Headway Worcestershire has been celebrating its 30th anniversary year since November 2019 with a series of special events through the year, including a celebratory meal at Worcester Guild Hall and an accessible walk in Cripplegate Park.
The charity was founded in 1989 and was manned by volunteers, family members and carers. It was initially set up as a support group to cover a gap in service for those affected by acquired brain injury, starting with a day centre in Malvern Link. Since then the charity has gone from strength to strength, diversifying and building its services along the way.
Since 1989, Headway Worcestershire has grown to become a significant regional charity and now provides day services from its Wellbeing centres in Worcester, Kidderminster and Bromsgrove, where clients take part in activities that aid their rehabilitation in a safe and social setting. The charity also offers Outreach services providing care and support to individuals in their own homes, and counselling and support groups to help survivors to come to terms with their brain injury.
Throughout the years of growth, the overall ethos of the charity has remained unchanged; to ensure survivors of acquired brain injury are valued, respected and able to live a fulfilling life in the community.
Kathryn Davis, CEO of Headway Worcestershire, said: “The effects of an acquired brain injury can turn a survivor’s world upside-down. It can impact on every aspect of their life, from physical and cognitive impairments, to loss of confidence and the mental health issues that come with it. That’s why we passionately believe every survivor of an acquired brain injury deserves to regain some quality of life, so they can look to the future with hope.
Over the past 30 years our charity has gone from strength to strength ensuring that we can support more people across the county who are in need. With the help of our amazing staff, volunteers, corporate partners and fundraisers, we will continue to provide our services to ensure that we are supporting lives for the next 30 years.”
Headway Worcestershire has suffered severe funding cuts over recent years, and now relies on fundraising to make up the deficit. For their 30th anniversary the charity has launched its £30k challenge, where supporters are encouraged to fundraise using the number 30 – perhaps walk, run, cycle or swim 30km, hold a 30 question quiz night, raise £30 at your office/school/club, or host a 1930s themed party!
If you would like to know more about Headway Worcestershire’s services or how you can help, please email enquiries@hwtl.org.uk or call 01905 729 729