Headway Essex News Autumn 2019
INSIDE CLASSIC VEHICLE SHOW RAISES £10,000
MERITA ISUFI TELLS US HER STORY
RECENT DONATIONS & FUNDRAISING
Read more inside about the brilliant
Merita shares her story and tells us all
We are very grateful to everyone who
event which raised over £10,000 for
about her recovery and achievements
fundraises and donates to Headway
Headway Essex.
since her accident.
Essex. Read more inside about the recent donations.
Contents Autumn 2019 issue
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Service news
Find out the latest news from Headway Essex services, clients, staff, volunteers and more
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Here to make sure you do not have to face living with an times of our community support groups
Fundraising news
which our brilliant supporters of Headway Essex have held
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Thank you
To everyone who raises vital funds for Headway Essex. Your support makes a huge difference to the lives of those living with the effects of an acquired brain injury
Classic Vehicle Show a Success
For the fourth year we held our CLassic Vehicle Show at Colchester Castle Park. Read more about the success of the event along with some photos from the day
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Training Courses
acquired brain injury alone, find out the latest dates and
Find out the latest from the fundraising team and the events
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Merita Isufi tells us her story
We talk to Merita about her accident, her recovery and her achievements since her acquired brain injury
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Save the date
The 10th anniversary Colchester Half Marathon will take place on Sunday 29th March 2020. Find out more inside
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Get involved
Find out more about how you can get involved and help raise vital funds for Headway Essex
About Headway Essex
H
eadway Essex cares for people who have acquired a brain injury and this may be through sporting or work accidents, road traffic collisions, stroke, assault or illness. 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
Headway Essex News ~ 02
News from
Our services News about Headway Essex services
WELCOME FROM CEO JOANNA WRIGHT Welcome to the autumn edition of our Newsletter. As we draw to the end of the year, it is a good time to reflect on recent months and reveal some of our plans for the future. In May, we were heartbroken to hear the news of the sudden passing of our much loved and respected Colchester Day Service Manager, Andy Plowright and our sincerest condolences go to his partner and family. It has been a very difficult time for all of our clients, and us who worked closely with Andy, but I am so proud of how everyone has rallied to support each other and ensure we continue to provide excellent support for those who need our help. To ensure we can continue to provide the best support to our client group, we will be restructuring our service into two regions both headed up by a Services Manager, which will bring our Day Centre services and Community Support activities in each area together, under one manager. The North and Mid Essex region will be managed Angie O’Toole and Gemma Baines will manage the South and West Essex region. There will be more news later in the year as our restructuring plans progress. These changes complement the establishment of the new South Essex Brain Injury Hub, funded by the Big Lottery Community Fund. The activity sessions launched in August and have been a great success with very positive feedback from those attending and you can read more about it on page 5. We could not achieve any of these things without the help of those who support Headway Essex, whether that be through volunteering, fundraising, sponsorship, attending our events, grant providers, or through donations. Thank you for your support and taking the time to read our Newsletter.
Headway Essex Christmas Lunch 2019 It is hard to believe that we are fast approaching the season of good will; and with this comes one of my favourite events - The Headway Essex Christmas Luncheon! This is an open invitation to our service users, both past and present, their families and carers, our volunteers and also our professional colleagues to join us for a delectable Christmas meal at the stunning Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Leavenheath, Colchester. This friendly and happy event is a fabulous way for us all to come together in a celebration of the festive season.
Friday 20th December 2019, 12-4pm Stoke-by-Nayland Golf and Country Club ÂŁ26.00 per ticket If you wish to attend please confirm by emailing admin@headwayessex.org.uk to request a booking form. Closing date for bookings: 22nd November Headway Essex News ~ 03
Headway Essex
Training Courses We are excited to announce our new open training course scheduled for 8th November in Colchester. Often taken as a follow-on training course to Understanding ABI, Cognitive Rehabilitation in Practice is about techniques and practices that help to promote the restoration of cognitive skills such as memory or planning skills through retraining the disrupted skill or by teaching the use of compensatory strategies to ‘by-pass’ the disrupted skill. The course is aimed at anyone who works with adults with acquired brain injury or carers supporting an adult with acquired brain injury.
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South Essex Brain Injury Hub Update
Fo r m o i n fo r m r e at call 012 ion 06 482461
We’re here to make sure you do not have to face living with an acquired brain injury alone. South Essex Activity Sessions Up & Running We are pleased to announce that our South Essex Brain Injury Hub has rolled out various different activity sessions throughout the summer months, to help people to become more independent and confident. Brain Injury & Me Our foundation activity is Brain Injury and Me, a programme created to give the individuals a better insight into their injury, its effects and impact on others and tools and techniques to compensate. The feedback we have received has been very positive. The attendees claim they have gained peer support and are able to talk freely about their condition, something they may feel unable to do with close family, but with a little encouragement, this obstacle has been overcome. These sessions run for a 9-week period on a Wednesday morning commencing at 10.00am, until approx. 13.00pm. Fitness for All We have also rolled out Fitness for All, a gentle exercise class suiting all abilities, which can be done seated or standing. During our class, we aim to help improve balance, posture, core strength, muscle strength and co-ordination. It truly does not matter what your ability is, almost anyone can join in, including those in a wheelchair. Our client’s claim they receive great peer support, have
a good laugh and enjoy the group discussion once the session has finished. Fitness for All is held every Tuesday afternoon from 1pm, until approximately 14.15pm. Cooking for the Brain Our Cooking for the Brain session, follows the Fitness for All class. This is a class to help individuals gain some independence in the kitchen, preparing basic meals using healthy ingredients that can be beneficial to the brain. Cooking for the Brain is held every Tuesday from 14.30pm, until 16.30pm. You may choose to come along to both Fitness for All and Cooking for the Brain on the same day. Fatigue and Me Fatigue and Me, will soon be commencing in October. During this session we will discuss ‘What is Fatigue’, its effects on you and others, we will also look at ways to help you reduce your fatigue levels. These sessions will run for a period of 2 hours, commencing at 14.00pm on a Wednesday afternoon, over a 5 week period. Contact Us Over the course of the autumn more sessions will follow, which will be announced in our next Newsletter. To access our sessions please contact the Benfleet Brain Injury Hub on 01206 482461 to gain further information. Please note our sessions will be subject to an assessment.
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Fundraising News on recent donations and fundraising
PRUDENTIAL RIDE LONDON
On the 4th August 2019 the Prudential Ride London took place. We would like to say a massive thank you and well done to everyone who took part in Prudential Ride London event, especially those riding for Headway Essex. There were some amazing times by our riders, Sandra Morrell with a time of 08:06:14, Matt Harding with a time of 05:42:18, Gavin Hockey with a time of 07:28:58 and Jo Hockey with a time of 07:29:00. They raised a total of ÂŁ3,596 for Headway Essex!
Thank You! The Tendring Hundred Show 2019 This year Headway Essex attended the Tendring Hundred Show. We had a great day raising awareness for adults living with acquired brain injury. Some of our lovely clients and volunteers also came to see us on the day. Thank you to our wonderful volunteers who helped on the day. We truly appreciate all of your support.
Barleylands Fun Walk
We would like to say a massive thank you and well done to everyone who took part in the Barleylands walk on Sunday 8th September. All money raised will go towards helping adults living with acquired brain injury, their families and carers. Thank you also to our volunteers Linda and Christine who ran the tombola on the day.
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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 Great Bradfield Primary who donated £199.50 from their fundraising.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the Barleylands fun walk and raised a total of £241.74 for Headway Essex.
Thank you to The Big Yellow Self Storage Company who kindly donate valuable storage space to Headway Essex.
Thank you to Liam Cassidy who raised £75 cycling 156 miles in the cycle 100 challenge.
Thank you to everyone who donates anonymously, or online through Facebook, EBay, PayPal, Just Giving and Virgin Money Giving. Although we cannot thank you individually we are very grateful for your support.
Sophie Headford Delusion Dance Event It is very heart-warming when someone who has received help from Headway Essex, decides that they want to give something back. Recently Sophie Headford, who hosts a dance event each year, contacted us to say this year, she had decided to donate the profits of her event to Headway Essex. Sophie said “My Mum had a static brain haemorrhage brought on by a direct blow to the head after she fell at Leigh tip 5years ago. This was a life changing injury for her and had life changing consequences for me and my family. Sophie told us “the evening was a wonderful tribute to my Mum and a fundraiser for Headway Essex. It was a great night full of singers, musicians, comedy and magic and together we raised £1740. I am proud of what we achieve and know this money will go towards helping another family who may need Headway’s support.”
Headway Essex Regular Donors
Thank you to Mike Flair who donated an amazing £500 to Headway Essex.
A big thank you to Kathy Pywell and her family who donated £299.36.
Thank you to the Lions Club of Braintree for their generous donation of £500. Thank you to the Harwich Peninsular U3A for raising £145 at their quiz night.
We would like to take a moment to thank all of our Hive members and regular donors. Whether you have been supporting us for a while or you have recently joined us, your support is greatly appreciated by all of us here at Headway Essex.
Thank you to the Colchester Police Cadets for raising £112.95 whilst selling their homemade cakes at our Classic Vehicle Show.
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Classic Vehicle Show a success Taking a trip back in time with thousands of years of motoring history.
Visitors to the Essex Classic Vehicle show in Colchester Castle Park, on Sunday, were transported back in time, to admire motoring classics of a bygone age. This nostalgic event is now in its fourth-consecutive year and continues to grow in popularity. With over 240 classic vehicles from across the decades on display, the event attracted over 2500 visitors to Lower Castle Park. With a combined vehicle history of over 7,000 years, it was a real treat for visitors to view the classic vehicles in all their glory and chat to the owners. An arena show presenting the best vehicles was the main event of the day, as the selected proud owners showed off their cherished cars. Trophies were awarded for various categories including best pre-war car and best vehicle of the show.
The winner of the coveted ‘Best Vehicle at Show’ was a Ford Popular 103e 1958. As well as plenty of wonderful classic vehicles to admire, local singer Steve Brewer and free-runners and acrobats Team Kinetix, entertained the crowds. There was also a wonderful selection of craft, gift and food stalls. This year’s event raised over £10,000 which will go to ensure that Headway Essex can continue to provide rehabilitation and support for brain injury survivors and their families and carers in Essex. Tracy Wellsted, Headway Essex Fundraising Manager, said: “It was an absolute delight to see so many people attend and raise such a fantastic amount of money. Thank you to the Charity Classic Vehicle Club for deciding to partner with us again this year”.
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Colchester Half Marathon 2020
S u n d ay 29th M a rc h 2020
Headway Essex has been chosen as a partner charity for the Colchester Half Marathon. We had the best time at last year’s event however we’re sure this years 10th anniversary run will be bigger and better!
We need volunteers! Headway Essex need to recruit 100 volunteers to help out on the day and marshall the event. If you would like to be a part of this amazing day, experience the exhilarating atmosphere and help a local charity, contact our fundraising team either by email: fundraising@headwayessex. org.uk or call us on 01206 845945.
Run for Headway Essex Set yourself a new challange for 2020 and participate in the Colchester Half Marathon 10th anniversary run. Experience the exhilarating atmosphere and the amazing achievement that comes with competing. We have 20 places so don’t delay in reserving your place! Contact our fundraising team on 01206 845945 or fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk
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Client interview
A Long Road to Recov Merita Isufi tells us her story Merita Isufi’s life changed forever following a tragic car accident on 4th July 2014. Merita and her son survived the accident, but tragically, her husband and 2 other children did not. Coping with such a devastating loss is more than most of us would have to bear in a lifetime, but Merita was also left with a brain injury and the struggle of a long journey of rehabilitation ahead.
Rehabilitation Support at the Headway Centre As part of her rehabilitation, Merita now attends the Headway Centre in Colchester. One of the activities available to people who attend the Headway Centre is trampolining. At these sessions trained therapists provide a specialist programme and support, which is suitable for people of all abilities and is a great benefit to the more severely disabled. In addition to improved fitness, muscle and core strength, trampolining sessions have other
“The progression and determination Merita shows is truly unbelievable�
Headway Essex News ~ 10
very
Client interview
benefits, such as, improved confidence, improved ability to follow instructions, improved or maintained mental health and reduced stress levels.
Positive Progress through Trampolining Sessions Recently we sat down to speak with Merita and her carer Andreea. Andreea has been Meritas carer since April 2018 and in that time they have formed an incredible bond. Andreea told us about how far Merita has progressed since she has been working with her. “We do 2 trampolining sessions a week, the consistency of which I think really helps Meritas progression (along with her determination of course). She also goes to the gym three times a week and attends the Headway Essex day centre two days a week.” Paul, one of the Headway Centre care officers commented on the progress Merita has made “Merita has come so far on her journey since the accident. When she first came to us at Headway Essex she had to have two people to help her walk. Now she is able to walk independently with a carer nearby.” Meritas progression has a lot to do with her trampolining sessions as the balance and coordination she needs for this really help with her being able to walk independently.
Exceeding Expectations Merita has continued to exceed everyone’s expectations as she has recently received two awards for her trampolining progress. On the 29th June 2019, she was awarded 3rd place with the Tiegan Rose Cup and on the 12th July 2019 Merita was awarded with an independent jumping award. Merita told us how “amazing” trampolining makes her feel. Paul went on to tell us “every time Merita is set a goal in her trampolining sessions, she achieves it extremely quickly. A couple of weeks ago we set her a goal to jump independently, to reach by Christmas this year and she’s already achieved it. The progression and determination Merita shows is truly unbelievable”. We are all very proud of Merita at Headway Essex and we are looking forward to seeing the further progression she makes. If you would like more information on Headway Essex services and how we can help you, please get in touch on 01206 845945.
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Get
Involved Would you like to share your story? We welcome stories from our clients and carers. If you would like to share your story with us please contact our fundraising team on 01206 845945 or email fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk
Gatesy’s Charity Night One of our regular fundraisers Michael Gates, has another event approaching on Saturday 26th October at Frinton Golf Club 7.30pm. With live music from The Landed and a live raffle it’s set to be a great night. For tickets or more information contact Michael on 01255 682455. If you would like to hold an event of your own or fundraise for Headway Essex you can visit our website www. headwayessex.org.uk/i-want-to-help/fundraise-for-us/ or contact our fundraising team on 01206 845945 or fundraising@ headayessex.org.uk.
Want to do a Sky Dive?
Headway Essex Christmas Collections 2019
Challenge yourself and take part in the Headway Essex Tandem Skydive in March 2020 All you need to do is raise a minimum of £395 for Headway Essex. It really is that simple! You can reserve your place initially with a £70 deposit and spend the rest of your time fundraising in the lead up to your jump. As long as you reach the target all costs of the jump and sponsorship is covered, allowing you to take part in our team tandem skydiving adventure - whilst at the same time raising vital funds for Headway Essex! The jump will take place from an airfield near Norwich. To take part reserve your place by contacting us on fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk.
We will be doing our annual Christmas store collections and bag packing this year. If you can help on either of these dates please contact the fundraising team. 18th December M&S Bag Pack 20th December M&S Bag Pack
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Community Support Groups Support Group Meetings
Carers Support Group Meetings
North East Essex From 7.00pm to 9.00pm Tuesday 1 October Tuesday 5 November Tuesday 3 December Tuesday 7 January
North East Essex From 10.30am to 12.30pm Friday 25 October Friday 22 November December Christmas Social TBA Friday 24 January
South Essex From 7.00pm to 9.00pm Tuesday 8 October Tuesday 12 November Tuesday 10 December (Social event) Tuesday 14 January
South Essex From 7.00pm to 9.00pm Thursday 24 October Thursday 28 November December Christmas Social TBA Thursday 23 January
Mid Essex From 10.00am to 12.00pm Tuesday 15 October Tuesday 19 November Tuesday 17 December Tuesday 21 January
West Essex From 12.30pm to 2pm Tuesday 22 October Tuesday 26 November December Christmas Social TBA Tuesday 28 January
West Essex From 10.00am - 12.00pm Tuesday 22 October Tuesday 26 November December Christmas Social TBA Tuesday 28 January There is a charge of £2.50 per person or £5 per family for all of our Support Group meetings. If you would like further information on any of the groups and their locations, please contact: Community Support Team 01206 845945 (Option 1) communitysupport@headwayessex.org.uk
SAVE THE DATE Our annual Black Tie Ball will take place on Friday 6th March 2020. Further information to follow.
Other News Ben Wilson drives to work! Ben has once again amazed us all here at Headway Essex. On 22nd August 2017 Ben was in a car accident that left him with a life changing brain injury. After 1 year 10 months and 28 days Ben has received his driving licence back! Ben will also be returning to work this December, 2 years 3 months and 24 days after his accident. We are all extremely proud of Ben and cannot wait to see what else he accomplishes.
UK Power Networks Support UK Power Networks understand that power cuts can be worrying especially if you or a family member needs electricity for medical reasons, are unwell or have specific communication needs. To give you peace of mind, if you live in London, the East or South East of England, then being on their power services register will ensure you receive extra support if you experience a power cut. To register on their priority services register visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority
ESSEX CARERS - CAN THEY HELP YOU? Are you an unpaid carer living in Essex? Essex carers can support you with education, training and employment options. The new building better opportunities programme is just what you could be looking for. Everything is geared towards giving you the support you need to move forwards with work, education or training. The programme is open to all unemployed, unpaid carers within Essex (including Southend and Thurrock). For more information contact Frazer on 01268 923912 / 07511 293762, / frazer.clark@4sx.org.uk or visit www.essexcarers.co.uk.
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Beecome a Hive Member In Essex, every 58 minutes, someone is admitted to hospital with a brain injury. Quite often, their life and the lives of their family members will forever be affected. By making a regular donation you can make a huge difference to improve their lives. 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 towards continuing our work, supporting people living with acquired brain injury. For further information about becoming a Headway Essex Hive member, please contact our fundraising team fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk or visit our website www.headwayessex.org.uk.
In Memory Donations Celebrating a Life
We are always incredibly touched and grateful to receive donations in memory of someone special. Fundraising in memory of someone is a touching way to remember a loved one - 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 challenge in their memory • Create an online tribute fund either through Virgin Money 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 help to guide you. You can reach the fundraising team on 01206 845945 or email fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk Headway Essex News ~ 15
Thanks
to all our supporters, partners, commissioners, trustees, volunteers and funders. There are so many ways you get involved! To find out how you can help raise funds, visit www.headwayessex.org.uk/i-want-to-help
Contact us FUNDRAISING: fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk 01206 845945 (Option 4) 6th Floor Annex, Wellington House 90-92 Butt Road, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3DA
COMMUNITY SUPPORT: communitysupport@headwayessex.org.uk 01206 845945 (Option 1) 6th Floor Annex, Wellington House 90-92 Butt Road, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3DA
THE HEADWAY CENTRE: dayservice@headwayessex.org.uk 01206 845945 (Option 2) The Headway Centre, Woodland Walk, Colchester, CO4 6DH
FACEBOOK: @headway.essex TWITTER: @headwayessex INSTAGRAM: @headwayessex
www.headwayessex.org.uk
Registered Charity Number 1008807