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Headway Cambridgeshire
supporting people with brain injury
Picture by Headway member drama class
News and events
   
 

THE CAMBRIDGESHIRE USER-LED ORGANISATION PROJECT


The Cambridgeshire User-Led Organisation Project aims to set up an organisation that will act as a central point and voice for disabled people in Cambridgeshire. To learn more about the project, catch up on the latest news and get in touch with people involved with the project, visit the project's website.

July 2008

 

HEADWAY CAMPAIGNER WINS ANNE FRANK AWARD


Headway Cambridgeshire campaigner Nick Bennett has been presented with a top award from the Anne Frank Trust UK in recognition of his courage and inspiration.

He joined other winners at a star studded presentation at the BBC Radio Theatre, Broadcasting House, London on 16 July. His prize included a three-day trip to Amsterdam and a visit to the Anne Frank House.

Nick was just 17 when he suffered a brain injury. He was a self-confessed 'boy racer' who had recently passed his driving test when he had a head-on crash with a lorry while overtaking two cars. He spent 10 months in intensive care at Addenbrooke's Hospital and is now confined to a wheelchair.

Last year, Nick started visiting local secondary schools to warn other young people about reckless driving. Andrew Gardner, Chief Executive of Headway Cambridgeshire, said: "Nick has campaigned tirelessly since his accident to ensure that other young people learn from his mistakes. He doesn't dwell on the past, but is always looking forward and trying to find a way to improve the lives of young people. We know that it takes great courage to make the journey to recovery from a devastating brain injury. We feel that it takes even greater courage to put oneself out there in full public view exposing one's very private life to try to prevent another person from suffering the same fate. At Headway Cambridgeshire we know that through campaigning Nick is a great role model for young people and we were very proud to nominate him for an Anne Frank Award."

Nick attended the ceremony with his sister Angela, who joined him on the trip to Amsterdam, and father Andy. His award was presented to him by actor Mohammed George, who played roadsweeper Gus Smith in EastEnders, and praised Nick for his campaigning.

Nick said "I feel very excited and proud. I would like to thank Ann Weitzel at Headway Cambridgeshire for nominating me and say a big thank you to my sister Angela for helping to arrange all the talks with Headway and the schools."

Inpsired by the spirit and values of Anne Frank, The Anne Frank Trust UK promotes positive attitudes among young people towards their differences, particularly in ethnicity, religion and culture, and helps people to reject all forms of bigotry, prejudice and intolerance in their daily lives. The awards are given to young people and educators who have shown great personal strength, moral courage, and determination to stand up for what is right.

The ceremony was hosted by Ade Adepitan, a television presenter and wheelchair basketball player. Actors Dean Andrews, Nathaniel Parker, Tamsin Greig, Georgia Slowe and Ellie Kendrick, who plays Anne Frank in the BBC's forthcoming drama of the Diary of Anne Frank, presented the awards, along with John Pienaar, BBC's political correspondent. Opera star Natasha Marsh, the voice of Euro 2008, sang and paid tribute to the winners.

You see Nick at the award ceremony by visiting YouTube

 

July 2008

  

UNDERSTANDING BRAIN INJURY WORKSHOP


Designed for:

Anyone who works with people with a brain injury and would like to know more about the effects on the life of a brain injury survivor.

What is the course about:

Participants will learn about the causes of brain injury and the common types of problems that can occur. The workshop is delivered by professionals who work with brain injury survivors on a day-to-day basis and so will also look at practical ways to interact with people who have a brain injury.

Aims

At the end of the workshop participants will be able to:
  • List the most common causes of brain injury
  • Understand the common types of problems facing brain injury survivors
  • Identify strategies for effective communication with brain injury survivors

Dates

  • Wednesday 10 September 2008
  • Thursday 16 October 2008

Duration

Registration opens at 12.30 pm. The workshop runs from 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm.
Tea and coffee will be included.

Location

Training Room
Taylor Vinters
Merlin Place
Milton Road
Cambridge
CB4 0DP
01223 423444

Location Map

(Link opens in a new window)

Bookings

Please complete the Course Booking Form and return it to the following address at least two weeks before the course:
The Training Administrator
Headway Cambridgeshire
Headway House
Brookfields
Mill Road
Cambridge
CB1 3DF

June 2008

 

HEADWAY CAMBRIDGESHIRE BROADCASTS RADIO SHOW

A group of Headway Cambridgeshire service users have been working towards broadcasting their own show on a local radio station - 209 Radio. The team have been meeting once a week since January to learn the skills and techniques necessary to put together a show, which involves planning, script-writing, public speaking and interviewing as well as technical requirements.

The culmination of their hard work saw the launch of their first live radio show, broadcast on Thursday 12 June at 12.00 pm, during which a broad range of topics was aired. The implications of the ban on smoking in public was discussed as this has affected many people. Later in the show, Kathy Bullock, Headway's Community Brain Injury Advisor was interviewed and she gave information on the role she plays in the organisation and the services available for brain injury survivors and their carers and families. One of the service users, Geoff told the story of how he came to acquire a brain injury during a traffic accident when he was a teenager. Despite the seriousness of the topics discussed, the show was light and humorous and there was also plenty of music making for a lively, entertaining and varied programme.

The service users aim to put out a live show once a month and planned content will include discussions on topical issues, personal stories and experiences, interviews and competitions as well as music. You can find more information about the show on the MySpace website at 
www.myspace.com/headlinersat209radio
and the 209 Radio website at http://www.209radio.co.uk/shows/profile.php?show=headliners.

The next Headway broadcast will be on 209 Radio on Thursday 10 July at mid-day.

June 2008

 

SPONSORED WORK-OUT RAISES FUNDS FOR THE FUTURE

Lee Pearce, a Headway Cambridgeshire service user from Huntingdon, undertook a sponsored work-out during Action for Brain Injury Awareness Week in April. Lee is fund-raising so that he can attend training courses to help him with his career goal of survival and out-door work. He completed 600 sit-ups and 600 press-ups in an hour and through sponsorship and donations, he has managed to raise over £500. Lee is thankful for the support he has received so far and is planning to carry out more fund-raising activities to help him enrol on his first course.

June 2008

 

'SLEUTH' STAR VISIT TO HEADWAY CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Ely born television star Simon MacCorkindale (also known as Harry Harper from BBC's Casualty) visited Headway House in Cambridge on Tuesday, 20 May. Simon was appearing in the thriller 'Sleuth' by Anthony Shaffer, at the Cambridge Arts Theatre but he took time out to visit Headway for the morning.

We were very pleased to welcome Simon and he went out of his way to introduce himself to everybody and showed a real understanding of the effects of brain injury. He spoke about some of his acting experiences, and how learning lines was not the most important part of acting, that it was more important to learn the story and develop your character around it. Simon's advice about remembering lines and developing confidence was of real value to the brain injury survivors who attend Headway House and his visit was an inspiration to all.


May 2008

   

HEADWAY REPRESENTED AT ADDENBROOKE'S HOSPITAL

Headway staff were on hand to give advice and information at Addenbrooke's Hospital Open Day on Saturday, 10 May.




During the day, Headway advisors met with patients and their family and carers as well as medical professionals.




They provided information about the effects of brain injury and the services that Headway Cambridgeshire offers.
 

May 2008

   

ACTION FOR BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS

During Action for Brain Injury Awareness week, which ran from 31 March to 6 April, Headway House in Cambridge hosted a number of events to promote awareness of brain injury and raise funds. One of our day-service users, Lee Pearce, put himself through a gruelling hour of sponsored sit-ups and press-ups to raise funds for training courses to further his career ambitions.

During the week Headway hosted an event at the Medway Centre in Huntingdon, in which service users enacted a specially written play, highlighting the challenges to everyday life that brain injury can cause.


The week finished with a
celebratory lunch, the presentation of achievement awards to some of our service users and the start of a balloon race.

April 2008

    

 ADVICE AND ADVOCACY SERVICE

Brain Injury Information, Advice and Advocacy Drop In sessions at:

SAXONGATE COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTRE

BRADBURY PLACE

HUNTINGDON, PE29 3RR

Sessions will be held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month 10.30 am to 12.30 

Booklets and help with: Form Filling, Support, Guidance, Signposting

February 2008  

   

HEADWAY NEWS

The latest edition of Headway News has been published. If you are not on our mailing list, you can obtain a pdf version here.

January 2008

 

CAMBRIDGESHIRE MAN WINS NATIONAL AWARD

A self-confessed boy racer whose life was turned upside down when he sustained a brain injury as a result of a car accident has been named Campaigner of the Year in the annual awards run by Headway - the brain injury association.

Nick Bennett, from Papworth Everard, was just 17-years-old when he was involved in a devastating car accident that nearly took his life. Early one morning on his way to work, Nick overtook two cars and collided with a three-tonne lorry. He spent the next ten months fighting for his life in intensive care. He won the fight but the accident left him in a wheelchair with severely affected mobility and speech as a result of sustaining a brain injury.

With trememdous strength and the help of organisations such as Headway Cambridgeshire, part of the national charity that helps people rebuild their lives after brain injury, Nick has gone on to make a trememdous recovery.

Now aged 24, Nick dedicates his time to warning young people about the dangers of reckless driving. He courageously visits local schools to tell of his own life experiences and warn of the tragic consequences of accidents like his, in the hope that young people might sit up and take notice.

"Nick has shown tremendous courage and generosity by speaking in front of so many young people about his life." said Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway UK. "It must be very tough to talk in front of your peers about a devastating mistake you made that has changed your life and yet Nick does this willingly in order to help young people avoid making the same error."

"He is an inspirational young man and fully deserves this honour."

The Headway Annual Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of people with brain injuries and those working to support them.

December 2007

 

CAMBRIDGE VOLUNTEER RECEIVES RECOGNITION

Candy Hodge, a Cambridgeshire volunteer, was a runner-up in the Volunteer of the Year catergory at the Headway National Awards. Candy has been involved with headway since 1993, when her son Clive suffered a brain injury following a car crash. Candy and her husband Brian are the full-time carers for Clive who was left severely disabled by the crash and completely dependent on 24-hour care at home.

Candy and Brian were given no respite care for the first five years following Clive's accident and Candy soon realised that caring for a brain injury survivor puts huge demands on the whole family.

Clive began attending Headway Cambridgeshire and Candy became involved with the Carer's Support Group. Rather than just seeking support for herself, Candy wanted to help others adapt to the changes in their lives resulting from family members suffering brain injuries.

Candy took over the running of the group, organises fundraising initiatives to keep the group financially independent and acts as an advisor to other carers.

"Candy is an unsung hero of Headway Cambridgeshire and a vital link with the community." said Ann Weitzel. "We're delighted that her selflessness and hard work have been recognised in this way."

The Headway Annual Awards were held at The Dorchester Hotel, London in December 2007 to celebrate the contributions of people with brain injuries and those working to support them.

December 2007

  

REPRIEVE FOR HEADWAY CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Cambridgeshire Primary Care Trust and Headway Cambridgeshire announce a way forward for the Charity's future tenancy on the Brookfields Hospital site.

Chris Banks, Chief Executive, Cambridge Primary Care Trust said "The PCT does recognise the unique role Headway Cambridgeshire provides locally for people who have survived brain injuries. I am pleased to confirm we have agreed that Headway can continue to use their facilities on the Brookfields site for the forseable future on the existing terms.

During the current pre-consultation on the future of NHS services provided from Davison House, Brookfields, we have said we are keen to keep the site for health and social care provision, even if it is not the same services provided at present. For example, some people who attended the first public meeting on the future of these services suggested developing a centre of exellence for specialist rehabilation on the site. There are certainly a number of Cambridgeshire residents with brain injuries who are treated in out-of-county facilities whose care could be brought closer to home and to Headway. We are keen to explore options like this as they make sense clinically, socially and financially. Any proposals as a result of this work will be included in the public consultation we anticipate launching in January 2008."

Commenting on the good news, Andrew Gardner, Chief Executive, Headway Cambridgeshire said "This is excellent news, both for those people we provide a service for and our staff who understandably have been unsettled by the uncertainties relating to our accomodation. Headway House in Cambridge is a first class resource and support centre for people who have survived brain injury. Over 120 places a week are available and programmes are geared to each person's abilities and preferences. We look forward to continuing to work with the PCT to provide high quality services to local residents."

September 2007

 

BIKERS RAISE FUNDS FOR HEADWAY CAMBRIDGESHIRE


Over 100 riders took part in a 160 mile ride round the boundaries of Cambridgeshire on Sunday 30th September. The riders raised funds for Headway Cambridgeshire, the local branch of the brain injuries association which depends on voluntary support for much of its funding.

Organised by the Cambridgeshire Advanced Motorcyclists, last year the ride raised over £3000. Cambridgeshire Advanced Motorcyclists has a team of over 20 volunteers who help riders improve their riding and assist them to pass the advanced test of the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

Participants were able to join the ride from one of several points and to choose their own route between a total of six control points or use a guideline route of about 170 miles. Cambridge Advanced Motorcyclists met the costs associated with the ride, enabling riders and pillions to donate the entrance fees to Headway.

September 2007

 

HEADWAY CAMBRIDGESHIRE WELCOMES NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE



Headway Cambridgeshire is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Gardner as its new Chief Executive.

Andrew said "I am very excited about the work that Headway does in making life better for people after a brain injury. I join a superb team based at Headway House in Cambridge, and the support and services we offer are making a significant difference to people's lives."

Speaking about future plans for the service offered by Headway Cambridgeshire, Andrew says, "We also need to ensure that we continue to meet the needs of our clients in an ever changing world and so I will be working with our team of staff, tutors and volunteers, together with other voluntary organisations and statutory authorities, to constantly review the services we provide to ensure that we are moving forward with the times."

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Peter McCabe said, "Andrew comes to us from a commercial background bringing significant transferable skills in project management, financial planning, team building and strategic development. He is also very involved on a personal level in his local village community serving on the Village Hall Committee and currently as Chair of the Parish Council. He combines both high-level business experience with a passion for the voluntary sector and an understanding of the needs of our clients."

September 2007

 
  Brain injury - it's a family affair
  

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Affiliated to Headway - the brain injury association: www.headway.org.uk

 

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