New short film explores the joys and challenges of life inside an East London brain injury charity

Marie-Claire Nonchalente is one of four survivors who feature heavily in the film. Image: Kit Vincent / Headway

A poignant short film about the “joyful” everyday goings-on inside a brain injury charity launches today.

The Magic of Chaos, a 21-minute documentary by award-winning filmmaker Kit Vincent, invites viewers into Headway East London’s headquarters.

The building on Kingsland Road is a sanctuary for more than 200 people with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), which the charity describes as a silent epidemic.

Vincent’s film, which is available to watch for free, follows the journey of four Londoners.

Yokabet Mekuria, who lives in Hackney, recently completed a law degree. Image: Kit Vincent / Headway

Yoki Mekuria, 34, developed a brain injury after an infection at the age of 17.

The Hackney resident initially joined Headway as a member and now works there, supporting other brain injury survivors.

Mekuria has completed a degree in criminal law and was recently nominated for Headway UK’s achiever of the year award.

The film delves into Dave Mercer’s relationship with his son. Image: Kit Vincent / Headway

Dave Mercer, 58, was a chauffeur to the rich and famous before viral encephalitis led to a brain injury.

Since joining Headway, Mercer has embraced his creativity through cooking and art.

The film explores how his brain injury has affected his relationship with his teenage son, Milo.

Living life to the fullest: Margie Milner. Image: Kit Vincent / Headway

Fifty-two-year-old Margie Milner is the life and soul of Headway East London community, spreading joy through her love for food and music.

A sudden aneurysm at home alone left her fighting for her life, until she was found by a neighbour.

Milner is now a dedicated mum to her two boys, and determined to enjoy life to the fullest.

Marie-Claire Nonchalente, 50, is rebuilding her life after an aneurysm 10 years ago left her in a coma.

A successful business woman and matriach, her brain injury changed her role in society and her family overnight.

Nonchalente has been a Headway member for seven years, and is a passionate advocate for the rights of people living with brain injury.

Through the touching stories of these four individuals, Vincent shines a light on the often hidden effects of ABI: the cataclysmic impact on relationships, the challenges of having an invisible disability, and the need to create a new sense of self.

Headway member Daniel, pictured in 2017, setting up a supper club. Photograph: Headway

Sarah Lantsbury, chief executive at Headway East London, said: “I hope this film moves people and makes them think, giving a glimpse of the amazing things people with brain injuries can contribute.

“More than anything, I want viewers to leave feeling inspired by their strength and the hope they bring to the world.”

Vincent said: “When we spoke to members about what we should feature in the film, they were clear that whilst the film should show what a joyful place Headway is, we shouldn’t shy away from the realities of living with brain injury.”

Vincent is a survivor of ABI himself.

After being diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was 24, he turned the lens on himself to make Red Herring, which documented the absurdity of the things people do to find solace in times of inexplicable tragedy.

Red Herring was nominated for a British Independent Film Award and won Best UK Feature at Raindance Film Festival.

Every year in the UK, 350,000 people are admitted to hospital with an acquired brain injury sustained through illness or injury – one every 90 seconds – and the number is rising annually.

Headway East London today supports more than 800 survivors of brain injury each year, across 13 London boroughs.

Members and their carers and families are offered specialist services, including a day centre, neurological therapies, community support, and casework.

The charity runs an art studio, singing groups, workshops on music and writing, and its daily lunches – prepared by a talented medley of members, staff, and volunteers – are famously delicious.

You can watch The Magic of Chaos for free here.

For more information about Headway East London, visit headwayeastlondon.org.