Headway News autumn 2015

Autumn 2015
£2.25
HeadwayNews
Me and my
new brain
Snowboarder Charlie shares features in BBC documentary
the magazine of the brain injury association
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Publisher’s Details
HeadwayNews Contents
Autumn 2015
Published quarterly by:
Headway - the brain
injury association
Bradbury House
190 Bagnall Road
Old Basford
Nottingham NG6 8SF
Headway is a charity that supports people affected by a brain injury and their
carers. We help people understand about brain injury, offer support, and run
a free information helpline (0808 800 2244). We also produce a range of
publications that explain the effects of brain injury and what can be done to
help. You can visit our website at www.headway.org.uk.
News ........................................................................................... 4
Eye on...Communication Matters ......................................... 9
FAQs ........................................................................................ 10
Freephone Helpline:
0808 800 22 44
Advertising: Joe Leadley
0115 947 1912
information.manager
@headway.org.uk
Website: www.headway.org.uk
Telephone: 0115 924 0800
Headway relies solely on voluntary
contributions to fund its work.
To make a donation please
contact the fundraising team on
0115 924 0800
or make a donation online at
www.headway.org.uk/
donate.aspx
Disclaimer
Advertisements in Headway News
are accepted on a commercial
basis. By publishing an
advertisement, Headway does
not indicate endorsement of the
product or services provided
by the advertiser.
The views expressed in articles
or letters reproduced in this
magazine do not necessarily
represent Headway policy or the
views of Headway’s Board of
Trustees. They are primarily
intended to provide the broadest
possible views from which readers
may form their own opinions.
Autumn 2015
My Story: Michaela ................................................................ 13
The Way Ahead Conference 2015 ................................... 14
Fundraising News ................................................................. 18
News from across the UK ................................................... 23
Dates for your Diary .............................................................. 31
Welcome...
he hidden disability. That’s
what brain injury is so often
called, with Headway
continually working hard to help
people understand that what you
see is not always what you get.
T
It is very true that for some,
aspects of their brain injury will be
visibly obvious. For others,
however, the phrase ‘Well, you look
fully recovered’ will be frustratingly
common. In this edition of
Headway News, we meet
Michaela, who faces a ‘constant
battle’ to control her emotions. We
also have a one-to-one with Charlie
Elmore, who has previously shared
her personal experience of brain
injury with Headway.
In July, Charlie’s hidden disability
was explored in the most public
of domains for a BBC Three
documentary called Me and My
New Brain. It was a fascinating
insight into challenges that can be
faced by brain injury survivors as
they battle to rebuild their lives.
We catch up with Charlie in this
edition to find out why she agreed
to help make the programme.
Finally, a word or two for the
return of The Way Ahead. What a
weekend! Any weekend that
brings together Headway
supporters, carers, survivors,
volunteers and staff for three days
of learning, sharing and not to
mention plenty of fun and games
has to be good, right? See for
yourself on pages 14-17.
Bye for now!
The Communications Team
HeadwayNews
3
News
Charlie helps the BBC defy
eadway supporter Charlie
Elmore, who sustained a
brain injury in a
snowboarding accident four years
ago, has helped raise awareness
of brain injury by retracing the
steps of her recovery in a new
BBC Three documentary.
H
Me & My New Brain aired on
21 July as part of the channel’s
Defying the Label season, which
focuses on the issues faced by
disabled people today.
In January 2011, Charlie
sustained a devastating brain
injury while snowboarding in
Austria. Despite spending ten
days in an induced coma and
more than three months in various
hospitals and rehabilitation units
in Austria and England, Charlie
has gone on to make a good
recovery. She has even
succeeded in returning to her
passion in life – snowboarding.
But Charlie’s journey was far from
smooth – and indeed is ongoing.
The powerful and emotive
documentary saw Charlie embark
on a courageous journey to
improve understanding of this
‘invisible’ disability. She also
spoke with other young brain
injury survivors facing their own
personal battles to rebuild their
lives.
Headway played an active role in
the making of this documentary,
providing advice and information
to the filmmakers while supporting
Charlie throughout. Filming also
took place at a carers’ meeting at
Headway Luton, although sadly
the footage did not make the final
edit.
Speaking to Headway News after
the programme had been aired,
Charlie said: “I was still young at
26 when my injury occurred and
was still growing and developing
as a person. At a social event
following my brain injury, someone
asked if I was feeling ‘back to
normal.’ This was a big moment
for me. What is ‘normal’? I am not
looking to rediscover some
definitive ‘old’ or ‘normal’ self.
Everything that happens to you
takes you in a new life direction.
“I once said that I love every
effect that this has had on me,
but today I can say my
perspective has shifted a little.
“The effects of my injury have at
times been horrendous, often
making me feel isolated,
miserable, incapable and broken.
I have lost friendships because
people haven’t wanted to offer me
the kind of patience needed to
help a person who has sustained
a traumatic brain injury.
“It’s only in the last few months
that I have been able to notice
this as I am now in a relationship
where I am loved and cared for.
I’ve had new emotions to feel and
have had to rediscover the inner
‘me’.”
Getting back out there
Charlie Elmore recounts her early journey to recovery
4
HeadwayNews
“I’m still habitually snowboarding!”
said Charlie. “The first winter back
on the slopes after my injury was
incredibly tough and cognitively
demanding as all I wanted to do
was get back to teaching
snowboarding lessons. I am not
alone when I say that ‘familiarity’
Autumn 2015
News
disability labels
played a huge part in the first few
years post-accident.
“I’ve now spent four winters back
in Switzerland since the accident
and my direction has changed
slightly as I am now passionate
about helping people with
disabilities in snowsports.
“In many ways, I can empathise
with their challenges; I can relate
to them as being someone who
has experienced the hardships in
sports, and has also faced various
physical and mental barriers
resulting from a traumatic brain
injury.
“My partner and I also recently
co-founded a social enterprise
that we are preparing to launch
consisting of a clothing label with
a campaign message to inspire
disadvantaged and troubled
people to overcome their
personal challenges.
“The idea stemmed from the
jumper I was wearing on the day
of my accident. I was gutted to
discover that paramedics had to
cut away my favourite blue hoodie.
“Rather than throwing it away, I
knitted the ripped clothing
together with bright pink wool.
Even today, I still occasionally
wear it!
“We designed a range of hoodies
inspired by this quirky style using
the slogan Get Back Out There
to encourage people to pursue
their hobbies and dreams after
disability or any life-altering event.
Autumn 2015
“This will lend help in financially
supporting individuals looking to
compete in the 2018 Winter
Paralympics, along with Invictus
Games competitors and other
disabled athletes.
“When the BBC Three
production team approached me,
via Headway, and explained their
plans for the project, I was
excited to get involved. It sounded
like fun and the programme’s aim
was to explore the hidden effects
of brain injury.
“I don’t feel as though I have a
‘new brain’, but rather a
marvellously adapted, re-wired
and re-inventing brain.”
● To read Charlie’s story in full,
including a Q&A session with
Charlie after the programme
had aired, visit www.headway
.org.uk/my-story/charlotteelmore.aspx
● Thanks go to Headway Luton
for its support in the filming
process.
“I have received an overwhelming
amount of positive feedback and
really want the documentary to
spread understanding and hope
for those who are struggling.
“That said, I don't fully agree with
the title of Me and My New Brain.
The original title of the
programme was going to be Me
and My Broken Brain, which I
also didn’t like as it does not
consider the progress and
achievements that can be made
after brain injury.
Charlie poses in her repaired hoodie
to launch her new social enterprise.
Visit www.gbot2018.org for more
information.
HeadwayNews
5
News
Headway Vice President
and son hailed ‘heroes’
e may have become
famous for his exploits on
water rather than in it, but
Headway Vice President James
Cracknell has been labelled a
hero for saving a family from
drowning.
H
The double Olympic gold medalwinning rower was enjoying a
relaxing holiday with his family in
Devon when the drama unfolded.
James was surfing with his 11year-old son, Croyde, when they
spotted a grandfather and his
grandson in difficulty.
Seven-year-old Emerson Fairclough
had been paddling in the sea with
his older brother, Joshua, when he
was caught in a strong current and
swept out to sea.
The children’s grandfather, Jim
Greatorex, 67, waded into the
water to try to reach Emerson.
But not only could Jim not get to
Emerson, but he himself then
found himself in difficulty.
back to alert James, who then
brought Jim back in.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live,
Croyde said: “I stood up on my
surfboard and saw a boy’s head
bobbing up and down. My Dad
dived into the water – David
Hasselhoff style – swam
underwater, picked the boy up
and dragged him to shore.
“It’s not every day you rescue
someone from drowning, is it?”
he added.
A proud James said: “Too often,
we don’t give our children or
young people enough credit.
He (Croyde) was amazing in that
situation, not to panic. It was all
co-ordinated by little man here.”
Now that’s what we call a pair of
Headway Heroes!
New factsheets
H
Meanwhile, Croyde used his
surfboard to paddle out to Jim,
who had begun to struggle.
eadway has extended its
award-winning library of
information resources
with the release of two new
factsheets for people with
balance and dizziness problems
after brain injury, and three
addressing legal issues. The
latest additions to Headway’s
list of freely downloadable
factsheets are:
Croyde offered the man his
board, helping him on to it to
keep him safe before swimming
● Balance problems and
dizziness after brain injury:
causes and treatment
Jim managed to shout to Croyde
for help. Belying his tender age
and managing to stay calm,
Croyde called for his father, who
promptly dived into the water, to
help Emerson.
6
HeadwayNews
● Balance problems and
dizziness after brain injury:
tips and coping strategies
Balance problems and dizziness
can be debilitating and are
extremely common after brain
injury. The new factsheets are
intended to help people
understand why the issues occur,
while providing a wide range of
exercises and coping strategies
to help people improve their
condition or simply learn to cope
better and enjoy life more.
Autumn 2015
News
New conference to
support deputies
eadway has launched a
new conference to
provide support and
information to the growing
number of people appointed as
deputies for those lacking
capacity following brain injury.
H
Bookings are now open for
Headway UK’s first ever Deputy
Conference, which will take place
at The Studio in Manchester on
Wednesday 14 October. The
conference is designed to help
deputies support brain injury
survivors with making decisions if
they have lost capacity following
their injury. The day will feature a
diverse range of talks delivered by
Senior Judge Denzil Lush, Public
Guardian Alan Eccles, law firm
Irwin Mitchell’s Julia Lomas, and
Jenny Stone from Nestor
corporate advisors.
Headway UK’s Training Manager,
Ed Arnoll, will also provide
guidance on how to manage and
cope with challenging behaviour
from a client or their family
following a brain injury.
Independent financial advisor,
Concerva Limited, has kindly
sponsored the event in partnership
with The Office of The Public
Guardian, which represents both
professional and lay deputies.
“We are seeing a significant rise
in the number of deputies working
with people who lack the capacity
to make important financial
decisions following a brain injury,”
said Melanie Dickens, Fundraising
Officer at Headway UK.
“It is vital that deputies have
appropriate understanding of
brain injury. The programme we
have put together includes talks
from some of the leading
professionals in the field who will
deliver key information and
guidance to support those who
work as either a professional or
lay deputy.”
Delegates will also receive a
complimentary copy of the BMA
award-winning Headway
publication Supporting people to
make decisions: applying the
Mental Capacity Act.
● To book your place, please
complete the online booking
form using the web link
https://headwayuk.wufoo
.com/forms/deputy-confer
ence-2015 or contact Melanie
Dickens on 0115 924 0800.
launched
Three new factsheets on legal
issues have also been produced:
● A guide to disability
discrimination law
● A guide to Disabled
Facilities Grants
● A guide to insurance
policies after brain injury
Written in association with
Stewarts Law LLP, the factsheets
are designed to help people
navigate some tricky legal areas.
Sadly, facing discrimination can
Autumn 2015
be a common occurrence for
many brain injury survivors. Our
factsheet on the subject can help
you know where you stand legally
if you feel you have been
discriminated against.
The other titles can help you
identify whether you could qualify
for a Disabled Facilities Grant and
guide you through the possibilities
of making an insurance claim after
injury.
● To download the factsheets,
visit www.headway.org.uk/
factsheets.aspx
HeadwayNews
7
Eye On...
Eye on...Communication Matters
Communication is central to who we are and how we relate to others.
If communication is a problem, it has a profound impact on our lives.
ommunication Matters is a
charitable organisation
founded in 1986 which
supports people throughout the UK
who find communication difficult. It
works to achieve a world where all
individuals have the opportunity to
communicate through the provision
of Augmentative and Alternative
Communication (AAC) equipment
and services. The charity is the UK
chapter of ISAAC – the
International Symposium for
Augmentative and Alternative
Communication.
C
AAC is the term used to
describe various methods of
communication that can
supplement or replace speech.
AAC includes simple systems such
as pictures, gestures and pointing,
as well as more complex
techniques involving powerful
computer technology.
It is estimated that 260,000 people
in England could benefit from using
AAC. This includes those who have
had a brain injury or stroke and
who often face the challenge of
learning to use other ways of
communicating besides speech.
Communication Matters’ vision is
a world where all individuals are
able to communicate in all
aspects of life. In working towards
this aim, the charity promotes the
awareness, understanding, and
use of all forms of communication
so individuals can express their
thoughts, feelings, needs and
desires using their chosen means.
Autumn 2015
The aims of Communication
Matters include:
● increasing awareness about
AAC;
● improving service standards;
● encouraging research; and
● lobbying government for
change.
The charity has a small staff
comprising just three people (one
full time administrator, a part-time
communications officer and a very
part-time bookkeeper!) based in an
office in Leeds. The organisation is
overseen by a board of 12
trustees who serve for three-year
terms and volunteer their time and
expertise to support the activities
of the charity.
The charity’s website is a good
source of information and support,
signposting people to services,
resources, events, research and
the latest government updates on
service provision.
It also provides publications and
information relating to AAC and
supporting communication,
including a quarterly journal.
Roadshows, which are open to
professionals, parents, people
who use AAC and members of
the public, enable suppliers to
showcase new developments
and technologies, while study
days on topical issues to
support Continuous Professional
Development (CPD) are also
offered.
Communication Matters also
promotes and supports research
through an AACknowledge
website, an independent research
panel, and a research involvement
network, all of which were launched
in 2012 following receipt of a grant
from the Big Lottery Fund.
Each year the charity runs a
national conference, which is a
key event for all people who have
an interest in AAC. This includes
people who use AAC, family
members, teachers, therapists
and other professionals,
researchers and the suppliers of
AAC systems and equipment.
This year’s conference takes
place in Leeds from 13-15
September, with keynote
speakers from Australia sharing
an exciting project called
Communication access for all.
● To find out more about the
conference, this project, and
the work of the charity, visit
www.communication
matters.org.uk.
HeadwayNews
9
Frequently Asked Questions
Headway helpline:
Frequently Asked Questions
In 2014, the Headway helpline Q) I am planning on returning to
my education this autumn and
answered 8,500 enquiries – the
wondered what sort of help
highest figure recorded in the
and support might be available
history of the service and an
to me now that I have a
incredible 60% increase in
brain injury?
demand since 2010.
A) Choosing to return to
education can be hard at any
time, but after a brain injury
learning new information can
often be more difficult for some
people. Gaining good sources of
help and advice will certainly
allow you to manage this
transition more effectively, and
enable a positive outcome.
Approximately 70% of the
enquiries we answer on the
helpline are from people that are
directly affected by brain injury –
survivors, families and carers; the
remainder are enquiries from
professionals such as doctors,
nurses, rehabilitation teams
It is important to let the college or
and solicitors. university know as soon as
Headway’s confidential helpline is available from 9am to
5pm, Monday to Friday. Calls are free from landlines and
most mobile networks. Email enquiries to:
[email protected]
0808 800 2244
possible if you need any specific
adjustments to make the course
accessible to you. This can be
discussed with a Disability
Advisor or a Learning Support
Advisor, depending on which is
available. You can find the contact
details of disability officers across
the UK here: www.dsaqag.org.uk/students/find-yourdisability-officer
Whether you are returning to
university or college, there are
many support services available.
These include:
● Learning Support Advisors:
Offer support regarding
strategies that can help you to
study to your full potential,
regardless of your disability.
● University Disability services:
Provide an opportunity to
discuss your options and any
support that you may need for
your course. They can also
provide advice on money and
accommodation issues,
counselling, and disability
services in general.
● Disabled Student Networks:
Usually part of the student
union and can help with
information, along with up-andcoming events.
● AbilityNet: Advises on assistive
technology for people with
disabilities (see www.abilitynet
.org.uk)
● Disability Rights UK: Offers a
wide range of factsheets on
education.
The other thing to look at is what
financial support and allowances
may be available to you. Here are
some information sources which
may be helpful when you are
returning to study:
10
HeadwayNews
Autumn 2015
Frequently Asked Questions
● Financial help for students:
www.gov.uk/student-finance/
extra-help
● Career Development Loans:
www.learndirect.co.uk
● Disability Rights UK student
helpline: 0800 328 5050
● Disabled Student Allowances:
www.gov.uk/disabled
-students-allowances
-dsas/overview
● Hardship and Discretionary
Funds: These are usually
available from the college or
university.
● Charitable trusts:
www.disabilityrightsuk.org/
funding-charitable-trusts
(The availability of these funds
varies in different regions of
England, Scotland, Wales and
Northern Ireland.)
Having a disability does not need
to be a barrier when returning to
education, however you may need
to pace yourself if fatigue is an
issue for you. If you need any
further advice you can always
contact the freephone Headway
helpline on 0808 800 2244 or
[email protected].
Q) I have been feeling dizzy when I
stand up and often lose my
balance when I am walking. I’ve
started to avoid going out and
spend days just sitting in a
chair or lying down. Could this
be associated with my brain
injury, and what can I do to stop
this feeling?
A) There are many possible
causes of balance problems after
brain injury, and even a minor
head injury can result in problems.
The ability to balance and orient
ourselves with the outside world
Autumn 2015
is vitally important. However,
most people take this skill for
granted and don’t realise the
complex interactions involved
between multiple systems in the
brain and body.
Brain injury can often disrupt
these systems, resulting in many
problems with balance and
dizziness that can lead to a higher
risk of falls.
In order to maintain good
balance, the brain uses the most
reliable information it receives for
each situation. For example, in the
dark when vision is reduced it will
rely on the legs and ears to relay
information about the
surroundings to maintain balance.
This is a reason why people with
sensory or movement difficulties
often experience balance
problems.
The main areas involved in the
balance system are:
● The vestibular system: An
area of the inner ear that is
heavily associated with balance.
● The brain: Processes
information from the other
parts of the body.
● The sensory system: Refers to
muscles, tendons, joints.
● The visual system: Vision
provides vital information to the
brain about where we are in
relation to other objects.
● Stay Active: Don’t avoid things
that cause the dizziness as this
can lead to social isolation.
Inactivity means that the brain
isn’t exposed to mismatching
signals within the ear and
prevents a process called
vestibular compensation.
● Participate fully in any rehab
programme and the exercises
that have been advised.
● Don’t suffer in silence: Sharing
your concerns and talking things
through can be really helpful.
● Keep a diary: It is important to
learn to recognise the triggers
of the dizziness and balance
problems. Take the diary to
medical appointments; the more
information you are able to
provide to your GP, the better
equipped they are to help you.
Headway has recently released
two new factsheets for people
with balance and dizziness
problems after brain injury. These
are free to download from the
website. They are intended to
help people understand why the
issues occur, and include a wide
range of exercises and coping
strategies to help people manage
their condition.
● To download the new balance
and dizziness factsheets, visit
www.headway.org.uk/
factsheets.aspx
You should always seek a referral
to an appropriate specialist, such
as a neurophysiotherapist, for a full
assessment and recommendations
on techniques to help you.
However, the suggestions may
help to manage your condition.
HeadwayNews
11
12
HeadwayNews
Autumn 2015
My Story
‘Managing my emotions
is a constant battle’
Michaela, 44 and from Padstow in Cornwall, had been working as a nanny for a family in Wimbledon
at the turn of the millennium. Michaela would often take the family’s horses out for some exercise in a
nearby forest – until one particular excursion went terribly wrong.
have ridden horses ever
since I was a teenager,”
said Michaela. “On the
day of the incident, I remember
taking the family’s horse into the
forest. I can’t remember what
happened next or how long I was
laying there. I was eventually
found unconscious on the floor by
walkers.
“I
“I think the horse must have been
spooked by something and
bolted. I have a blurry memory of
losing control of the reins and the
horse not stopping. I must have
fallen and hit my head.
“Just weeks before my accident
I’d bought a new riding hat
because the one I had previously
borrowed was too big and did not
fit properly. I am so glad I did.
There is no question that the
riding helmet saved my life.”
Michaela was rushed to Royal
Surrey County Hospital where
she remained in a coma for 24
hours before beginning to show
signs of improvement. A week
later, Michaela was transferred to
the Royal Cornwall Hospital to be
closer to her family.
“I returned to my family’s home to
recover but we had no idea
whatsoever what was ahead of us
or how dramatically our lives were
about to change,” said Michaela.
Autumn 2015
“The injury to my frontal lobe
causes me to struggle with my
emotions and behaviour. I have
lost most of my old friends and
even now struggle to make new
ones – it makes me feel very
isolated.
“The majority of people see me
as a happy and smiley person
and that is who I am most of the
time, but if someone says
something I do not like I become
easily distressed. Managing my
emotions at these times remains
a constant battle.
“I received ongoing support from
Headway Cornwall and I now
carry my Headway ‘brain injury
survivor’ card with me at all times
and show it to people when an
unexpected outburst occurs. It
immediately diffuses the situation
– I don’t know where I’d be
without it!”
Three years ago, Michaela
decided to take up running. She
soon discovered that running
enabled her to focus and calm
her mind after an emotional
outburst.
In February, Michaela proudly
completed the Cornish Pasty Run
in Saltash, which involves tackling
20 muddy obstacles alongside
members of the Marines and the
Royal Navy.
“Obstacle races are perfect for
me because they are not about
speed,” said Michaela. “They are
about endurance, helping each
other and not giving up. I want to
make the hidden effects of brain
injury visible to those people who
don’t understand the subtle daily
challenges that such injuries can
cause.
“Now, whenever I see a person
on a horse or bike without a
helmet it makes me feel physically
sick and worried. So many people
are unaware of the real dangers
and lasting consequences of
head injuries.”
HeadwayNews
13
The Way Ahead Conference 2015
Record turnout for The Way
Did you ever hear the one
about a giraffe, a hooded
vulture, a brainy dog, and a
hedgehog? No? Well neither
had we until they all played
starring roles in this year’s The
Way Ahead conference, which
took place in Staffordshire in
early July.
Due to popular demand, the
weekend’s workshops began
early this year, with two half-day
training sessions (Conducting
effective radio interviews and
Train the trainer) complemented
by a discussion forum and
networking session for group
CEOs or senior managers.
After a warm welcome by Brian
Clingan, Director of Services at
Headway, Dr Trevor Powell had
the honour of delivering the first
talk of the weekend. Trevor has
worked for 30 years in the NHS
as a neuropsychologist and has
been chairman of Headway
Thames Valley for 25 years.
new venue, brilliant
keynote speakers,
insightful workshops and a
record number of delegates all
helped make the event – which
was returning after a one-year
absence – a resounding success.
This was the first time such a
meeting of senior staff from
Headway groups and branches
had come together at The Way
Ahead. Led by Helen
Fairweather, Chief Executive of
Headway Suffolk, and Dawn
Wright, one of Headway UK's
Network Support Managers, the
meeting provided
a great opportunity to share
ideas and challenges with peers.
The author of several books,
including the authoritative Head
Injury: A practical guide, Trevor
provided a fascinating insight into
a concept called ‘post-traumatic
growth’.
A
A record number of more than 340
service users, volunteers, and
members of staff from groups and
branches across the UK joined staff
from Headway UK at the Yarnfield
Park Training and Conference
Centre, near Stone in Staffordshire
for a weekend of learning, sharing
and socialising. Another record was
also broken, with more than 50% of
the group and branch network –
from all areas of the UK –
represented at the event.
A hearty breakfast was required
on Saturday morning –
particularly for those who had
enjoyed the evening
entertainment a little too
enthusiastically – to fuel
delegates for a packed day of
seminars and workshops.
Dr Trevor Powell delivers his talk to a packed audience
14
HeadwayNews
Trevor’s research into the subject
led him into contact with people
who feel their brain injury has had
a positive effect on their lives,
with statements including ‘I feel a
stronger person for it’; ‘My life is
more balanced’; and even ‘I am
grateful to my brain injury, it’s
given me a richer, fuller life’.
With these counterintuitive views
at odds with the experiences of
many people affected by brain
injury, Trevor gave a detailed
overview of his research and the
concept of post-traumatic growth.
Former Army soldier and officer
Rob Cromey-Hawke then took to
the stage. Rob was wounded in
Afghanistan; he suffered a TBI,
hearing loss and spinal injuries.
He transitioned to civilian life,
gaining employment as a
leadership development
professional and achieving
remarkable things through
adaptive sport, including winning
two gold medals at the Invictus
Games in London 2014.
Autumn 2015
The Way Ahead Conference 2015
Ahead
The Way Ahead 2015 was
generously sponsored by:
Rob shared with delegates his
experience of brain injury and the
challenges of building a life
outside of the military with such
an injury.
decision makers. In addition, more
theoretical sessions provided
information and analysis on topics
such as The Care Act and
safeguarding.
In his insightful talk, Rob spoke
openly about the incident leading
to his injuries and the recovery
process thereafter, highlighting
critical decision points and the
difference between armed service
personnel being discharged with
an ABI and a civilian with an ABI.
Thanks go to all those who kindly
donated their time and expertise
to running workshops, all of which
were well received by delegates.
Workshops
As ever, The Way Ahead featured
a host of workshops running
between the main seminars on
the Saturday. Delegates were
able to choose from a host of
topics delivered by Headway UK
staff, representatives from groups
and branches, and experts from
supporting organisations.
The one-hour workshops ranged
from offering practical skills, such
as generating local press
coverage, how to make
successful grant applications, and
techniques to influence local
Tackling big issues
Neurosurgeon Colin Shieff began
the afternoon session with a talk
entitled TBI: Is the iceberg
shrinking?
Colin, who is Chair of Headway
North London and a trustee of
Headway UK, suggested that
there have been significant
advances in acute neurological
care over the years, but there are
still problems with rehabilitation.
“Things are getting better, but we
still have frayed edges,” said
Colin. “It’s a carpet that’s really
gorgeous, it can carry lots of
people, but if the edges are a little
frayed and you start tugging at
them it starts to come undone.
Rehabilitation, which is designed
to pick up the pieces, remains a
‘Cinderella’ (service).”
One of the biggest issues in the
world of contact sport at present
is how to identify and treat
players suspected of having
sustained a concussion.
Professor Tony Belli, the UK’s
only Professor of Trauma
Neurosurgery and leading expert
in the field of sports concussion
gave a fascinating insight into
work taking place both in public
and behind the scenes.
“Only a couple of years ago, we
used to hear statements from
coaches, parents and even club
doctors of concussed players
along the lines of ‘It’s just a
concussion, man up and get back
on the pitch!’” said Tony.
“Now, not a weekend goes by
without a newspaper or news
channel lambasting a manager or
a doctor of one team or another
for ignoring ‘a potentially lethal’
injury.
Rob Cromey-Hawke delivers his talk
Autumn 2015
“But where does the truth lie?
Should we all panic about our
children getting ‘brain-damaged’
on a weekly basis or should we
be more concerned about the rise
in childhood obesity and our
increasingly sedentary society?”
HeadwayNews
15
The Way Ahead Conference 2015
Having a giraffe
he saying ‘what you get out
depends on what you put
in’ is certainly true of The
Way Ahead. It’s a busy weekend
full of opportunities to learn new
skills, improve one’s
understanding of new or existing
legislation, and develop ideas to
improve the services provided by
Headway groups and branches
across the country.
T
“
“
“
A fantastic event
with a hugely stimulating
selection of speakers and
workshops.
Delegate
But it’s not all work and no play!
Far from it, in fact. Friday night’s
entertainment was a mix of the
traditional and the, well, different!
A pub quiz was held in the bar
and it was clear from the outset
that local pride was at stake.
Brainy Dogs is a unique project
that sees rescue dogs from
Felixstowe Blue Cross trained by
prisoners from nearby Hollesley
Bay Prison become companion
dogs to people with a brain injury
or neurological condition.
The most-keenly fought after
award of the evening, however,
was for the ‘Best Giraffe’. If,
perhaps understandably, you’ve
never attempted to make a model
giraffe using the art of origami
then we suggest you give it a go!
It certainly caused a great deal of
amusement from our teams, with
some impressive (and some not
so impressive) results.
Supported by her owner and
Brainy Dogs Co-ordinator Sophie
Mayes, Hope provided a
demonstration of the support the
dogs can give to people living
with brain injury.
By far the most popular delegate
of the weekend had to be Hope.
A black labrador, Hope is part of
Headway Suffolk’s Brainy Dogs
scheme.
Well done to all at
UK for a great Way Ahead
weekend. All my staff
thoroughly enjoyed it,
found it interesting and
informative. We are looking
forward to coming again.
To complete the animal and bird
theme, a team from Headway
North Staffordshire delivered
perhaps the most creative
workshop of the weekend.
The session, run by Sandra Hall,
Michelle Gunnery, and Carole
Hall, was a creative workshop
that showed guests how to turn
old and unloved books into a
quirky ornamental hedgehog.
“
Headway group CEO
Further entertainment was
provided by a birds of prey
exhibition, with a tawny owl, a
peregrine falcon and even a
hooded vulture on show.
Used as a therapy by the group, it
is a creative and fun way for brain
injury survivors to express
themselves while creating a
product that can be sold to raise
funds or awareness for the charity.
Thank you!
The Way
Ahead 2015
16
HeadwayNews
If you’ve ever wondered what
an origami giraffe looked like...
“We are delighted with the return
of The Way Ahead,” said Brian
Clingan, Director of Services at
Headway. “More importantly, the
Autumn 2015
The Way Ahead Conference 2015
“
“
An excellent weekend
with great company,
accommodation and
workshops.
Delegate
The Way
Ahead 2015
From book to hedgehog in a few simple steps!
“The main aim of this conference
has always been to bring together
the Headway network so that
groups and branches across the
UK can reap the benefits of being
a part of such a diverse and
vibrant community.
“There is such a wealth of
talent and passion within this
organisation and it is always such a
pleasure to see it all come together
in one place over one weekend.
“Similarly, we would like to thank
our excellent keynote speakers –
Dr Trevor Powell, Rob CromeyHawke, Professor Tony Belli and
Colin Shieff.
“Finally, our sincere thanks to
Thompson Solicitors for
sponsoring this year’s event and to
all our exhibitors for playing such
an integral role in the weekend.
“Planning is already underway for
next year’s event, at which we
hope to see our attendance
records broken once more.
We hope to see you there!”
“
We met incredible
people from Headway
organisations around the
UK, all of whom
were lovely.
The speakers were
excellent and the subjects
they covered were relevant
and inspiring.
Headway group Chair
Brainy Dog, and to the Gauntlet
Birds of Prey centre.
“Thanks also to Headway Suffolk
for bringing along Hope, the
“
“
“The Way Ahead can only be a
success with the help of a large
number of people. Our sincere
thanks go to all those who
prepared and delivered such
thought-provoking workshops
throughout the weekend.
“
feedback we have received from
delegates suggests that this
year’s event was a tremendous
success.
Complementary therapist
A tawny owl was part of an
impressive birds of prey display
Autumn 2015
HeadwayNews
17
Fundraising News
Personal triumphs aplenty
for RideLondon heroes
On Sunday 2 August, 26,000 determined cyclists descended onto the iconic streets of the capital
for the country’s largest cycling event: the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100. Among the riders were
12 intrepid Headway Heroes, each with their own personal reasons for wanting to raise funds and
awareness of the charity.
complete the ride in less than six
hours with his healing (if slightly
sore!) thumb.
n stark contrast to the stormy
skies and torrential rain that
dominated last year’s event,
the sun was shining down on this
year’s 100-mile cycle challenge
from London to Surrey, providing
a glorious backdrop for the day’s
activities.
I
Thanks to the fabulous
fundraising efforts of our riders,
many of whom have brain injuries
themselves, Team Headway
raised an incredible £10,000 for
the charity.
Drew Savage, from Manchester,
decided to tackle the challenge
after a cycling accident in 2012
left him with a serious brain injury.
Success! Drew Savage at the finish line
Despite facing a difficult road to
recovery, Drew finally felt ready to
get back in the saddle.
“I consider myself one of the lucky
ones,” said Drew. “I recovered well
following my brain injury. Now, I’d
like to reach out and help others in
similar situations – especially those
who are feeling baffled, frustrated
and not knowing how to cope after
a head injury.”
It may not come as a shock that
training for RideLondon is hard
work and requires a lot of
determination. However, this test
of resolve proved particularly
intense for one unfortunate
Headway rider.
Committed: Headway hero Mark
Walker nurses a hurt thumb during
training for RideLondon
18
HeadwayNews
Nottinghamshire’s Mark Walker
broke his thumb while preparing
for the event and wisely
conceded he could no longer
train on the road. Undeterred,
Mark carried on his training at
home using a stationary ‘turbo
trainer’, and eventually went on to
For Kent-based Justin Morgan,
finishing the race was also a
significant personal conquest. In
2005, Justin suffered a ruptured
brain aneurysm, which resulted in
a devastating subarachnoid
haemorrhage.
“Completing RideLondon was a
huge personal achievement,” said
Justin, who crossed the finish line
after just five-and-a-half hours.
“I had a great day and surprised
myself by finishing with a much
faster time than expected. Plus,
I managed to raise money for
Headway – which made it even
better!”
● Feeling inspired to take part in
next year’s event? Register
your interest for a Headway
charity place by emailing
[email protected]
Justin Morgan shows off his medal
Autumn 2015
Fundraising News
A four-midable boost to
Headway’s high street presence
Joanne Atkinson (second from left) meets
the Headway team in Winsford
eadway has strengthened
its presence on high
streets across the country
with the launch of four new shops
in as many months.
H
Volunteers, staff and supporters
turned out to mark the official
opening of Headway stores in
Swinton and Droylsden (both
Greater Manchester), Winsford
(Cheshire) and Ashby
(Nottingham), receiving a warm
welcome from shoppers and the
local communities alike.
In Swinton, 54-year-old ex-military
man Paul Morville, who sustained
a traumatic brain injury while on
duty, was given the honour of
cutting the ribbon at the launch of
the new Headway shop at the
Swinton Square shopping centre.
Meanwhile, brain injury survivors
Damian Williamson, 43, and
Michael Brearley, 57, already have
plans to volunteer one day a week
at Headway’s 25th store in
Droylsden shopping centre after
officially declaring the shop open
for business.
Family support worker Joanne
Atkinson was also delighted to
support Headway’s plans to
launch a shop near to her home in
Winsford in July. Joanne became
aware of the charity after HATS
nurse Alex Power supported her
after she sustained a brain injury.
Headway, said: “We feel deeply
honoured that each one of our
wonderful volunteers has agreed
to use their own experiences to
help others by cutting the ribbons
or signing up to volunteer in one
of our new charity shops.
“Alex was invaluable during the
early stages of my recovery after I
suffered a subarachnoid
haemorrhage,” said Joanne. “She
was my lifeline.
“I hope the beautiful new shop
raises awareness of the work
Headway does.”
A fourth shop, based in Ashby-dela-Zouch, was declared officially
open for business on Tuesday 25
August by Headway volunteer
Chris Crutchlow.
Carol Tennet, Head of Retail at
Droylsden volunteers Damian
Williamson and Michael Brearley
“We are proud to be increasing
the number of Headway shops
we run. Not only do they provide
vital income to enable us to
improve life after brain injury, but
they help us raise the profile of
Headway and increase the
public’s understanding of brain
injury.”
● To find your local
Headway shop, please visit
www.headway.org.uk/charity
-shops.aspx
● Thanks go to Tollers Solicitors,
Sintons LLP, Cozens-Hardy
LLP, and Darbys Solicitors for
providing pro-bono support
with the leases for the new
shops.
Paul Morville cuts the ribbon at the new Headway shop in Swinton
Autumn 2015
HeadwayNews
19
Fundraising News
Happy holly-days!
t may only be September, but
Headway is already preparing
for the season to be jolly by
launching our brand new range of
Christmas cards and our 2015
raffle!
I
There are eight fantastic card
designs to choose from this year,
including a modern winter wildlife
scene and a partridge in a pear
tree. Some card designs also
feature glitter or foil for that extra
special Christmas sparkle.
A pack of ten cards costs just
£3.50 and, as this year’s cards
are kindly sponsored by the
Huntercombe Group, all proceeds
will go towards helping us to
deliver vital frontline services for
families affected by brain injury
across the country.
Order your favourite designs soon
while stocks last!
And don’t miss out on the chance
to win yourself some
20
HeadwayNews
extra Christmas cash in our
annual raffle.
Tickets are just £1 each. This
year’s first prize is £1,000,
second prize is £500, with £100
for third prize.
If you would prefer to support
your local Headway, tickets can
be bought directly from your
chosen group or branch, with 50p
from each ticket going to the local
charity.
● To place a Christmas card
order you can complete the
enclosed leaflet, visit the
Headway website or call the
fundraising team on 0115 924
0800. A selection of cards will
also be available from all
Headway UK charity shops.
● Raffle tickets will be available
shortly from all Headway
groups and branches, or you
can request them by contacting
the fundraising team on 0115
924 0800 or by e-mailing
[email protected]
● The closing date for the raffle
is Wednesday 9 December.
The draw will take place on
Wednesday 16 December
at Headway UK’s Nottingham
office. Good luck!
Autumn 2015
Fundraising News
Lisa’s Army faces Ultra Challenge
esolute fundraisers have
undertaken a series of
‘Ultra Challenges’ across
the country to honour the life of
their friend who tragically passed
away following a brain injury.
R
Katie Drewery and friends Dean,
Mickey and Karen, decided to
tackle the 100km Grand Union
Challenge in June to raise funds
for Headway after their friend,
Lisa Boswell, suffered a brain
aneurysm and sadly passed away.
She was 45 years old.
To support their epic walking
adventure, which was organised
by events company Action
Challenge, the committed team,
called Lisa’s Army, also hosted
various additional fundraising
events to collectively raise more
than £4,000 for Headway.
The Grand Union Challenge saw
Lisa’s Army set off from Regent’s
Park in London before following a
route along the Grand Union
Canal Towpath, a hidden green
corridor winding towards the
beautiful Chilterns. An exhausting
100km and 21-and-a-half hours
later, the team finally made it to
the finish line in Bletchley as the
sun rose to mark the next day!
“Lisa was a healthy, happy and
energetic person who had a huge
appetite for life and a spirit of
adventure that was contagious,”
said Katie.
“There was nobody quite like Lisa
and there never will be again. If
Lisa was here with us today, she
would be encouraging us to do
this challenge and she would be
right there beside us, urging us
on towards the finish line.”
Dean said after the challenge:
“My poor feet have taken a bit of
a battering but they’re starting to
recover now.
“The Action Challenge team were
amazing. The route was
signposted very well and the food
and snacks along the way were
excellent – I’ve never eaten so
much in my life!
“All four of us completed the
challenge for Lisa. It was a great
experience and I know she would
be proud of us.”
Making Lisa proud: Dean, Katie, Karen and Mickey at the Ultra Challenge
finish line
Autumn 2015
● Inspired by Lisa’s Army or
fancy having a go at an Ultra
Challenge next year? Contact
the fundraising team while
Headway places are still
available on 0115 924 0800
or visit www.headway.org.uk/
ultra-challenge.aspx for
more information.
HeadwayNews
21
Fundraising News
Myth-busting legacies
ith a number of highprofile cases being
reported on in the
national press recently, Headway
News takes a look at legacies to
show that – if prepared properly –
they can be something the entire
family can take pride in.
W
What is a legacy?
Put simply, a legacy is a gift in
your will and can be as big or
small as you like.
It can be an item such as
jewellery or a house (specific
legacy), a cash sum – whether
£50 or £50,000 (pecuniary
legacy), or a percentage of your
estate upon death (residuary
legacy). Despite slightly daunting
terminology, will-making is not
complicated.
Providing for one’s family is often
most people’s first thought.
Thereafter, a cash sum or
percentage of what is left could
help a charity to continue to
provide vital services. Most
legacies to charity account for
around 1% - 5% of a person’s
estate, illustrating that it is not just
an exercise for the wealthy.
By making a will you are ensuring
that your wishes are carried out
upon your death. This can include
funeral arrangements, as well as
financial planning for family or for
causes close to your heart.
For instance, a gift of £500 can
help a family cope with the
sudden financial implications of
catastrophic brain injury via an
application to the Headway
Emergency Fund. A gift of
£4,500 ensures acute trauma
support can be provided to
around 60 families in just one
month.
For your will to be legally-binding
we recommend you use a
professional will-writer to guide
and assist you in ensuring that
your wishes are correctly
documented. This will limit the
complications that may arise and
reduce the number of difficult
decisions your family will have to
make at such a distressing time
for them.
Where do I start?
If you have a will already, check
it reflects your current
circumstances and that it makes
clear your wishes for your family.
If you need to update it, you can
make an amendment (a codicil)
via your solicitor. Most solicitors
“We took comfort from the fact that Gary left a gift in his will to Headway,
alongside close family, to help people like himself.” Sarah Winters
22
HeadwayNews
If you have not got a will, then talk
to a solicitor. They will guide you
on the things to consider and
provide you with reassurance that
your wishes are reflected in a
legally-binding document.
Headway assistance includes:
Why do I need a solicitor?
Can I leave what I like
to anyone?
will do this for a modest fee. We
recommend you review your will
at regular intervals.
● A will planner to help guide you
through the areas to consider,
and a codicil form to add an
amendment to your will, are
downloadable free from our
website at www.headway.org.uk/
how-to-leave-a-legacy-to
-headway.aspx
● A free standard will-writing
service is offered to Headway
members. Please contact
Lisa Thompson at
[email protected]
Many people give regularly to
charities throughout their lifetime,
others would like to but feel they
cannot afford to as they worry
about their future needs.
Preparing a will provides peace of
mind for you and your family. It
enables you to continue a lifetime
of giving, long after you have
gone.
● If you would like any
further information or support
about legacy giving, please
contact Lisa Thompson on
0115 924 0800 or
[email protected]
Autumn 2015
News from across the UK
Judges bowled over by Peter
Tayside man who
rekindled his passion for
bowling to aid his
rehabilitation after brain injury has
been awarded a string of gold
medals for his technique in the
sport.
A
Peter Gibb, a member of
Headway Tayside, earned the
right to compete in the finals for
this year’s Scottish bowling title,
organised by Disabled Sport
Scotland, after he wowed judges
and racked up an incredible five
gold medals.
What makes Peter’s
achievements even more special
is that they come after a
haemorrhage in 2001 left him
with a severe brain injury and the
devastating news he may never
walk again.
It was not until two years later
that Peter was finally well enough
to leave hospital and return home
to begin a long and difficult road
to recovery.
After a short break due to illness,
Peter is now back in the swing
once again as he prepares to
tackle the Scottish bowling finals
this autumn.
“I count Darren Burnett, the world
indoor bowling champion, as a
good friend and I’m really looking
forward to playing against him,”
said Peter.
“I’ve always enjoyed bowling and I
write a column on the subject for
the Headway Tayside newsletter
as part of my rehabilitation.
“Thanks to Linda and Gill at
Headway Tayside, who had great
patience and taught me how to use
a computer, I’m now much better at
communicating with people.
“I feel that I owe it to everybody
who has supported me through
thick and thin to give this bowling
competition my best shot.”
Peter Gibbs dons the gold medal that
earned him a place in this year’s
Scottish bowling final
With the continued support of
Headway Tayside, Peter slowly
regained the language and writing
skills he lost following his brain
haemorrhage.
Nonetheless, Peter missed the
active lifestyle he once led and
eventually joined a disabled
bowling club in Dundee where he
learned the correct way to bowl.
He even began competing, and
winning, local competitions.
Peter in action with his wife Kate (left) and bowling coach and Headway Tayside
member, Marion McIntosh (right)
Autumn 2015
HeadwayNews
23
News from across the UK
It’s neigh problem for
Headway Huddersfield
here’s normally an
instruction for no horsing
around when special guests
visit Headway meetings – but it
was completely the opposite for
members of Headway
Huddersfield at a recent event.
T
The members were treated to a
visit by Heidi Dawson, Chief
Executive of local charity Glint
Huddersfield which uses ‘horseassisted development’ as an
effective alternative to traditional
coaching, therapy and training.
The programmes are designed to
encourage people with disabilities
to care for and learn about the
animals. Heidi spoke of how
grooming, feeding and walking
with horses can improve a
person’s co-ordination and
provide a sense of purpose.
Headway Huddersfield first heard
about Glint when Gareth
Blackwell, the son of two
committee members, began
attending sessions at the stables
after a serious head injury left him
with a brain injury.
“Interaction with horses and
ponies following a traumatic brain
injury can prove invaluable on
many different levels,” said Heidi.
“In particular, the emotional
connection, movement and coordination skills required to care
for and to work with a horse can
have an enormous impact upon
an individual’s rehabilitation and
sense of wellbeing.
“Gareth built up trust and
leadership skills such that the
horse he was working with, Billy,
would walk with him willingly. I
also believe it’s important to work
on strategies for the future so that
skills learned through working
with the horses are transferrable
to life in general.”
Caroline Jepson, Chair of
Headway Huddersfield, said:
“Heidi has gone to great lengths
to support our group.
“We have faced great adversity in
recent years and Glint offering
this unique service to our clients
marks a fantastic new chapter for
our charity.
“I would personally like to thank
Heidi and also the committee
members for their commitment,
passion and their time which they
give so willingly to Headway
Huddersfield.”
TBI survivor Gareth Blackwell with Billy the horse
24
HeadwayNews
Autumn 2015
News from across the UK
United for charity!
T
wo Headway groups have
shown they’re on the ball by
securing support from local
professional sports clubs.
Headway Swindon and District was
crowned Charity of the Year by
Swindon Town Football Club, while
Headway Devon has been named
one of Exeter Chiefs’ chosen
charities for the third year running.
On Friday 10 July, Swindon Town
Football Club announced that
Headway Swindon and District
had triumphed in a public vote to
become its chosen charity. The
group can now look forward to
benefitting from the club’s high
profile in the community.
“We are tremendously honoured
and grateful to Swindon Town FC
for naming us their Charity of the
Year,” said Jane Weston, Centre
Manager at Headway Swindon
and District.
Headway Swindon and District staff set up camp at the Swindon Town FC stadium
benefit from the recently
announced support of the Exeter
Foundation, which was set up by
the Exeter Chiefs rugby club in
2010 to help fund local causes.
“Our profile in the city has
significantly benefitted from our
relationship with the Foundation in
recent years and we really look
forward to working with the Exeter
Chiefs again,” said Holly Keatings,
Fundraising and Communications
Manager at Headway Devon.
“People within the rugby
community are often very aware of
head injuries and are sympathetic
towards the aims of our charity.
We always get a great response
from the Exeter Chiefs’ generous
supporters during our visits to the
Sandy Park ground in Exeter.”
“The partnership will definitely
open doors for us. If the club’s
reputation and profile helps to put
us on the map so more local
people living with brain injury can
access the right support at the
right time, we will be very happy
indeed.”
Spurred on by the promise of
fundraising opportunities, Jane
hopes this new union will set the
goal posts for achieving Headway
Swindon and District’s dream of
moving into bigger premises
within a year.
Meanwhile, Headway Devon will
be one of 18 local charities to
Autumn 2015
From left: CEO of Exeter Chiefs, Tony Rowe OBE, at last year’s cheque presentation
with Headway Devon’s Hannah Blachford, Holly Keatings and Exeter Foundation
Trustee Mark Astley
HeadwayNews
25
News from across the UK
Fun in the sun
H
eadway groups and
branches have been out
and about in the
countryside enjoying some all-toorare moments of sunshine. Here’s
a round-up of just some of their
outdoor adventures:
Back to nature
Headway North Devon’s coach trip
to Cornwall’s Lost Gardens of
Heligan saw 29 members and
carers travel from Barnstaple to St.
Austell for a day of nature at one of
the UK’s most popular botanical
gardens. “It was quite a journey, but
fantastic to spend the afternoon
enjoying the lovely gardens,” said
Kathy Wellington, Co-ordinator at
Headway North Devon.
“The entire trip, including lunch,
was paid for using donations
made to Headway North Devon in
the past 12 months. We would
like to thank everyone whose
generosity made it possible for our
members to get out of the house
and enjoy socialising with other
families affected by brain injury.”
In the West Midlands, service
users, carers and volunteers at
Headway Black Country visited
Headway North Devon find the Lost Gardens of Heligan
the National Memorial Arboretum,
a site of war remembrance at
Alrewas, in Staffordshire.
The group enjoyed a commentary
and tour around the Arboretum on
a land train, while discovering the
history of British soldiers who were
killed while serving their country.
“Some of our members struggle
with fatigue and mobility difficulties
following brain injury and the train
tour enabled all of us to see and
hear about the memorials,” said
Stephen Phipps, Chief Officer at
Headway Black Country.
“For the majority of our members,
the visit to the beautifully-kept
Headway Black Country members enjoy tour of National Memorial Arboretum
26
HeadwayNews
arboretum was a first, and we
were not disappointed! We would
like to thank The Steve Bull
Foundation, which made our day
out possible with its very kind
donation. Our members came
away with some fond memories.”
Getting active
Meanwhile, daring members of
Headway Lancaster and
Morecambe Bay took a more active
approach to enjoying the fine
weather by embarking on an
action-packed weekend break to
the Calvert Trust centre in Keswick.
Situated at the heart of the Lake
District’s National Park, The Calvert
Trust centre is a residential outdoor
facility that provides adventure
holidays for people with disabilities.
A total of 29 Headway members
participated in a range of activities
including horse riding, catamaran
sailing, archery and rock climbing.
Thankfully, keen photographer
Geoff Sackville-Wiggins, who
discovered the Headway group in
2011 after a motorcycle accident
in 2009 left him with a traumatic
brain injury, was there to capture
Autumn 2015
News from across the UK
A Chance for Life
Making a splash: Service user Geoff
Sackville-Wiggins photographs Headway
Lancaster and Morecambe Bay members
in action
the activities on camera. “It was
a great weekend,” said Geoff.
“The trip also taught me not to
underestimate my abilities after
brain injury.”
Janet Staff, Chair of Headway
Lancaster and Morecambe Bay,
said: “It was great to see our
members throw themselves into
the activities and gain real
enjoyment and satisfaction from
challenging themselves, proving
that outdoor pursuits can be
accessible to everyone.” The trip
was made possible thanks to the
Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire,
David Camm, who helped the
group secure a generous grant
of £5,000 from the Duchy of
Lancaster Benevolent Fund, a
charity that awards small grants
to local causes.
eadway groups in
Cumbria are benefitting
from funds raised at a
charity dinner and conference
hosted by a local case
management company.
H
Neuropsychologists, solicitors, and
members of Headway’s North
Cumbria and South Cumbria
groups enjoyed an evening of
glamour at the first ever charity
dinner organised by Penrith-based
brain injury case manage-ment firm
A Chance for Life.
The dinner, which was attended
by insurers and local businesses,
included an Auction of Promises
that raised £1,310 for Headway
North Cumbria and an additional
£1,100 for Headway South
Cumbria.
Former Paralympian Dave Padgen
then treated guests to a
motivational after dinner speech.
Dave was the first European with
cerebral palsy to scale Kilimanjaro,
despite sustaining a brain injury in a
near-fatal cycling accident in 2005.
The following day, an Improving
Life after Brain Injury conference
played host to expert speakers
from around the country who
gathered to discuss key issues
surrounding rehabilitation, legal
matters and care after brain injury.
Gordon Ashton OBE, a former
Court of Protection judge,
delivered the keynote address.
“Both Headway groups are
delighted to have been chosen by
A Chance for Life as beneficiaries
of the amazing fundraising efforts
carried out at the conference
dinner,” said Glenys Marriott, Chair
of Headway South Cumbria.
“We already receive enormous
support from organiser Louise
Chance and her dedicated team
at meetings of Headway South
Cumbria and we are delighted to
be a part of this conference.”
DL Camm even came along for
the weekend to see firsthand the
positive impact participating in
outdoor pursuits can have upon
Headway service users.
Headway Lancaster: The team putting
on their helmets before rock climbing in
the Lake District
Autumn 2015
Headway North Cumbria and Headway South Cumbria join with solicitors
and insurers for the A Chance for Life conference
HeadwayNews
27
News from across the UK
How does your garden grow?
reen-fingered members of
Headway Cambridgeshire
have restored a hidden
hideaway after discovering a
neglected walled garden behind
their centre.
G
The Headway group’s Horticultural
Therapist, Simon Lacey, joined
forces with the local Sue Ryder
Care Hospice for the project,
which aimed to produce a safe
space where clients from both
charities could relax and get
creative.
For the past 15 years the grounds
of Thorpe Hall, which is shared by
the hospice and Headway
Cambridgeshire’s new Peterborough hub, has been home to
nothing more than weeds, brambles
and the occasional rabbit.
Using donations of equipment
from local businesses, 150
volunteers worked hard over three
days to shift 100 tonnes of soil
and 40 tonnes of stone to bring
the initiative to fruition.
“We wanted to create an
accessible and therapeutic space
where clients could relax and
engage with a purposeful social
enterprise,” said Simon. “It is a
cross fertilisation of different
people working together for a
common purpose.”
The new garden will provide a
place for Headway Cambridgeshire
and hospice clients to plant and
grow produce for the kitchens and,
eventually, for a farm shop that will
sell vegetables and flowers to
visitors of both charities.
In time, the walled garden will
also feature a potting area, fruit
bushes, a greenhouse, and a long
flower border full of perennials.
Before: Thorpe Hall was neglected and overgrown
Mary Goode, Chief Executive of
Headway Cambridgeshire, said:
“We have seen how much benefit
our clients have gained from
working in the garden at our hub
in Fulbourn. We wanted to
replicate this at Thorpe Hall.
“After brain injury, people often
lose confidence or feel they can no
longer contribute as they once did.
Growing produce they can cook,
eat and even sell to raise money
for the charity is a valuable part of
the process of rehabilitation.”
With work on the garden now
well underway, the team hopes to
reap its first harvest this autumn.
Blooming beautiful: Members of Headway Cambridgeshire enjoy the tranquillity of
their new walled garden
28
HeadwayNews
Autumn 2015
News from across the UK
Poets take the biscuit
s far as creative projects
go this one clearly takes
the biscuit, with budding
wordsmiths at Headway
Southampton sinking their teeth
into a new high-calorie poetry
project.
A
Every Tuesday, a nine-strong team
of Headway members, dubbed the
Biscuit Poets, get together and
tuck into a chosen pack of biscuits
before using the tasty treats as
the basis and inspiration for
writing snack-themed literature.
Fuelled by an obligatory pot of
tea, the poets consider the
product’s packaging along with
the biscuit’s appearance and
taste. As a group, the writers then
discuss their thoughts before
working together to build their
biscuit poem of the week.
Despite their efforts leaving the
members ‘cream-crackered’, the
project shows no signs of
crumbling.
Recently, the Biscuit Poets
entertained an audience of
Headway supporters and
corporate guests at an Evening of
Inspiration arts event, hosted by
Irwin Mitchell Solicitors at the
firm’s Southampton office.
The poets explained how the
project has helped their language
development after brain injury and
recited a host of funny and, on
occasion, poignant poems they
had written together.
“The audience found the evening
incredibly inspiring, particularly
Autumn 2015
Jammy dodgers: Jo, Terry, Shan, Denis, Olly, Lee, Jegan, Karl, Vicky
witnessing the strong sense of
team spirit and camaraderie
between the poets,” said Jo Hillier,
Deputy Manager at Headway
Southampton and creator of the
Biscuit Poets project.
“Our members have always
enjoyed a healthy side-helping of
lively debate along with their tea
and biscuits. The team soon
thought ‘what better way to
record these thoughts and
opinions than in a poem?’
“Their wonderful creations are
sure to make you smile!”
The Biscuit Poets have plans to
perform at corporate team building
events to inspire staff to work
together to achieve their goals.
The popularity and appreciation
for these talented scribblers has
meant they now have a blog,
Facebook page, and even a
following on Twitter.
Oh lemon puff, oh lemon puff,
Of you I just can’t get enough,
Your tantalising citrus taste,
Will put on inches around my
waist!
Choco Tommy Cooper
Wore a fez upon his head,
He bought it in Morocco
From a souk, he said.
(Just like that! Well, almost...
he had to haggle for it.)
Morning coffee biscuits
Are caffeine injections for
my voice
Propelling me to talk about
brain injury
How it changed my life and
took away choice.
● If you or your organisation could benefit from some poetic
inspiration, please contact Jo Hillier at Headway Southampton
on [email protected] or visit:
www.biscuitpoetry.blogspot.co.uk
HeadwayNews
29
News from across the UK
Rosemary splashes
out for sponsorship
motivated lady from a
small village in
Buckinghamshire who
sustained a devastating brain
injury almost two decades ago
has tackled a sponsored swim to
thank Headway South Bucks for
helping to rebuild her life.
A
Rosemary Reynolds, 63 and from
Bourne End, completed daily
training to prepare for the onemile swim, which took place on
Monday 13 July at the Magnet
Centre in Maidenhead to raise
vital funds for the group.
In 1996, Rosemary’s husband
David received a life-changing
phone call to say that his wife had
been taken inexplicably ill and,
while she remained conscious,
she could not walk and required
urgent medical attention.
Rosemary was rushed to hospital
where she was diagnosed as
having sustained an anoxic brain
injury, which occurs when the
brain is starved of oxygen. Little
did the family realise it would
cause Rosemary to struggle with
co-ordination, speech and other
difficulties for years to come.
It was not until 2010 that David
and Rosemary discovered
Headway South Bucks and
turned to the charity for support.
“When I first found Headway
South Bucks I didn’t have a lot of
confidence and, even years on
from my brain injury, I struggled
with speech and communication
problems,” said Rosemary, who
now attends painting classes run
by the local group.
“The Headway team has done a
tremendous job helping to
improve our quality of life. I hope
my sponsored swim raises
awareness of the invaluable
lifeline the charity offers so that
others similarly affected know
they are not alone.”
And this is not the first time the
couple have got creative for the
cause.
Several years ago, David raised
more than £1,600 for Headway
South Bucks by performing in a
charity concert with the Wycombe
Philharmonic Choir, of which he is
a member.
Jane Clarke, Chairman at
Headway South Bucks, said: “We
are enormously touched that
Rosemary has taken on this
personal challenge to raise
awareness of the services our
charity offers. The couple’s efforts
for our charity have been
incredible.”
● To donate to Headway South
Bucks in Rosemary’s honour,
contact the group on 01628
850315 or visit www.headway
southbucks.org.uk
Rosemary and David with Headway the bear
30
HeadwayNews
Autumn 2015
Dates
forNews
your Diary
General
September 2015
December 2015
Sunday 6th
London to Brighton Cycle *
Friday 11th
Annual Awards Lunch,
The Dorchester, London *
Sunday 13th
Great North Run *
Friday 18th – Sunday 20th
Ben Nevis Trek *
Friday 25th – Sunday 27th
Three Peaks Challenge *
October 2015
Sunday 4th
Cardiff Half Marathon *
Thursday 8th – Saturday 17th
Kilimanjaro Trek *
Wednesday 14th
Deputy Conference, Manchester *
Sunday 25th
Great South Run, Portsmouth *
March 2016
Saturday 5th – Sunday 13th
Sahara Trek *
April 2016
Sunday 10th
Greater Manchester Marathon *
Sunday 24th
Virgin Money London Marathon *
July 2016
Wednesday 20th – Sunday 24th
London to Paris Cycle –
Tour de France Special *
* For further details of events, contact
the fundraising team on 0115 924 0800.
For details of the training Headway can offer,
contact Angela Palmer on 0115 947 1919 or
visit the Professionals section of the website for
descriptions of the courses available and the
online booking form.
Headway - the brain injury association is
registered with the Charity Commission for
England and Wales (Charity No 1025852) and
the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator
(Charity No SC039992). Headway - the brain
injury association is a company limited by
guarantee Registered in England No. 2346893
Headway News welcomes contributions from
readers. We are always pleased to receive articles
but cannot guarantee that they will be published. If
you have any questions about writing an article,
then please contact the communications team on
0115 924 0800 or email
[email protected]
Winter 2015. Copy deadline: end October
Published: early December
Autumn 2015
HeadwayNews
31