The 2025 National Head Injury Conference

On Thursday 18th September, we proudly hosted the first-ever National Head Injury Conference at the SEC in Glasgow following 14 successful years of Head Injury Information Days.

Professional Space

Held during Major Trauma Awareness Week, this landmark event brought together over 700 professionals, individuals with lived experience, carers and families for a day of shared learning, connection and support.

Chris Stewart, Partner and Head of Digby Brown’s Serious Injury Department said:

“When we first started the Head Injury Information Day events the goal was to help people and raise awareness about brain injuries.

“To see it grow into the largest and only conference of its kind in Scotland highlights the need for information and support across all areas.

“Serious injuries like a brain injury can completely change a person’s life and result in real hardship. It’s vital we all come together to not only highlight the support that is available, but to also raise awareness of the changes that are needed to continue supporting this community.”

Guests were able to access two dedicated speaker spaces designed to meet the diverse needs of all attendees:

• The Professional Space, hosted by Consultant Paediatric Neuropsychologist Professor Liam Dorris and Neurosurgeon Chris Barrett, delivered CPD-accredited sessions on the key topics of neurorehabilitation, paediatric brain injury, and neurosurgery.

• The Supportive Space, led by Headway UK Chief Executive Luke Griggs, offered practical advice and emotional support for individuals and families affected by acquired brain injury. Sessions included benefits guidance delivered by our very own Douglas McAndrew.

A key theme of the conference was discussion around how brain injuries have impacted and changed the lives of those affected.

Evelyn Menzies whose son, Niall, sustained a severe brain injury after a car crash more than twenty years ago, spoke at the landmark event about the support they received from the charity Headway at their Perth branch.

Evelyn Menzies

After successfully completing a trek to Everest Base Camp recently with others who have experienced a brain injury, they shared their experience at the conference saying:

“We think it's important to be at this conference today to the highlight the difficulties people with a brain injury face.

“We want people to know that because you've had a brain injury, it doesn't mean life stops and if you're determined to do something, you will manage to do it.

“People can’t see a brain injury so they think there's nothing wrong with you - it's really important that the wider population knows what it's like to have a brain injury, or knows what it's like for the family and friends of brain injured people.”

Alongside the main speaker sessions guests also had access to a wide range of interactive workshops covering topics such as assistive technology, driving after brain injury, creativity and tai chi.

Attendees taking part in tai chi workshop

The free exhibition also hosted 48 exhibitor stands showcasing organisations and services dedicated to supporting individuals living with brain injuries.

Some of the exhibitors

Luke Griggs, Chief Executive of the Charity Headway UK and host of our Supportive Space, said:

“At Headway our mission is to improve life after brain injury, and too many people are suffering in silence and not getting the help they need.

“We need to make sure that everybody affected by brain injury gets the help and support they deserve as it’s a hidden epidemic and it doesn't just affect the individual - it affects families as well.

“It’s vital we bring together professionals in medical, legal, political and other sectors of society to listen to those affected by brain injury so they can rebuild their lives and regain a degree of independence – that’s why this conference is so important.”

Hear more from the speakers, exhibitors and people who attended the National Head Injury Conference in the video below.

To keep up with plans for future HiiD events, including the next National Head Injury Conference due to take place in September 2027, you can visit @headinjuryinfo on X (formerly Twitter).