A day at Headway East London
Headway East London is a charity supporting people affected by brain injury. Their Hackney centre brings people together for a Day Service with creative sessions, group activities, and practical support. It is a place where members can spend time with others, try activities, and be part of a community.
I visited in the summer of 2025 as a volunteer photographer. I photographed what was happening across the day, plus a few portraits later on.
The art studio
The day started in the art studio. People were painting. Some worked on textile pieces. There were ceramic figures on a shelf. A hand-painted sign on the wall asked, “Who gets to be an artist”.
I photographed people at work, and the things they were making. I included details that show the space as it is, tables with marks, materials in use, finished pieces waiting nearby.
Music session
Later, there was a music session. A man played guitar and led songs. People joined in when they wanted to. Some sang. Some played instruments. Some listened and kept time.
The pictures from this part of the day are simple. They show a group sharing a room and a set of songs, without turning it into a performance.
Kitchen and lunch prep
After that, I went into the kitchen during lunch prep. Staff and members worked side by side. There was conversation and joking. People helped with tasks and stayed involved from start to finish.
The kitchen photographs focus on what was in front of me, prep on the table, hands busy, people talking while they worked.
Portraits and closing
After lunch, I made a few portraits, including staff and members. The portraits were quick and straightforward. The aim was a clean record of each person, with the environment kept in the background rather than erased.
This day was not about a single event. It was a normal day made up of small sessions, shared time, and ordinary interaction. That is what I wanted the photos to show.
Photographing the day at Headway East London reminded me that the part of photography I care about most is people, connection, and the quiet moments in between. To learn more about their work or support what they do, visit Headway East London.
If you run a charity or community project
and would like environmental portraits that celebrate your people and their work, I am happy to take on more of these shoots. You can reach me at info@tadam.co.uk.
