A NEW chief has been announced by a Worcestershire charity which supports people affected by brain injury.

Headway Worcestershire has officially appointed Kathryn Davis as the organisation’s new chief executive after former chief executive Mel Akers retired after three years with the charity.

Her appointment was welcomed by Headway members, staff and volunteers, including a representative from Headway UK and the deputy mayor of Worcester at the 26th Annual General Meeting.

A spokesperson for Headway Worcestershire said: "Kathryn is a dedicated and results-drive strategic leader, with a highly successful background in operational and strategic management.

"She has worked with local authorities as part of her role within the city council, private sector during various strategic and operational roles and charitable sector for Focus Birmingham, as the director of operations.

"We look forward to our organisation finding more ways to help more people across the county and we are optimistic about seeing her vision with regards to our charity."

Mrs Davis said: "I am delighted to have joined the Headway team in Worcestershire.

"I am passionate about supporting people with disabilities to choose what they want from life and finding pathways to achieve their dreams and ambitions.

"Headway provides the excellent support and information that allows the service user and their family to live the life they choose.

"My husband has a degenerative brain condition, so I have first-hand experience of being a carer and how big the impact is not only on the person with the brain acquired condition but their entire family and the transition to finding a new plan for the future."

Over the last decade, brain injuries have grown by ten per cent and every 90 seconds someone is admitted into hospital with a head injury.

The effects are often devastating, affecting more than just the survivor, often families are at risk of breaking down and carers at risk of mental issues.

In Worcestershire alone, there are 1,000 people who acquire a brain injury every year.

For support and information, visit HeadwayWorcestershire.org.uk or call 01905 729729.