This is the latest edition of our “What we learned this Month…..” newsletter in which we intend to open the doors of Oxford Head Injury Services so you can take a look inside and see what we have been up to, we hope you enjoy them and look forward to hearing about what you think about Oxford Head Injury Services
The Oxford Head Injury Services Rotary Club Fun Run Team works up a sweat!
Andy crosses the line in good spirits
On what turned out to be the hottest day of the year our Headway Runway team once again took part in the annual Oxford Rotary Club Fun Run in the beautiful surroundings of the University Parks in Oxford.
Our team once again was lead by the powerhouse that is the Bailey Family, Roz, Bob and Michelle who where joined by Andy Baker and Patrick Mills.
All completed the 5 Km course in good time despite the soaring midday heat and no doubt sustaining a few aching limbs along the way.
This thief is on the run,fun run that is!/ The Bailey’s and Andy on the course
It’s all going to their heads! Withy King join in the Hats for Headway fun
Hats for Headway day is one of our favourite days of the year, the traditional climax to Action For Brain Injury week that this year took place on Friday 13th May, but there was nothing unlucky about this day as so many lovely people got involved across the UK by spending the day in wacky hats to both arise awareness of the effects of brain injuries, but also to raise funds for Headway.
We popped down to see our friends at Withy King Solicitors to join in the fun and judge their Hats for Headway competition.
We where greeted by an amazing collection of headgear, but the clear winner was Monica who was quite literally a legal Eagle for the day!
Painfully we do have to report that we also had to judge their Bake Off!, quite a spread had been laid on and competition was fierce and obviously also delicious, but in the end we chose Alison’s succulent Strawberry summery cream cake as the winner
Massive thanks to everyone who took part this year in Hats for Headway, it always such a fun day and a brilliant way of raising awareness of the effects of brain injury.
School’s in for Summer: Headway Academy opens it’s doors
Polly Archer and Emma Riley from our Community Support Worker team held another highly successful sold out Brain Injury Awareness Training Day this month. The day was held in association with Bower and Bailey Solicitors and UKABIF the Acquired Brain Injury Forum.
The training day held at our center in Kennington included.
An introduction to brain injury followed by a brief Q & A with one of our service users who has experienced a haemorrhagic stroke
:A session on the Emotional and Behavioural Effects of a brain injury with case studies from the point of view of the client and the supporting partner or family member
:A Q & A with the partner of one of our clients to talk about the carers perspective of being with someone who has sustained a brain injury
:A talk on the cognitive effects of a brain injury- focusing particularly on the hidden aspects of disability following a brain injury with interactive 1:1 discussions and group work tasks
:An overview of the Care Act 2014 and the implications for professionals working with people who have a brain injury
:A look at Oxford Head Injury Services and the services we provide; Activity and Rehabilitation centre, Personal Assistant service and our Community Support Workers
Our Headway Academy training days have proved to be very successful, here a just a few of the comments by those who attended our first training day back in December
“I learnt about some of the cognitive issues can be masked, leading to people not getting the support they need”
“It was very useful to learn about how cognitive difficulties manifest and coping strategies that can be used”
“I loved the personal experiences of the service users and carers. The practical tasks were engaging and thought provoking. It was excellent thank you”
If your business, institution or group works with or has clients that have Brain Injury’s we can offer you a Brain Injury Awareness Training day tailored to your needs, to give you and your employees a better understanding of the effects of Brain Injuries.
If you would like to arrange your own Headway Academy training day or would like more information
please contact Claire Twinn to discuss your needs, pricing and available dates
on 01865 326263 or e-mail servicemanager@headway-oxford.org.uk
Drivers to your cars: The countdown to MG Live 2016 continues
Oxford Head Injury Services is the official Charity partner for MG Live! which takes place at the world famous Silverstone racing circuit home of the British Grand Prix.
MG Live! which takes place on the weekend of June 4th and 5th is the world’s premier MG event with thousands of fans of the iconic British sports car from around the globe flocking to the home of British motor sport to celebrate their shared passion for all things MG.
Displays of the very best MGs, amazing driving skills, Lifestyle Marquee, a fantastic race programme and much more!
Oxford Head Injury Services ‘s marquee will be a the center of the event.
Here you will be able to find out more about our vital work and meet some of our clients who be our very special guests for the weekend.
We will also be hosting an exhibition of the history and development of safety devices in the motor industry and at MG whose commitment to innovation in safety over 90 years has been underlined by it’s famous slogan “Safety fast”.
Tickets for MGLive! start from £18 for a Member’s day ticket, while a weekend tickets starting at £28. With two days of racing, a packed programme of entertainment, trade stalls and much, much more, visit www.mglive.co.uk to book your tickets now.
“A lovely day for a walk” : Oxford Head Injury Services Personal Assistant service
Some of our clients due to the nature of their brain injuries find it difficult to perform the everyday tasks that we take for granted like popping out to get a pint of milk or pay household bills and because of this they can miss out on the all important interactions with other people that are so vital to their rehabilitation and important to all of us in life in general.
Our Personal Assistants help people overcome difficulties in day-to-day life and to lead more active and fulfilling lives. All of our staff are fully trained in supporting people with acquired brain injuries, so have specialist knowledge and skills that help them to empower clients.
They can support with activities like shopping, theatre trips, playing golf, and keeping appointments, as well as regular activities designed to engage and challenge the individual and help to increase skills and confidence, as well as being someone they can chat to over a cup of tea about everyday stuff.
Personal Assistant visits last at least 1 hour and often longer, giving quality time to get everyday tasks and problems sorted, still leaving time to have a walk in the sun or to stop off at a favorite cafe.
I recently joined one of our personal assistants Zoe and visited one of our clients. It was a beautiful spring day, a perfect day for a walk along the river and a coffee on the way, and also give me an insight to the wonderful benefits of our Personal Assistant service.
A.R.C Activities this month:
Our new Art Classes have started with local artist Gary Bosher and after only one session it seems we already have many promising artists as you can see from these pictures.
And Finally
Recently one of our clients at Oxford Head Injury Services marked the first anniversary of the day that changed and saved her life. She decided to put down her thoughts in words and has very kindly allowed us to share them with you.
