News Update: JANUARY 2012

We wish you all

a very happy New Year 

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£30,000 and rising!

Our grateful thanks go to all of AXA-PPP staff, who adopted Headway as their Charity of the Year 2011.

So far, they have raised an amazing £30,000 via many fundraising events over the year. The grand total will be known in the new year.

Our thanks go to everyone who put on an event, raised funds and participated, we have enjoyed working with the AXA-PPP teams.

The 1066 Harley Davidson Owners club roared into Headway one Saturday morning and presented us with a cheque for £1000. This was raised over the year in memory of Jamie Cassar, grandson of one of Headway's founders, Anthony French and his family. Jamie's dad Greg Cassar, a member of the Chapter, had nominated Headway as their Charity of the Year 2011.

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CAN you HELP?

Sadly, we were unsuccessful in the Kent & Sussex Courier'Heart of the Community Award' so we still need to raise funds for our gazebos and other display/presentation equipment. This is so important for raising awareness about brain injury and our services.

We need 2 waterproof, easy-to-put up gazebos and a portable projector for presentations, so if you are thinking about raising some funds for us, do make contact and we can give you the details for your event. Thank you. 

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THANKS TO ALL WHO RAISE FUNDS FOR US - IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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A 2012 Challenge for all runners and triatheletes

10k Run in Mote Park Maidstone on Sunday 13 May 2012

Triathlon Sunday 24 June 2012  in the Maidstone area

Headway is looking for people to take up the challenge and raise
funds at the same time.

We can book a limited number of places for both events and invite
anyone who would like to join in to contact us a soon as possible.

Entry fees 10k £20  Trialthlon £30 plus any sponsorship you can raise
from your family and friends.

Plenty of time for training! Thank you.

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VOTE FOR HEADWAY!

No 024

We have been shortlisted in the Kent & Sussex Courier 'Heart of the Community Award'
and need your votes.

TEXT TO 65100

KS HEART 024 your name - your postcode

50p PER TEXT PLUS NETWORK CHARGE

We are hoping that we can be awarded some funds to buy a couple of easy to put up gazebos that will stop our displays becoming unusable in outdoor events. They will also enable us to show a more professional looking stand and protect our volunteers who give up their time to bring the work that Headway does to a wider audience.

Every vote counts - and you can vote as many times as you wish.

From 11 Nov until the closing date 2 Dec please buy a Courier and send in the voting coupons and ask all of your family and friends to help support us.

You can also drop your voting coupons into the centre and we will get them delivered.

We are in the COMMUNITY category No 024

look online - www.thisiskent.co.uk/heart

thanks so much

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New workshop

Fraud, Money & Vulnerable People

Fri 25 Nov - 10.30-12.30

at the Headway Centre, Tunbridge Wells

At Headway, we come across individuals who have experienced 
other people taking advantage of their generosity and vulnerability.
This workshop will look at the issues and explore ways of recognising and
preventing this sometimes serious  crime.

Family, carers and anyone who works with people with brain injuries are
welcome to attend.

click here for a poster

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'Sleeping Beauty' in Tunbridge Wells

TV stars Glynis Barber from Eastenders and Derek Moran from Milkshake
take the stage in this spectacular production for all the family!

AXA-PPP have offered Headway reduced price tickets for a special night at the Assembly Hall
on Thursday 15 December.

All proceeds on the night will be donated to Headway.

All tickets will be £7.50 per person - oh yes they will!

Please ring Headway to book your seats before they all go.

Tickets may sell out before the beginning of December
so book yours now.

01892 619001

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Call for Trustees - CAN YOU HELP US?

Headway in West Kent is a small, friendly registered charity providing information, support and services to people who have sustained a brain injury, their family and carers. We are affiliated to the brain injury association, Headway UK.

Among the things we provide in West Kent are social, leisure and therapeutic activities to help people following a brain injury to achieve the highest possible level of quality of life.

Our centre in Tunbridge Wells offers varied short activities courses throughout the year and a drop-in and activity based programme is offered from a base in Maidstone town centre. 

There is a small, dedicated and experienced staff group who are supported by an equally dedicated, talented and creative group of volunteers.

The Board of Trustees is currently seeking people who would be interested in joining them in supporting the future of our charity.  We meet on the 3^rd Monday evening of each month. 

As the charity sector moves to make the most of the increasing opportunities in social enterprise, people with backgrounds in finance, business, enterprise, marketing and human resources would particularly enhance the current skill-mix of the Board.  

However we would welcome approaches from people with other skills, experience or interests.  No experience of the field of head injury is necessary.  The post of Trustee is a voluntary position.

Meet the Board

Trustees are holding an informal open meeting for any interested parties at 7pm on the evening of Monday 21 November 2011 at the Headway Centre in Tunbridge Wells, Milestones, 3 Culverden Park, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9QT.

For further information please contact:

Deborah Harding Trustee 07767 822147 d.harding@sgul.kingston.ac.uk

Rodney Clarke, Trustee and Vice Chair 07772 928466 rodneyclarke@f2s.com

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HEADWAY CHANGES ITS NAME

Headway Tunbridge Wells & District has changed its name to reflect more accurately the area that its services cover.

From 1st September we will be known as Headway in West Kent. We support people in the Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Malling and Maidstone areas and all of the towns and villages inbetween.

It will take a while to change the myriad contact details so please keep looking at the website for our new email addresses. Thank you.

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Calling everyone who uses Brain Injury/Stroke

services in Kent

We are collaborating with the local PCT and other groups and the Kent Acquired Brain Injury Forum (KABIF), to assess the quality of services that people come across after a brain injury. This covers health, social care and the community and voluntary sector. It is important to see if there are any gaps that need to be identified.

We are looking for people with brain injury and stroke patients and their family /carers who would be happy to complete the attached questionaire - preferably by mid September. The questionnaire is confidential and we hope that the information that is extracted will inform us all on how the service can be improved. 

If you would like any more information of help in completing the  form, please contact Di Drummond on 01892 619001

Thank you for taking part.

Please click here for the questionnaire

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HEADWAY IN MAIDSTONE - EVERY THURSDAY        10.30am-2.30pm

@ Switch Cafe 34A High Street ME14 1JH 

RAG RUGGING SESSIONS 1.00-2.45PM - you are welcome to attend these sessions based in Maidstone. No expertise needed. £5 per session.  Ring 01892 619001 for more details and to book your place.

Drop in for a coffee and chat and see how Headway can support you. We will be at the cafe every Thursday 10.30-2.30, for a chat and activities. Do come in and see us or ring 01892 619001 for more details.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES AT HEADWAY

We have an exciting new programme of activities for anyone with a brain injury. Apart from our centre based activities on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays, on Thursday and Fridays we offer some short courses for anyone who wants to try out a new interest. 

These offer short sessions with a small, friendly group of people. They are especially designed for anyone living independently who would prefer to join a small group rather than try something on their own.

The programme changes, so do contact the centre for the most up-to-date list of activities.

click here for woodwork leaflet

click here for gym leaflet

01892 619001 or headwaytwells@hotmail.com

FAMILY & CARERS' SUPPORT

Families and carers are welcome to come to Headway in Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone at any time for a coffee and an opportunity to chat. It would be useful to ring to arrange a time first to ensure that the appropriate person is available for support. We have discontinued the monthly Friday meetings as it is more flexible to offer support when needed.  

Headway booklets and information are available at all times and staff can help support you if needed.

We can also put you in touch with other families who are happy to share their own experiences.

Occaisonally we will arrange a speaker to talk about issues relating to your caring role.

COFFEE & CHAT

Each first Thursday of the month, 10.30-12.00, a small group of people with a head injury meet socially at a Tunbridge Wells coffee bar. It is an opportunity for people living independently to get to know others and also to find out about what services Headway has to offer. We would be happy to meet you first and introduce you to the group.

Please contact the centre for details.

EASY INTERNET FUNDRAISING

If you shop on the internet, do  register your support of Headway Tunbridge Wells & District (Charity Number 1062884) and link up with www.easyfundraising.org.uk.

Everytime you make a purchase, your retailer will make a donation to Headway Tunbridge Wells & District with no cost to you. Major retailers like John Lewis, Amazon, M&S, Virgin Holidays, Domino's Pizza, P&O Ferries and BBC Shop are part of this scheme.

Thank you

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PAST NEWS

Nothing to do at the weekend?

Why not join us at our two summer events

A VERY ENGLISH EVENT

SUNDAY 7 AUGUST 2-7PM

Cricket and cream teas at Holmewood House School, Langton Green TN3 0EB

Special guest Derek Underwood

Organised childrens activities on the lawns

Cricket memorabilia auction

Free parking - ring Headway 01892 619001 for more details

Or click here for a poster

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HEADWAY FIELD DAY

Sat 20 Aug 2pm-12am

Honnington Farm, Vauxhall Lane, Southborough

Local Bands, archery, craft fair, rifle range, hog roast, childrens entertainer,

bouncy castle, ice cream, Pimms, beer tent and more

Tickets £10 adults, £5 12-18yrs, under 11 free.

free parking - free camping

email graham.thomas@axa-ppp.co.uk for your tickets

RESHEDULED

A CONCERT FOR CANDLEMAS -     Snow  and bad travel conditions prevented our Concert being held in December though a few hardy people managed to get to St Pauls for a short concert held by some of the Oriana Singers. Thanks to the Singers for managing to get there.

We have now been able to reshedule the Concert to Saturday 29 January at 7.30 as before. The Singers will be  showcasing Handel's Messiah on Saturday at St Pauls Church, Langton Road, Rusthall.

This is in aid of Headway and in memory of Michael Munro who was a founder of Headway Tunbridge Wells & District and involved with his community in many ways. Do join us for this special concert and in doing so, not only enjoy the music but help to raise funds for Headway as well.

Tickets £10, concessions £7 available from:

Headway           01892 619001    headwaytwells@hotmail.com

St Pauls Parish Office      01892 521447

On the door on the night

The ticket includes a glass of wine.

GOOD NEWS

Our planning application for installing the Studio at the bottom of the garden has finally been passed.

This Studio is made possible by the generosity of the Henry Surtees Foundation and will  be used to offer a  variety of activities that we don't have room in the main centre to accommodate.

Watch this space for more information and below for picture of site ready and waiting!

CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING - TUES 30 NOVEMBER 10.30-12.30

Do come and join us for a coffee and mince pie - raffle and pottery items on sale.

Congratulations - Leisa walked for Headway in the 21^st BUPA Great North Run on 24 October 2010.

Hi

Last year my sister Leisa suffered a severe spontaneous sub-arachnoids haemorrhage, which has changed life forever.  We nearly lost her & she was in hospital for 6 weeks, 4 of those in intensive care.

When she finally came home, her mobility was poor; she had lost a severe amount of weight and was suffering headaches, fatigue and depression.  Leisa says she went through a grieving process for the life she lost and is still fighting to achieve what she and her family had before the haemorrhage.

She entered the Great South Run with me on 24^th October 2010 which is Europe’s leading road race.  The course was 10 miles long and would be a challenge for most of us and for Leisa in particular it was a test of mental stamina and physical determination as Leisa is unable to walk un-added and tires very quickly. She successfully completed the course with a slight reduction in its length and states with pride, that she was the last one through the finishing post!

There are 3 organisations in particular that have helped Leisa through the last 18 months which she has chosen to support by doing the run:

Headway, (charity supporting people who have suffered brain injuries),

FOHOS (her children’s school that have gone above and beyond helping with her children) and

Weald of Kent Hospice (none of us knows when we may need its help)

We did the run (or walk) together, and would really appreciate if any of you reading this would like to add to our sponsorship via the link, every single pound will be going towards a good cause.

JustGiving for donations at http://www.justgiving.com/Leisa-Hilliar10milechallenge

Thank you.

Karlene

Michael Munroe:

It is with great sadness that I write to say that Michael Munro died at the Kent and Sussex Hospital on Friday August 6th following a short illness.

Michael was the driving force behind the formation of Headway in Tunbridge Wells, and together with his wife Pam had continued to give advice and support to those who have suffered brain injury and to their families and carers until very recently. He will be greatly missed by his many friends in the wider Headway family and also in the many other organisations he was so closely involved with.

Michael was a great ambassador for Headway, never missing an opportunity to raise the profile of the Charity or to bring to the wider community an understanding of the effects brain injury can have on the individual and their families. He served as the Charity’s first Chairman, first President and has for the last two years been a very active Vice Patron. I am sure you would all wish to join me in passing on to Pam, Robin, Nick and their families our sincerest condolences at this sad time.

Michael’s funeral service will be held at St Pauls Parish Church, Rusthall at 2 pm on Wednesday August 18th. There will be family flowers only, and Pam has asked that donations in lieu of flowers be given to Headway Tunbridge Wells and District.

Judy Horwood
Chairman