A VISIT TO HEADWAY HOUSE

This year Brain Injury Awareness Week is from 17-23 May.

I recently visited Headway House at 4 Hospital Close to see how this charity helps those who have suffered impairment, such as in speech, movement or behavioural changes, as a result of an injury to the brain. Such injuries are life changing for the victim and for their family, and Headway House offers support for both parties.

Headway House Leicester is affiliated to Headway UK and is independent charity.  It is rented from Leicester General Hospital for a peppercorn rent, and is funded by the City and County Council and the NHS Trust. Twenty five percent of the running cost is raised from applications to various Trusts, the Lottery, private donations and fundraising events.

At Headway House I found an exciting and stimulating environment, dedicated and caring staff and volunteers, and fully occupied members (adults who are being helped) who are encouraged to be as independent as possible. Members are given the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities, ranging from arts and crafts, woodwork, textiles, use of a camera and video and computer, beadwork, gardening and cooking. 

Whilst I was there chappatis were being made in a specially adapted kitchen, a water colour painting session with a visiting teacher was in progress and one young man was playing cards with a volunteer whilst others were working on computers.  Outside at the back of the property is a well laid out garden with raised beds, a greenhouse and a vegetable patch.  Vegetables are grown and cooked for the lunches and flowers produced and sold to visitors or staff.  The woodwork room was amazing with a full range of tools and machines.  A large array of wooden bowls, boxes, marquetry inlays,  and a bookcase were on show or partly finished, indicating the tools were well used and with considerable expertise.

If you would like to learn more about Headway House contact Alison Leight, who is in charge of Fund Raising, and look out for a sponsored bike ride to raise funds for the centre, and other events to mark their 20th anniversary.

Anne Tester