Headway Jersey members are showcasing their artwork in a pop-up exhibition in Grève de Lecq to celebrate their recovery journeys through sewing.

Islanders who have survived brain injuries have been rebuilding their motor skills through art.

Milly McSweeney, who suffered a brain injury eight years ago and two strokes since, says without Headway she would not be here:

"[The injury] affects my concentration and my memory, so I feel more at ease when I'm sewing. I feel like I'm in a different place and it's a nice, small group, so I'm not on edge all the time, I'm more relaxed.

"If it wasn't for Headway I don't think I'd be on the planet. It was that bad in myself... really bad."

Alli Carroll, one of the arts and crafts coaches, helped Milly to regain use of her left hand after a stroke, through sewing and the weekly workshops.

Sewing and embroidery involve repetitive movements, while different stitches and patterns mean the brain can improve and 'rewire' itself.

Milly with her dreamcatcher

Alli says, by doing new things, the brain can rewire in different ways.

"When you've had an injury you find new ways to do things and you just stimulate [the brain] in any way.

"[Sewing is] a mindful activity that's relaxing and uses a lot of focus and concentration.

"It's just a positive way of engaging the brain. It's a fun, social and safe outlet for [members] to express themselves."

Islanders can see the group's artwork at Grève de Lecq Barracks from Saturday 28 September 2024 until 2 October 2024.