Headway Q1 2008

Our attenders have all reacted positively to the new centre; we have more space, more appropriate and accessible design/facilities, An example of this is an attender, who often slept on the couch at our previous centre, has become more engaged in activities. He also uses the kitchen and sits down to lunch with others, which he has not done before.

Our new facilities include: a computer room, our own gym, which we are in the process of purchasing some additional equipment for, a music therapy room, more therapy rooms, which has enabled us to offer one to one counselling sessions; a much needed service. We continue to provide yoga therapy and cranio-sacral therapy in addition to physiotherapy and exercise therapy. Our new art room has already proved a resounding success because it enables attenders to be more focused in their work as there are less distractions than in the one big hall we used to do everything in. Discussion groups, which we run every day, are also more productive when taking place in separate rooms. Discussion topics can range from something fun, to a more serious subject pertinent to those living with the effects of a brain injury.

We have not done many outings so far this year as we have been occupied with the move, but plans are underway to increase opportunities in this area. We have a boat club nearby who have staff experienced with people who have disabilities. Next week, a group of 8 attenders are going on narrow boat trip along the canal. This trip costs £60 and can be repeated easily as it is local and so additional transport costs are not required. One per cent money will be used for this and some other trips, particularly as the weather improves.
With regard to the gardening project that OPS has agreed to support this year,  we have been lucky enough to be funded by a Goldman Sachs Community Team Works Project, who are paying for and providing a group of volunteers to landscape and plant our garden space, which at the moment is empty apart from one tree! This is a one-off day happening on May 14th but afterwards we will need practical help and funds to maintain the garden and develop it further and OPS money can greatly contribute to this. We will be holding barbecues in the summer and our new garden will be the perfect setting.

We are planning a “Grand Opening” in September (date to be confirmed) not only to formally celebrate our new premises but also to acknowledge that it is ten years since the first Headway East London opened its doors. In those days it was just one day a week with only a few attenders, so we have certainly come a long way. The popular comedian Jo Brand has recently agreed to become our patron so we hope that she will be present at this event. You will of course be invited.

We are grateful to the One Per Cent scheme for their continued support and extend a warm welcome to any participant who would like to come and visit us in our new home and find out more about us.