The first Headway house was opened in Gloucester in August 1983 providing a day-centre service to assist in long-term rehabilitation, respite care and hospital liaison. It opened in a former disused building, on the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital site, and quietly went on about its work.It became a shining example of how to support people with head injuries and their families, and very soon the facility was repeated at various other places around the country.

When the NHS Trust gave Headway notice to quit some few years ago, their reaction was to look for new premises, and they found a unit opposite the Hospital, which had been empty for some time and therefore needed some considerable work done to bring it up to scratch. Serious fundraising also had to happen in order to secure ownership of the building. Nevertheless, perseverance paid off and on Saturday September 3rd the new home for Headway Cotswold Trust was opened at Pullman Court, Great Western Road, Gloucester, by local MP Mark Harper.

Once officially opened, Trust Staff, volunteers, patients and friends were invited to see round the building, and the facilities on offer.Some of the services on offer to survivors of severe head injury, their families and carers in Gloucestershire include:


*A day centre which provides a range of therapeutic activities. Referrals are taken from local hospitals, GPs and social workers.
*An advice and information service.
*Support for family members on a group and individual basis.
*A quarterly newsletter, social events and development of new services for survivors of severe head injury.

We have for some years now supported Headway making a donation from the Charity Cup Fund, and this year was no exception., and they were delighted to receive the cheque for £350. which they have said will be put to good use.

Pictures: top left family and friends gathering outside the new building.

Left : George Burndred, Samantha Hall (Manager of the facility) and Mark Harper MP. George is making the introductions, and offering a brief history of the site, to all of those present.

Centre left: Sam Hall, Centre Manager, Paul Prowse Business Administrator for the Centre, Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer presenting the cheque.

Centre right: Mark Harper MP congratulating the Trustees, Staff, Family and Friends on achieving this new home for Headway Trust.

 Right: Mark Harper MP opening the curtain on the plaque commemorating the opening. The Plaque contains art work undertaken by some of the clients of the House.

 

 

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