Newsletter
Winter 2019
Headway Essex
IN THIS NEWSLETTER, READ MORE ABOUT IT... WE HAVE BIG NEWS We are delighted to officially announce that we have been successful in securing a £340,457 grant from the National Lottery funded Big Lottery Fund to set up a Community Rehabilitation Hub in South Essex. This is incredibly exciting news for us as a charity and marks a real turning point in the rehabilitative support we are able to offer clients in South Essex. Continue reading inside.
ARABIAN NIGHTS CHARITY BALL Tickets for our Black Tie Charity Ball are still
SAVE THE DATE
available! Join us for an evening of opulence and
Headway Essex presents....
Arabian Nights Charity Ball
wonderment on Friday 29th March at our Arabian Nights Charity Ball. Held at the beautiful venue Stoke by Nayland Golf, Hotel & Spa, come and enjoy our 3 course meal, live auction, raffle, band and entertainment. Continue reading inside this issue for more information.
Friday 29 March 2019 Stoke-By-Nayland Golf, Hotel & Spa
LAUNCH OF THE YOUNG ABI GROUP For young adults, living with an acquired brain injury can be particularly isolating. Understandably, they’ll want to get back to doing the things they did before their brain injury, but they might find this an almost impossible challenge. Read more inside. “When you are with friends you just want to fit in. You can’t be bothered to explain things are different, so you have to work hard to appear as if nothing has changed.”
GREAT NEWS FOR OUR SERVICE IN SOUTH ESSEX
COLCHESTER HALF MARATHON 2019 Get involved with the Colchester Half Marathon this year with Headway Essex. There are only 3 places left for runners at this event! We also need to recruit 100 volunteers to help marshal the event on the day. So call upon all of your friends and family to take part in this fantastic event
Following on from our headline page, those who know us well will be
with you!
aware that we already provide support throughout the county in the
If you would like more information please
form of a helpline, one-to-one visits, and monthly support groups
contact the fundraising team at
for clients and their carers. We also deliver specialised brain injury rehabilitation activities from The Headway Centre in Colchester.
fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk or call 01206 547616.
EXPANDING OUR SUPPORT THROUGH SOUTH ESSEX The Big Lottery Fund will enable us to build on this work by providing tailored rehabilitation activity sessions in South Essex at a Community Rehabilitation Hub in Benfleet, which should be up-andrunning in the Summer of 2019. These sessions will support people in making the best recovery possible and reintegrate into family and community life. The new service will also help to reduce social isolation by providing an opportunity for those who attend to connect with other people who are in a similar situation whilst offering a respite break for carers.
A FOCUSED REHABILITATION SERVICE
HENRY AWARDED ACTIVE BASILDON SPORTS AWARD My name is Henry and I’ve been attending Headway for about 13 months and I attend each Thursday. On Tuesday and Wednesday I go to the gym at the Basildon Sporting Villiage where I assist in setting up the activities for those with a wide variety of disabilities. To my surprise, at the gym, my boss told me that I had been nominated for an Active Basildon Sports Award 2018.
For many clients, we take them on a journey from surviving to thriving. In our latest survey of people
I was invited to attend the awards ceremony on the 15th
exiting our day centre support services in Colchester, 86% said they have learnt new strategies to cope
November and was presented with a trophy and certificate by
with their brain injury and 100% feel they now have a more positive attitude towards life.
the Mayor of Billericay.
This is why we are particularly proud to say that with the help of National Lottery funding, Headway Essex is now in the position to be able to emulate this in South Essex.
This was in appreciation for all my efforts in helping the staff as well as my disabled friends.
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW Our charity ball is back with an Arabian Nights theme. Join us for an evening of opulence and wonder on Friday 29th March. Held at the beautiful venue Stoke by Nayland Golf, Hotel & Spa, come and enjoy our 3 course meal, sparkling reception, live auction, raffle, live music and entertainment.
COLOUR5K EARLY BIRD LAUNCH Back for the 7th year by popular demand, Headway Essex will be holding its Colour5k on Saturday 29th June at Ardleigh Showground. Booking is now open! And for February only, we are offering all entrants who book using the voucher code FEB19 a 15% discount. Simply visit www.colour5k.co.uk and enter
SAVE THE DATE Headway Essex presents....
Arabian Nights Charity Ball Friday 29 March 2019 Stoke-By-Nayland Golf, Hotel & Spa
the code FEB19 between 1st - 28th February 2019. Last year you raised an incredible £11,000 which went towards continuing our vital services in Essex. As you know the Colour5k is aimed at all varieties of runners and is the most colourful fun run in Essex. It’s great to do with friends, family or colleagues, with just one aim to have fun and raise money for a great cause. In addition to the 5km run there will be a 1km
Everyone had a fabulous time at last years Showmans Ball. Please contact the fundraising team if you would like to attend this years Arabian Nights Ball on 01206 547616 or email fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk to enquire.
lap for children with two colour zones, with every runner getting a free t-shirt and medal!
Run, walk or stroll at your own pace – speed is not a priority, colour is...
ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY - THE HIDDEN DISABILITY 2018 marks exactly 10 years since Pauline and Bernie’s son, Gary, suffered a traumatic brain injury. The exact date and time, 3 November 2008 9.45pm, will be etched on their minds forever. Gary was loving life and working at a tattoo studio at the time. After work, he left with a colleague to go and see a band play, but the music wasn’t quite to his liking, and so he left early. He was hurrying through the Tottenham Court Road Underground Station when he lost his footing on the stairs and hit his head so hard he was knocked unconscious. A passer-by called for an ambulance.
Emergency Surgery Following Traumatic Brain Injury Gary was taken directly to The Royal London Hospital where he had to undergo emergency brain surgery to save his life having sustained three blood-clots in his brain. After spending two weeks in a coma, he was gradually woken up. Pauline and Bernie had been told to expect that Gary would have a long road to recovery, but nothing could prepare them for his reaction. “It was terrifying” recalls Pauline. “He was confused, angry, and pulling all his wires out at every opportunity”. In the end, nurses had to restrain Gary to keep him safe. “What I didn’t expect was the regression” adds Pauline. “Gary would plead with me to take him home and would say ‘I’ll be a good boy, mum’, when he was 40 year-old man living independently”.
Getting Back to Independent Living
Now, Pauline and Bernie take it in turns once a week to make the 120 mile round-trip by public transport to visit Gary and make sure he is ok.
Carer Support At Headway Essex
Life’s still very much a roller-coaster for Pauline and Bernie as well as Gary. But, as carers, they have found a great deal of support through Headway Essex. They were already familiar with Headway, as Gary has received support from Headway East London, so they reached out to Headway Essex. They’ve been accessing Headway Essex’s community support for several years now and find attending a Carers Support Group immensely beneficial. “Having other people to talk to who are caring for a loved one with a brain injury means you feel much less alone. They understand and you can speak freely about your challenges and frustrations as a carer”, says Pauline. “I would give Headway Essex 10 out of 10; it’s superb. If we hadn’t have got in contact we would have been very stuck. Not just with the emotional weight of things, but with all the complex paperwork that comes with caring” adds Bernie.
Volunteering
Being a carer and friend of Headway Essex for many years, Pauline now volunteers her time and helps at Support Groups where both clients and carers are in attendance. “I love volunteering at the groups. I feel part of something really important. Not only am I helping Headway Essex, I have a much clearer understanding on what it is like to be the person living with acquired brain injury. I know first-hand what it means to be a carer, but it’s really useful to learn more about the struggles clients have to contend with and the coping strategies they have in place to help them.”
As part of his recovery and to prepare him for independent living, Gary was transferred to the Blackheath Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre. It was a long road to recovery and took 10 months to return home. In the last month at BlackHeath, Gary lived in an independent flat. Here he had an almost deadly accident. He put a microwave meal on the length of time required for oven cooking and set fire to his flat. “Even to this day, he doesn’t remember the incident” says Pauline.
Perception of Danger “He also doesn’t see danger” adds Pauline. He once turned up his local Headway meeting with a Viking sword to show fellow clients and he simply didn’t see the risk. “Once, we went up town and I noticed he was bleeding”, adds Pauline. Gary had accidently cut the top of his finger off, but didn’t think to say anything to her even though it was a very deep cut. People also do not ‘see’ his brain injury. “Gary has some tattoos. People automatically make a judgment. They might think he is drunk or on drugs or that he has mental health issues. Nobody thinks ‘acquired brain injury’. It’s a hidden disability” adds Pauline.
Loneliness It’s also very lonely. Gary is not the same person he was before his acquiring a brain injury. “Understandably, his friends found it difficult to relate to him and they gradually stopped seeing him. But when a person changes in such a big way, you can’t blame people for not being able to connect anymore”, says Bernie. “He also struggles to make new friends. His brother takes him shopping every Saturday and two Headway volunteers visit him each week, but other than that he doesn’t socialise”, says Pauline.
IN MEMORY DONATIONS We are always incredibly touched and grateful to recieve donations linked to someone special. Fundraising in memory of someone is a touching way to remember them: creating a lasting tribute by celebrating their life whilst helping others at the same time. We realise that everyone is different so there are a number of ways you could choose to fundraise for Headway Essex in memory of someone dear to you: - Make a donation in the name of your loved one - Hold a collection at a funeral or memorial - Take on a fundraising challange - Create an online tribute fund either through Virgin Money Giving or Just Giving We will always respect your privacy and ensure your donation is used for the greatest impact. You can find more information about In Memory Donations on our website, or please call our fundraising team who will handle your enquiry sensitively and be able to guide you. You can reach the fundraising team on 01206 547616 or email fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk
LAUNCH OF THE YOUNG ABI GROUP For young adults, living with an acquired brain injury can be particularly isolating. Understandably, they’ll want to get back to doing the things they did before their brain injury, but they might find this an almost impossible challenge.
SAVE THE DATE - THE CLASSIC VEHICLE SHOW Headway Essex are delighted to announce the confirmed date for the Classic Vehicle Show.
Sunday 15th September 2019
“When you are with friends you just want to fit in. You can’t be bothered to explain things are different, so you have to work hard to appear as if nothing has changed.” Overview group meetings in 2019 Overviewofofsome group meetings 2019 Focused on rehabilitation, the group will provide tools and techniques for coping with acquired brain injury and help individuals develop confidence in social situations. As well as the opportunity to build new friendships and get involved in social and fitness activities, the sessions will also cover support for returning to work and volunteering opportunities.
“When you are with people who have been through the same you can relax and be who you are.” The meetings are held at Leisure World, Colchester and other venues in the community. The first session was held on Friday 11 January 2019. For more information on our Young ABI Group, visit our website www. headwayessex.org.uk
Session Session 1
Date 11/01 11am-1pm
Session 2
Session 3
Overview Group introductions, refreshments and discuss programme in detail.
18/01 11am-2pm
Location Starbucks, Colchester Retail Park, Sheepen Road Leisure World, Meeting Room
25/01 11am-2pm
Leisure World, Meeting Room
An introduction to “The Hero’s Journey” a brain injury educational group programme.
“Where are you now”? tree of life exercise Health and well-being outcomes / goal setting
Insight into your own brain injury journey Session 4
01/02 Colchester Ten 12pm-2.30pm Pin centre
Bowling, refreshments and a catch up
Session 5
08/02 11am-2pm
Leisure World, Meeting Room
My “Hero’s Journey” a bespoke group learning session on what issues impact on daily activities.
Session 6
15/02 11am-2pm
Leisure World, Meeting Room
Planning for next weeks “bring a friend” session Friends and Family session. “How we think, feel and behave”? Cognitive & Behavioural aspects of Brain Injury.
Session 7
22/02 11am-2pm
Community Activity
Meal out with Group
Session 8
01/03 11am-2pm
Leisure World, Meeting Room
Understanding support for Return to Work & accessing Volunteering Opportunities
Whether you’re a classic car enthusiast or a vintage motorbike fanatic, the Essex Vehicle Show is the perfect event for any petrol heads. Join us at the Classic Vehicle Show, the only event of its type hitting Colchester Castle Park this summer. So save the date in your diaries and if you are interested in enquiring about this event, please
Identifying progress made and areas to work on.
Talk from Disability Employment Advisor. Session 9
08/03 11am-2pm
Leisure World, Sports Hall
Multi-Sports sessions – A chance to try different sporting activities. Café
Session 10
15/03
Curzon Cinema / Café
Group choice of movie After movie discussion in the Curzon Café
Session 11
22/03 11am-2pm
Leisure World, Meeting Room
Relationships after Brain Injury. An open group discussion about matters, issues and concerns related to relationships.
Session 12
29/03 11am-2pm
Leisure World, Meeting Room
Summing up, evaluation and ‘What Happens Next”. Café
contact the fundraising team by email at fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk or call 01206 547616.
Support Group Meetings North East Essex At: Acorn Hall, The Oaktree Centre, 252 Harwich Road, Colchester, CO4 3DH from 10.00am to 12.00pm Tuesday 8 January Tuesday 5 February Tuesday 5 March Tuesday 2 April South Essex At: St John Ambulance South Essex Headquarters, Sandon Road, Pitsea, Essex, SS14 1TH from 7.00pm to 9.00pm Tuesday 8 January Tuesday 12 February Tuesday 12 March Tuesday 9 April Mid Essex At: Springfield Parish Centre (Boleyn Room), St Augustine’s Way, Springfield, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 6GX From 10.00am to 12.00pm Tuesday 15 January Tuesday 19 February Tuesday 19 March Tuesday 16 April West Essex At: Epping Hall (Conference Room), St Johns Road, Epping, Essex, CM16 5JU From 10.00am - 12.00pm Tuesday 22 January Tuesday 26 February Tuesday 26 March Tuesday 23 April
Carers Support Group Meetings North East Essex At:Red Lion Hotel, High Street, Colchester, CO1 1DJ from 10.30am to 12.30pm Friday 25 January Friday 22 February Friday 22 March Friday 26 April South Essex At: Benfleet Methodist Church, High Road, South Benfleet, Essex, SS7 5LH from 7.00pm to 9.00pm Thursday 24 January Thursday 28 February Thursday 28 March Thursday 25 April West Essex At: Epping Hall, St.Johns Road, Epping, CM16 5JU From 12.30pm to 2pm Tuesday 22 January Tuesday 26 February Tuesday 26 March Tuesday 23 April
Thank You! Thank you to everyone who raises vital funds for Headway Essex, whether by having a collection tin, organising an event, taking part in a sponsored event, making a personal donation or making a donation in memory of a loved one. Your support makes a huge difference to the lives of those living with the effects of an acquired brain injury.
Thank you to everyone at Essex & Suffolk Water who hosted and took part in their dress down day, raising a donation of £106.93. Thank you to everyone at the United Reformed Church in Witham for their generous donation of £500.
Thank you to everyone at Manningtree High School for hosting a range of various fundraising events, raising an amazing £218.35.
Thank you to everyone who has made a donation to Headway Essex. - Mr & Mrs Robinson who made a donation of £100 - Knights of St. Columbia who raised £100 at their BBQ - St James Parochial who donated £113.50 from their congregation - Mrs Rita Patten who generously donated £100. - Will Quince Community Fund who donated £100 - John White who kindly donated £100 - Wendy Maclean for her donation of £200
Thank you to Olivia English who made a generous donation of £1,000 raised from her paintings which were sold at an Art Exhibition. Thank you to Tara Mclntyre who raised an amazing donation of £207.05 through her Christmas cookie sale.
If you would like further information on any of the groups please contact: Community Support Team 01206 768797 communitysupport@headwayessex.org.uk
A massive thank you to the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club for their generous donation of £520.
Donations in memory Welcome to our community of regular donors. Whatever your regular gift, it will help ensure we can be there for many years to come; taking clients and their families from a place of surviving to thriving. By joining the Headway Essex Hive, your commitment will bring you closer to our work through updates on the impact your gift is making. We promise every penny you give will go to continuing our work in supporting people living with acquired brain injury. If you would like to join the Hive please email fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk or call 01206 547616. Your support is greatly appriciated.
Thank you to the Rotary club of MarDyke Valley who donated a fantastic £200.
A huge thank you to the Rotary Club of Havering East who kindly donated a brilliant £300!
There is a charge of £2.50 per person or £5 per family for all of our Support Group meetings.
Join the Headway Essex HIVE
Thank you to Jim Sloane who hosted a Poker night and raised and donated £200.
We thank the family and friends of: Betty Harrington for the kind donations made in her memory. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Headway Essex HIVE
We would like to take a moment to thank all of our Hive members. Whether you have been a member for a while or you have recently joined us, your support is greatly appreciated by all of us here at Headway Essex. We promise every penny you give will go to continuing our work in supporting people living with acquired brain injury. If you would like more information about the Headway Essex Hive or would like to become a member, please visit our website www. headwayessex.org.uk.
ABOUT HEADWAY ESSEX
Headway Essex cares for people who have acquired a brain injury and this may be through sporting or work accidents, road traffic collisions, stroke, assault, illness or disease. Support is given in two ways. Through the Headway Centre, which is a Day Centre in Colchester where rehabilitation activities take place. These activities are designed to help people to rebuild their lives after brain injury. The centre has 82 places available each week. Headway Essex also has a Community Support Service. The Community Support Team provides telephone support, information on the different aspects of brain injury, support groups, training for carers, specialist literature on brain injury, home and hospital visits and educational talks. Currently over 500 individuals are supported across Essex. Registered Charity Number: 1008807 Patron: David Tennant Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England and Wales No. 2674755
CONTACT US www.headwayessex.org.uk Community Support Service Phone: 01206 768797 Email: communitysupport@headwayessex.org.uk Address: 58b Head St, Colchester, Essex. CO1 1PB Headway Centre Phone: 01206 845945 Email: dayservice@headwayessex.org.uk Registered Address: 2, Boxted Rd, Mile End, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5JD Fundraising Phone: 01206 547616 Email: fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk Address: 58b Head St, Colchester, Essex. CO1 1PB
HOW YOU CAN HELP... Donations Make a donation by cheque, cash or through www.Justgiving.com/headwayessex Please make cheques payable to Headway Essex. Charity of the Year Make Headway Essex your charity for the year. You may work for a Company, be a member of a Club or Organisation. Why not put Headway’s name forward. Donations (Corporate) Make a corporate donation, offer a payroll giving scheme within your company, encourage staff to do a fundraising activity or event, or make a donation of goods in kind of your services. Legacies and In Memoriam Remember Headway in your Will or through donations in memory of someone or instead of flowers at a funeral. Collection Boxes Organise the placement of one of the Headway Collection Boxes at your local shop or keep a cardboard collection box in your home to put your spare change in. Standing Orders Why not take out a Standing Order and don’t forget to Gift Aid it! Just contact the Fundraising Team for a form. Attend an event Take part or attend a Headway Essex event. Information about our events and tickets can be found at www.headwayessex.org.uk