact has been the friendships she has formed and the support she receives from people who understand what she and Laurence are going through. She particularly enjoys art and music activities, which help her relax.

While recovery is not always linear, there have been times when Amy found it difficult to return.

“You have to take each moment step by step”

Each time she did, she rebuilt her confidence and sense of belonging.

“I went from not really caring much to thinking, ‘It’s Tuesday, what am I going to wear?”

Now Amy also volunteers at our Centre, enabling her to use the skills and experience from her previous career and giving her a renewed sense of purpose and identity.

“The support here has helped me realise I can be Amy again”

Finding Community

Oxford Head Injury Services also became a great support for Laurence. From the moment Amy started attending, he was welcomed not just as a carer but as part of the community. Whether staying for a cup of tea, chatting with staff and volunteers, or meeting other families who understood the realities of living with a brain injury, he found a place where he felt supported and understood.

“I could talk to people who got it,” he says. “People who understood what we were going through.”

Knowing that Amy was safe, happy and supported also gave Laurence much-needed peace of mind. It allowed him to focus on everyday tasks, take some time for himself and, eventually, return to work.

Reflecting on his journey as a carer, Laurence says one of the biggest lessons he has learned is patience.

“You can’t control the condition or always predict what will happen, but you can control how you respond to it. I’ve learned to take a step back and adapt to the situation as it comes without overcomplicating routines.”

Rather than worrying about plans that may need to change, Laurence focuses on what matters most and deals with challenges one day at a time. The support, understanding and friendships he has found through Oxford Head Injury Services have been invaluable.

Today, he is part of the Oxford Head Injury Services team as our Rehabilitation Coordinator. Using both his professional skills in the sector and personal experience as a carer, he supports individuals and families navigating life after brain injury.

His lived experience gives him a deep understanding of the emotional, practical and often unseen challenges that families can face. Whether supporting our service users directly, or offering reassurance to carers, he understands the importance of being listened to and understood.

Hope and Moving Forward

Oxford Head Injury Services remains a huge part of Amy and Laurence’s lives.

They say that the kindness, encouragement and sense of community they have found at the Centre gradually filtered into everyday life. Over time, they began enjoying things again, building friendships, looking ahead to the future and finding renewed confidence and purpose.

Their advice to others is: have the courage to reach out. Recovery takes time, patience and understanding, but no one should have to go through it alone.