The Brain Charity: a warm hub

About The Brain Charity

The Brain Charity helps people with all forms of neurological condition to lead longer, healthier, happier lives.

Did you know there are more than 600 different neurological conditions (conditions affecting the brain, spine and nervous system) in existence—from well-known ones like stroke, brain injury, epilepsy, autism, ADHD and dementia to rare illnesses like Alice in Wonderland Syndrome too?

Combined, they affect 1 in 6 people. The Brain Charity is the only national charity to be here for every single one of them—and we have been for 30 years.

Each year, we champion neurodiversity and provide free practical help, emotional support and social activities to thousands of people affected by neurological conditions from across the UK.

The impact of a neurological diagnosis can be devastating. Life can become very lonely and frightening. 

People lose control of their lives, and many face unemployment, poverty, social isolation and poor mental health as a result. 

Keeping warm during the cost-of-living crisis

People with neurological conditions have higher costs of living than able-bodied people, an average of £583 per month. This is because they have to pay for essential adaptations, or they might require having the heating on more often.

 Many people's neurological symptoms get worse in cold weather. This is why keeping warm is so important, and why the cost-of-living crisis and skyrocketing energy bills are affecting our community so badly.

The Brain Charity's fully accessible centre in Liverpool is open from 9am to 5pm every single weekday, and is a friendly, welcoming place open to all. It is always warm, with free activities going on and people to socialise with. 

Clients can have a cup of tea or coffee, use our free WiFi and relax. We also have a specific warm bank running once a week on Wednesday evenings.

The majority of our staff and volunteers have neurological conditions or direct experience of caring for people with conditions, and will always be on hand to provide support, even if it is just to have a chat!

How we’ll spend the money raised

All of the funds raised will go towards maintaining our centre as a warm hub, helping us keep our lights and heating on so that we can ensure our community is safe and warm during the cost of living crisis. 

Our centre acting as a warm hub helps clients:

• Keep warm (essential for many people's neurological conditions).
• Connect with others and reduce loneliness.
• Reduce anxiety around rising energy bills.
• Access The Brain Charity's many free services.

Hear from people we have supported

Kim had a stroke on the week of her 34th birthday and found herself struggling to access support. 

She said: "I felt totally alone in the world. I realised I would need help to live my life again and began searching the internet for organisations, and came across The Brain Charity. I love every single minute I am at the charity. It feels like home to me as everyone is so welcoming and warm, it's just amazing."

Jan was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2012: although it was removed successfully, she was left with memory problems and fatigue that forced her to give up her job.

She said: "As I'd always worked, the prospect of doing nothing was daunting. I came along to one of The Brain Charity's volunteer open days, I immediately felt at home and decided to join the volunteer team. Volunteering at The Brain Charity has helped to boost my confidence. I've made lot of new friends as well as gaining a very active social life due to all of the social activities that the charity lays on."

Paul, 49, had to give up his job after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Staff at The Brain Charity supported Paul with welfare benefits and housing issues, and he now volunteers in our Brain Food Café.

He said: "When I came into The Brain Charity for the first time, I felt a warm feeling within myself. I love it here. Being in the centre makes me feel better about life. It's a peaceful place and the people create the spirit of community."