At Headway yesterday we baked cup cakes, and dressed up in Halloween Gear, and went round to all the companies in the Complex. we raised £50, so it was quite good for a very short Effort!
I Know we were a day early, but so what!!!
That photo is myself (in a witches hat), and Katie.
Hi Nutkin
Sounds like you all had fun and raised money for Headway too. Great photo! Brilliant!
Am interested to know whether your Headway is just a drop in, support group or rehab centre?? Reason I am asking is I am wondering how well attended it is and what seems to work well for the group because in the last year a new headway service (more of a drop in, support group, with some activities) has started in my area but is struggling a bit to appeal to people to want to attend. Lots come for a one off and then don't come back. Wondered if your group is better attended and what seems to appeal, be needed or be helpful?
Thanks Caroline x
Hi Caroline
Sorry to take so long to reply.
When I first joined Headway in October 13, they were in receipt of quite a lt of funding, and I was given neuro-Physio, and an Occupational therapist,.
In July last year they lost their funding, so all the therapists, Phycologists, and physios were out of a job.
Now, they offer some befriending groups, a coffee morning down at The Quay, and the Friday Group, which varies its activities. (I volunteer for the Friday group, together with another girl and a young man) between us, we manage cookery, word games, and a day out!
The groups are attended by fairly regular people, and cold be between 5 and 15 people.
They also offer a Support Group once a week. (My sister has been attending that, and I'm sure that the advice she receives, has helped me no end)
I'm hoping that once I start Voluntary work in the hospital, I am able to encourage more people to attend Headway!
Hope this answers your query. If there is anything else, please ask!
Debs xx
Thank you Debs for your helpful response. The groups in your area do give some good ideas for the different kinds of support needed which will vary from person to person. With the new group in my area it has already become apparent that some people just want a drop in for a cuppa and chat whereas others like some structured activities. It's such a shame that your more rehab provision ceased due to funding.
Best wishes
Caroline x
Hi Caroline,
I was reading your reply to Nutkin, bit of spying going on there :).
Just to let you know about my Headway. Their main offices/centre is in Portsmouth and I live in Gosport, which is the town just next to it but it is seperated by the Portsmouth harbor which is why I cross over via ferry each or most Thursdays.
Friday mornings, Headway has a drop-in in Gosport that our Headway pays to rent out for one day use.
When I first joined Headway in 2007, I had to be assessed at the centre which was, back then, in Paulsgrove (A borough of Portsmouth).
Later in 2007, Headway moved to a small cottage on the grounds of St. James' hospital which is in Portsmouth city.
The cottage they had at St. James was brilliant. It was a lot more like a rehab centre. Every day of the week had something going on. Their were certain modules/courses such as "life after brain injury" and some othersand there was a garden to do some gardening. A kitchen to do some cooking and there were other activities to do like playing games.
Then the greedy government decided to cut the funding. A lot of charities were in trouble.
We went through a spell of different managers and in 2012 or 13, Headway had to move to a new location because they could not keep up with costs.
Now the Headway centre has moved to the Mountbatten centre in Portsmouth. The Mountbatten centre is a leisure centre and Headway own a small section of the centre.
There is no garden anymore which is sad and while there is a kitchen, service users cannot use the kitchen when they like because the Mountbatten staff also need to use the kitchen.
So when I say Headway own a small section, they don't 100% own it.
But the brilliant thing is that they do not have to pay so much money to rent the place :).
So the main centre is not much of a rehab centre now but it is supportive and because the Headway centre is a part of the Mountbatten centre, on one day of the week, Headway is allowed to use the Mountbatten gym.
And earlier this year Headway had a sponsored swim where they got to use the Mountbatten swimming pool for a couple of hours to raise funds.
The Gosport drop-in is like it says on the tin. It is a drop-in, an outreach centre and support group.
This is where I volunteer. I am a service user mentor and I make drinks for the group and staff :).
Take care,
MJ
Hi Matt
Thanks for your response. Most helpful and gives me more of an idea as to what Headway offer (or not due to funding issues) elsewhere. I know you have often said how much Headway has helped you.
Best wishes
Caroline
Most definitely. Headway, and the help of other disabled groups, have turned my life around for the better.
Before Headway, I did not know where to turn and I lost a lot of confidence and motivation and was very anti social as a result.
Now I am using Headway my confidence has risen, I have more motivation and I am more social :).
Whether Headway has a lot of funding or a small amount of funding, they still help :).
ha looks fun! have a halloween party etc at work so i shall be probably wearing all sorts!
Hope you have fun!!
That's brilliant Debs! Well done. Xx
Thanks so much! Xx
Brain injured son coming up to 8 years. 
never want to hear the word tumor again! 
To all brain injury specialists...
