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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
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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
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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:
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List the most common causes of brain injury
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Understand the common types of problems facing brain injury survivors
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Identify strategies for effective communication with brain injury survivors
Dates
- Wednesday 10 September 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
(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
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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
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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
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'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
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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. |
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May 2008
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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A
company limited by Guarantee, Registered in England No. 3364699;
Registered Charity No. 1062886.
Affiliated to Headway - the brain injury association: www.headway.org.uk
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