News & Notices
News: Playing brain games 'of little benefit', say experts
August 2017
Brain training games may not provide the benefits to brain health they claim to, according to experts. Read the full story on the BBC website.
August 2017
Brain training games may not provide the benefits to brain health they claim to, according to experts. Read the full story on the BBC website.
Imbalance and dizziness after brain injury
By Polly O'Connor, July 2017
Dr Barry M Seemungal (PHD FRCP), neurologist at Imperial College London, gave a fascinating and well received talk on dizziness and imbalance at Headway North London in April. Dr Seemungal’s delight and interest in his subject showed through, resulting in an animated discussion following his presentation. This article is extrapolated from notes taken on the evening.
Thanks to Prof. Seemungal for his kind editing and permission to publish.
Is it all in my head?
Actually, yes! Whilst many people associate dizziness and balance problems with the inner ear (vestibular system), this is only part of the story. It is the brain that processes the information from your inner ear, limbs and eyes to maintain our balance. If the signals from the ears, eyes or limbs, or the brain mechanisms that process this information, are disturbed we may feel dizzy or off balance or even both.
Hang on - aren’t dizziness and imbalance the same thing?
For the purposes of neuroscience, we can define dizziness as “the illusion of moving when you are not”. So, dizziness is a sensation or a feeling of self-motion - for example, feeling like you are on a merry go round or a rocking boat - when in fact you are standing still.
This defined use of the word ’dizziness’ contrasts to its everyday use, from light headedness to intelligence - e.g.’ what a dizzy blonde…’. It is important that the doctor understands that dizziness can be made into something very specific. What a mess we would have if both the doctor and the patient were talking about different things when talking about dizziness!
Imbalance can be distinguished from the sensation of dizziness and it is the inability to maintain a stable posture when standing still or walking, sometimes with the risk of falling. Balance is a complex and difficult task, taking human babies over a year to learn, and much longer to master. It is therefore not surprising that any disturbance to brain functioning often leads to imbalance and falls.
So, balance is a performance that is visible to all whereas dizziness is a very personal thing and is only felt by the patient. Sometimes dizziness will be associated with imbalance, but sometimes you can feel dizzy with normal balance (meaning that the standard doctor’s assessment may be normal).
A feeling of instability is also another common and often debilitating symptom. Walking is a risky business - every time we step we ‘nearly fall’. To walk, our brain’s motor system must send signals to our muscles to contract and move the limbs. At the same time, there is a system in the brain that monitors our balance in response to our movements.
If we feel unbalanced then this usually means that our brain is correctly telling us that we are at risk of falling because we are tilted too much and we need to make a small correction with our legs to maintain our stability. Sometimes however, the motor system provides accurate information to our muscles and there is no real risk of falling, but the brain’s monitoring system wrongly thinks we are unbalanced and incorrectly tells us we are at risk of falling.
So, feeling unbalanced does not always mean that we are unbalanced. This also means that some patients with a debilitating sensation of imbalance will seem normal in a medical examination since it the brain’s monitoring system that has gone wrong – and this is not easy to measure outside of a research laboratory. Some doctors think that it only matters if the examination is abnormal. This is not correct.
The caveman’s brain in the modern world.
Now that we know the brain is the organ of balance we can start to understand how it works. The human brain evolved over millions of years. Our brain interprets what we see and feel in a logical way.
Take the example of your ancestor running away from a tiger in the jungle; the eyes will see lots of trees flying past at high speed. The brain needs to work out that the trees can’t move so it must be the person who is moving. Feedback from our limbs moving (or joint position) as the person runs helps the brain to work out it is the person moving and not the trees. This sense of our limb position is in fact, the most important sense for our balance. The other, familiar senses help too; the feel of the air rushing past and the growls of the tiger getting (hopefully) further away.
In the modern world the brain can sometimes find it hard to work out whether it is the person or environment that is moving. Take the situation of a person standing still watching trains or cars race past. It is sometimes hard for the brain to distinguish which is moving, so sometimes the brain comes up with the wrong answer. It thinks the train can’t be moving, so the person must be. Thus, the brain creates the illusion of self-movement and the person feels dizzy.
Diagnosing dizziness and imbalance in head trauma.
Dr Seemungal’s team has just started a major study funded by the UK Medical Research Council that will assess the brain mechanisms of imbalance and dizziness in traumatic brain injury.
Their pilot data on patients admitted to a major trauma ward with head injury showed that three quarters had clinically obvious imbalance but half of these patients did not feel dizzy or unbalanced. This means that patients were not aware of their balance problems and so doctors may miss the problem since patients do not complain of a balance issue. This is the opposite of feeling unbalanced when in fact there is no risk of falling. Here patients who are at risk of falling do not feel unbalanced. They lose their warning signals! And we think this is just as bad as feeling continuously unbalanced.
To further complicate things, Dr Seemungal’s work has shown that most patients with balance problems had more than one problem affecting their balance. This means that balance issues in traumatic head injury patients are particularly complicated and typically involve injury to both inner ear and brain structures in the same patient.
Migraine symptoms are common in head trauma patients including some patients who develop Vestibular Migraine which causes dizziness sometimes without a headache. Another common cause of dizziness or imbalance is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) which is a disorder of the inner ear, in which crystals are displaced. This can be treated immediately and successfully if it is correctly diagnosed.
Diagnosing dizziness and imbalance in stroke
Compared to stroke patients without vertigo, stroke patients with vertigo tend to be younger and have better outcomes when treated promptly. Unfortunately, stroke patients with vertigo are less likely to be diagnosed as having a stroke (than those without stroke) – often their vertigo is wrongly attributed to an inner ear problem. This means that stroke patients with vertigo are less likely to receive prompt treatment leading to worse recovery. Thus the key step in treating stroke patients with vertigo is prompt and accurate diagnosis. We are involved in research to develop new and easier ways to improve the diagnosis of stroke in patients with vertigo.
Chronic dizziness and imbalance
Dizzy patients who do not receive the right treatment can adopt compensatory strategies which are not always useful. For example, it is common to rely more on our vision for our balance after an episode of dizziness which, over time, can make us overly sensitive to environments which have lots of visual stimuli – supermarkets, crowded places or shopping malls. This makes it even more important to access the right treatment.
Looking forward to the future
Dr Seemungal’s team hope to understand the mechanisms that cause imbalance in brain injury (of whatever cause) and hence to develop new treatments for these patients. They hope that the current study of the mechanisms of imbalance in head trauma will lead to better management of this problem in patients. They hope important new information will come from the study in the next 3-4 years. In the meantime, the message is to:
Treat the things you can treat!
Dizziness is not something you have to put up with! In fact, many causes of dizziness can be treated and cured. Depending on the type of dizziness, treatment options may include vestibular physiotherapy and/or medications. Patients struggling with vestibular physiotherapy should note that it does work, even if it doesn’t feel like it at first. Often the exercises are designed to make you feel dizzy, which can be unpleasant and scary and can feel as if you are getting worse not better.
To make sense of this, it might help to think of your vestibular system as being similar to your immune system. As you are gradually exposed to a cold or virus, you feel awful. However, ovee time your body becomes better at fighting the virus off and you start to get better, even being able to resist catching that bug in future. So too with the vestibular system and dizziness. Your body becomes better at fighting the dizziness and over time your balance improves, making you feel less dizzy. This process can takes weeks or more likely months, rather than days.
Studies on ballet dancers show that the balance area of the brain changes as they train. This is known as brain plasticity, when the brain can change in response to training. For the brain to change in this way, you need to do a lot of training so any dizziness or balance exercises you do need to be fun. Good sleep and other sorts of physical exercise (for example cycling, yoga, Pilates) is also useful to keep your balance senses sharp.
Dizziness, imbalance and mental health
Experiencing dizziness or imbalance can be terrifying, not just because of the symptoms, but because the centres controlling our emotions have links to areas which process dizziness and imbalance.
Let’s go back to our ancestor running from the tiger in the jungle. If the ancestor has trouble with balance or feels dizzy, they will have much less chance of escaping the tiger. Evolution has bred us to panic or become anxious when we can't run, walk or have balance problems. For this reason, balance problems are often interlinked with anxiety and depression. This link is important as in some cases the anxiety and depression must be treated at the same time as the dizziness to have the best possible recovery.
Further, being dizzy or imbalanced reduces your chances of working significantly. Studies have shown 75% of patients who had an ABI without balance are at work after six months. For those who have an ABI with balance problems, it is only 30%. Not being able to work can add more ‘fuel’ to depression and cause many more anxieties e.g. money worries.
Dizziness, imbalance and fatigue.
Dizziness and imbalance can amplify problems with ‘pathological’ fatigue following an ABI. The difference between ‘normal’ and pathological fatigue is explained in the following excerpt:
“Normal fatigue is time-limited and alleviated by rest, whereas ‘pathological fatigue, such as that experienced following brain injury, may be present most of the time. It may not improve with rest and is likely to significantly impact on people being able to do the activities they want to do.” (From: Managing fatigue after brain injury. Wheatcroft, Mallet and Morris 2013. Published by Headway – the brain injury association).
This pathological fatigue presents in different ways, and to differing levels, following an ABI. In those people who also have a dizziness or imbalance problem, the fatigue is often worse. This is perhaps because the brain reserve is used up with trying to deal with the imbalance and dizziness.
In conclusion:
- The link between brain injuries and dizziness or imbalance is clear.
- You don’t have to live with dizziness! It can be treated.
- Treat the symptoms you have and be aware that as you get better you might notice other problems that were covered up before.
By Polly O'Connor, July 2017
Dr Barry M Seemungal (PHD FRCP), neurologist at Imperial College London, gave a fascinating and well received talk on dizziness and imbalance at Headway North London in April. Dr Seemungal’s delight and interest in his subject showed through, resulting in an animated discussion following his presentation. This article is extrapolated from notes taken on the evening.
Thanks to Prof. Seemungal for his kind editing and permission to publish.
Is it all in my head?
Actually, yes! Whilst many people associate dizziness and balance problems with the inner ear (vestibular system), this is only part of the story. It is the brain that processes the information from your inner ear, limbs and eyes to maintain our balance. If the signals from the ears, eyes or limbs, or the brain mechanisms that process this information, are disturbed we may feel dizzy or off balance or even both.
Hang on - aren’t dizziness and imbalance the same thing?
For the purposes of neuroscience, we can define dizziness as “the illusion of moving when you are not”. So, dizziness is a sensation or a feeling of self-motion - for example, feeling like you are on a merry go round or a rocking boat - when in fact you are standing still.
This defined use of the word ’dizziness’ contrasts to its everyday use, from light headedness to intelligence - e.g.’ what a dizzy blonde…’. It is important that the doctor understands that dizziness can be made into something very specific. What a mess we would have if both the doctor and the patient were talking about different things when talking about dizziness!
Imbalance can be distinguished from the sensation of dizziness and it is the inability to maintain a stable posture when standing still or walking, sometimes with the risk of falling. Balance is a complex and difficult task, taking human babies over a year to learn, and much longer to master. It is therefore not surprising that any disturbance to brain functioning often leads to imbalance and falls.
So, balance is a performance that is visible to all whereas dizziness is a very personal thing and is only felt by the patient. Sometimes dizziness will be associated with imbalance, but sometimes you can feel dizzy with normal balance (meaning that the standard doctor’s assessment may be normal).
A feeling of instability is also another common and often debilitating symptom. Walking is a risky business - every time we step we ‘nearly fall’. To walk, our brain’s motor system must send signals to our muscles to contract and move the limbs. At the same time, there is a system in the brain that monitors our balance in response to our movements.
If we feel unbalanced then this usually means that our brain is correctly telling us that we are at risk of falling because we are tilted too much and we need to make a small correction with our legs to maintain our stability. Sometimes however, the motor system provides accurate information to our muscles and there is no real risk of falling, but the brain’s monitoring system wrongly thinks we are unbalanced and incorrectly tells us we are at risk of falling.
So, feeling unbalanced does not always mean that we are unbalanced. This also means that some patients with a debilitating sensation of imbalance will seem normal in a medical examination since it the brain’s monitoring system that has gone wrong – and this is not easy to measure outside of a research laboratory. Some doctors think that it only matters if the examination is abnormal. This is not correct.
The caveman’s brain in the modern world.
Now that we know the brain is the organ of balance we can start to understand how it works. The human brain evolved over millions of years. Our brain interprets what we see and feel in a logical way.
Take the example of your ancestor running away from a tiger in the jungle; the eyes will see lots of trees flying past at high speed. The brain needs to work out that the trees can’t move so it must be the person who is moving. Feedback from our limbs moving (or joint position) as the person runs helps the brain to work out it is the person moving and not the trees. This sense of our limb position is in fact, the most important sense for our balance. The other, familiar senses help too; the feel of the air rushing past and the growls of the tiger getting (hopefully) further away.
In the modern world the brain can sometimes find it hard to work out whether it is the person or environment that is moving. Take the situation of a person standing still watching trains or cars race past. It is sometimes hard for the brain to distinguish which is moving, so sometimes the brain comes up with the wrong answer. It thinks the train can’t be moving, so the person must be. Thus, the brain creates the illusion of self-movement and the person feels dizzy.
Diagnosing dizziness and imbalance in head trauma.
Dr Seemungal’s team has just started a major study funded by the UK Medical Research Council that will assess the brain mechanisms of imbalance and dizziness in traumatic brain injury.
Their pilot data on patients admitted to a major trauma ward with head injury showed that three quarters had clinically obvious imbalance but half of these patients did not feel dizzy or unbalanced. This means that patients were not aware of their balance problems and so doctors may miss the problem since patients do not complain of a balance issue. This is the opposite of feeling unbalanced when in fact there is no risk of falling. Here patients who are at risk of falling do not feel unbalanced. They lose their warning signals! And we think this is just as bad as feeling continuously unbalanced.
To further complicate things, Dr Seemungal’s work has shown that most patients with balance problems had more than one problem affecting their balance. This means that balance issues in traumatic head injury patients are particularly complicated and typically involve injury to both inner ear and brain structures in the same patient.
Migraine symptoms are common in head trauma patients including some patients who develop Vestibular Migraine which causes dizziness sometimes without a headache. Another common cause of dizziness or imbalance is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) which is a disorder of the inner ear, in which crystals are displaced. This can be treated immediately and successfully if it is correctly diagnosed.
Diagnosing dizziness and imbalance in stroke
Compared to stroke patients without vertigo, stroke patients with vertigo tend to be younger and have better outcomes when treated promptly. Unfortunately, stroke patients with vertigo are less likely to be diagnosed as having a stroke (than those without stroke) – often their vertigo is wrongly attributed to an inner ear problem. This means that stroke patients with vertigo are less likely to receive prompt treatment leading to worse recovery. Thus the key step in treating stroke patients with vertigo is prompt and accurate diagnosis. We are involved in research to develop new and easier ways to improve the diagnosis of stroke in patients with vertigo.
Chronic dizziness and imbalance
Dizzy patients who do not receive the right treatment can adopt compensatory strategies which are not always useful. For example, it is common to rely more on our vision for our balance after an episode of dizziness which, over time, can make us overly sensitive to environments which have lots of visual stimuli – supermarkets, crowded places or shopping malls. This makes it even more important to access the right treatment.
Looking forward to the future
Dr Seemungal’s team hope to understand the mechanisms that cause imbalance in brain injury (of whatever cause) and hence to develop new treatments for these patients. They hope that the current study of the mechanisms of imbalance in head trauma will lead to better management of this problem in patients. They hope important new information will come from the study in the next 3-4 years. In the meantime, the message is to:
Treat the things you can treat!
Dizziness is not something you have to put up with! In fact, many causes of dizziness can be treated and cured. Depending on the type of dizziness, treatment options may include vestibular physiotherapy and/or medications. Patients struggling with vestibular physiotherapy should note that it does work, even if it doesn’t feel like it at first. Often the exercises are designed to make you feel dizzy, which can be unpleasant and scary and can feel as if you are getting worse not better.
To make sense of this, it might help to think of your vestibular system as being similar to your immune system. As you are gradually exposed to a cold or virus, you feel awful. However, ovee time your body becomes better at fighting the virus off and you start to get better, even being able to resist catching that bug in future. So too with the vestibular system and dizziness. Your body becomes better at fighting the dizziness and over time your balance improves, making you feel less dizzy. This process can takes weeks or more likely months, rather than days.
Studies on ballet dancers show that the balance area of the brain changes as they train. This is known as brain plasticity, when the brain can change in response to training. For the brain to change in this way, you need to do a lot of training so any dizziness or balance exercises you do need to be fun. Good sleep and other sorts of physical exercise (for example cycling, yoga, Pilates) is also useful to keep your balance senses sharp.
Dizziness, imbalance and mental health
Experiencing dizziness or imbalance can be terrifying, not just because of the symptoms, but because the centres controlling our emotions have links to areas which process dizziness and imbalance.
Let’s go back to our ancestor running from the tiger in the jungle. If the ancestor has trouble with balance or feels dizzy, they will have much less chance of escaping the tiger. Evolution has bred us to panic or become anxious when we can't run, walk or have balance problems. For this reason, balance problems are often interlinked with anxiety and depression. This link is important as in some cases the anxiety and depression must be treated at the same time as the dizziness to have the best possible recovery.
Further, being dizzy or imbalanced reduces your chances of working significantly. Studies have shown 75% of patients who had an ABI without balance are at work after six months. For those who have an ABI with balance problems, it is only 30%. Not being able to work can add more ‘fuel’ to depression and cause many more anxieties e.g. money worries.
Dizziness, imbalance and fatigue.
Dizziness and imbalance can amplify problems with ‘pathological’ fatigue following an ABI. The difference between ‘normal’ and pathological fatigue is explained in the following excerpt:
“Normal fatigue is time-limited and alleviated by rest, whereas ‘pathological fatigue, such as that experienced following brain injury, may be present most of the time. It may not improve with rest and is likely to significantly impact on people being able to do the activities they want to do.” (From: Managing fatigue after brain injury. Wheatcroft, Mallet and Morris 2013. Published by Headway – the brain injury association).
This pathological fatigue presents in different ways, and to differing levels, following an ABI. In those people who also have a dizziness or imbalance problem, the fatigue is often worse. This is perhaps because the brain reserve is used up with trying to deal with the imbalance and dizziness.
In conclusion:
- The link between brain injuries and dizziness or imbalance is clear.
- You don’t have to live with dizziness! It can be treated.
- Treat the symptoms you have and be aware that as you get better you might notice other problems that were covered up before.
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Talk: 'What happens to the mind during a coma?' In aid of Headway North London
26 June 2017 Join author Danny Sheinmann, neurosurgeon Colin Shieff and coma survivor Tom Kearney for this Dartmouth Park talk. All profits go to Headway North London to help support those affected by brain injury. Tickets are £8 and can be bought in advance at Dartmouth Park Talks. Venue: The Star, 47 Chester Rd, Highgate, London N19 5DF |
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Fundraising Success
February 2017 We're very pleased to start the New Year with some fundraising success. Little Waitrose in Monument included Headway North London as one of their local charities to support with a green token during January. Their generosity raised a fantastic £642 for Headway North London. Thank you Waitrose, your support will help us continue our monthly support group, helpline and other services for people affected by brain injury in north London. |
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Heading Footballs
February 2017
Headway has reiterated its urgent calls for more research to be conducted into the possible implications of heading a football in the modern game. This follows a study by the UCL Queen Square Brain Bank linking heading old-style, heavy leather footballs and developing dementia in later life. Read more
February 2017
Headway has reiterated its urgent calls for more research to be conducted into the possible implications of heading a football in the modern game. This follows a study by the UCL Queen Square Brain Bank linking heading old-style, heavy leather footballs and developing dementia in later life. Read more
Struggling with balance problems after a brain injury?
January 2017
Try these 12 exercises to help from Headway UK... Read more
January 2017
Try these 12 exercises to help from Headway UK... Read more
Changes to the Work Capability Assessment
October 2016
Headway has welcomed a decision by Work and Pensions Secretary Damian Green to amend the process of claiming Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) by scrapping the need for recipients with severe conditions to undergo periodical reassessments.
In a speech to the Conservative Party conference on 1 October, Mr Green stated it was ‘pointless’ to re-test ESA claimants who had no realistic chance of getting better. However, the speech did not include further details of the change, or identify the specific qualifying criteria. Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway, said: “We warmly welcome this long-overdue improvement to the process of claiming this vital benefit.
Read more on the Headway UK website.
October 2016
Headway has welcomed a decision by Work and Pensions Secretary Damian Green to amend the process of claiming Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) by scrapping the need for recipients with severe conditions to undergo periodical reassessments.
In a speech to the Conservative Party conference on 1 October, Mr Green stated it was ‘pointless’ to re-test ESA claimants who had no realistic chance of getting better. However, the speech did not include further details of the change, or identify the specific qualifying criteria. Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway, said: “We warmly welcome this long-overdue improvement to the process of claiming this vital benefit.
Read more on the Headway UK website.
Headway Bitesize News
October 2016
Headway UK now have a monthly round up of brain injury related news called Headway Bitesize. You can sign up to receive this direct to your inbox on their website.
October 2016
Headway UK now have a monthly round up of brain injury related news called Headway Bitesize. You can sign up to receive this direct to your inbox on their website.
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Trans-scending To The Void: Exhibition of Headway North London Member's Work
September 2016 Graeme Gerard Halliday (aka Hallidonto) and Hara Piperdou have brought together two such narratives to create ‘Trans-cending to the Void’ which will be exhibited from September 27th at the Thames Side Studios in Woolwich, London. In short, this is a thought- provoking exploration of a dystopian human existence, but the two artists have taken slightly different approaches…not least because one hails from Scotland and the other is Greek. It’s rare for two artists to share a vision. When this vision involves the role of organic life within a post-human society, then it’s almost unheard of. Put two artists with this wildly modern vision of humanity together…and you find you have something really quite unique. Hallidonto’s cyborgs are devoid of all humanity- a testament to the suffering of the born in its struggle against the manufactured. Despite the symbolic nature of his work, Hallidonto’s cyborgs beg the question: what happens next? The result is a challenge to the viewer, deconstructing the remaining self-image as the artist’s Hallidonto’s forms are depicted in stages of life that are painfully familiar: birth, the past, family, death, sorrow and the future. We’re left with some resounding questions: can human life really survive in a contemporary society? What happens when flesh transcends metal and electrical circuits replace human veins? The exhibition promises to be profoundly eye-opening, inciting our own thoughts on humanity and on self-reflection within art. As a brain injury survivor this is a wonderful testament to Graeme's incredible gift and talent as an artist as well as his determination and drive in the face of his brain injury. Headway North London congratulate Graeme on his amazing work and wish him the best of luck with the exhibition. Opening hours: Sept 27th-8th Oct 11am- 5:30pm Use this link for Map to Thames side studios |
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Institute for Health Research Survey on Brain Injury Experience among Family & Friends
August 2016
If you are a family member or friend of someone who has been admitted to hospital with Traumatic Brain Injury, the NHS Healthcare Technology Co-operative would like to hear about your experiences. Would you be able to spare 5 minutes to complete their short online survey?
August 2016
If you are a family member or friend of someone who has been admitted to hospital with Traumatic Brain Injury, the NHS Healthcare Technology Co-operative would like to hear about your experiences. Would you be able to spare 5 minutes to complete their short online survey?
Traumatic Brain Injury and Offending
July 2016
A new report from the Centre for Mental Health titled Traumatic Brain Injury and Offending sheds light on head injury and the risks it poses for mental health as well as the significant links between traumatic brain injury and offending. The report finds that a head injury doubles a person’s risk of later mental health problems, even if the person had no prior history of mental ill-health and that 60% of adult offenders have experienced a traumatic brain injury, six times the rate of the general population. Read the full report on the Centre for Mental Health website.
July 2016
A new report from the Centre for Mental Health titled Traumatic Brain Injury and Offending sheds light on head injury and the risks it poses for mental health as well as the significant links between traumatic brain injury and offending. The report finds that a head injury doubles a person’s risk of later mental health problems, even if the person had no prior history of mental ill-health and that 60% of adult offenders have experienced a traumatic brain injury, six times the rate of the general population. Read the full report on the Centre for Mental Health website.
Register your mobile phone with 999
May 2016
At the last monthly meeting we encouraged everyone to register their mobile phone with 999. The emergencySMS service lets deaf, hard of hearing and speech-impaired people in the UK send an SMS text message to the UK 999 service where it will be passed to the police, ambulance, fire rescue, or coastguard. Simply by sending an SMS message to 999 you can call for help and the emergency services will be able to reply to you.
The service is completely free and it's very simple to register your number at http://www.emergencysms.org.uk.
May 2016
At the last monthly meeting we encouraged everyone to register their mobile phone with 999. The emergencySMS service lets deaf, hard of hearing and speech-impaired people in the UK send an SMS text message to the UK 999 service where it will be passed to the police, ambulance, fire rescue, or coastguard. Simply by sending an SMS message to 999 you can call for help and the emergency services will be able to reply to you.
The service is completely free and it's very simple to register your number at http://www.emergencysms.org.uk.
Concussion Awareness Campaign
April / May 2016
Headway North London are launching a Concussion Awareness campaign and we'll be asking local sports clubs to 'be concussion aware' as part of a new national campaign to be launched in May as part of this year's Action for Brain Injury week.
The risks of concussion in some sports are still not always recognised and we hope that through this campaign we can encourage sports clubs, schools, colleges and universities in north London to be aware of concussion and sign up to the 'if in doubt, sit it out' approach. At Headway, we want to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy sport, while being better protected from the risks of concussion.
A great deal has been achieved in the past few years to improve concussion protocols, with the emphasis being placed on elite-level sport to set a good example for others to follow. But we believe everyone who plays sport should be concussion aware – particularly those at grassroots level who are playing purely for the love of it and do not have ambulances and doctors on standby should something go wrong.
When the campaign is officially launched in May, sports clubs and academic institutions will have access to a range of materials, including a factsheet giving advice about concussion, posters to display both online and in changing rooms, and a digital stamp to demonstrate the club has adopted a responsible approach to concussion.
For further information on the campaign visit www.concussionaware.org.uk.
April / May 2016
Headway North London are launching a Concussion Awareness campaign and we'll be asking local sports clubs to 'be concussion aware' as part of a new national campaign to be launched in May as part of this year's Action for Brain Injury week.
The risks of concussion in some sports are still not always recognised and we hope that through this campaign we can encourage sports clubs, schools, colleges and universities in north London to be aware of concussion and sign up to the 'if in doubt, sit it out' approach. At Headway, we want to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy sport, while being better protected from the risks of concussion.
A great deal has been achieved in the past few years to improve concussion protocols, with the emphasis being placed on elite-level sport to set a good example for others to follow. But we believe everyone who plays sport should be concussion aware – particularly those at grassroots level who are playing purely for the love of it and do not have ambulances and doctors on standby should something go wrong.
When the campaign is officially launched in May, sports clubs and academic institutions will have access to a range of materials, including a factsheet giving advice about concussion, posters to display both online and in changing rooms, and a digital stamp to demonstrate the club has adopted a responsible approach to concussion.
For further information on the campaign visit www.concussionaware.org.uk.
Headway supports calls to improve safety of rugby in schools
March 2016
Calls to improve the safety of school rugby have been cautiously welcomed by Headway – the brain injury association, although the charity has stopped short of calling for a ban on all tackling for those under 18. The charity was responding to a letter signed by doctors and health experts calling for the government to ban full-contact rugby in schools. “We can see the merit in limiting contact in rugby in younger children, but it is difficult to define where the line should be drawn in terms of at what age players should be introduced to full-contact rugby,” said Luke Griggs, Director of Communications.
The charity has said it is vital to ensure players are taught the correct tackling techniques in rugby. "If they are prevented from tackling until they are 18, they will be ill-prepared for adult rugby and would be more likely to sustain serious injury as a result ... we would like to see the government provide concussion awareness training to all teachers – not just those conducting the sports lessons. Sports teachers must adopt an ‘If in doubt, sit it out!’ approach and receive mandatory concussion training. At the same time, classroom teachers need to be trained to recognise the symptoms of concussion, such as slurred speech, dizziness or nausea, the presentation of which can be delayed for several hours after impact."
For more information about Headway’s If in doubt, sit it out! campaign or to download the free Headway factsheet on concussion in sport, visit www.headway.org.uk or call the helpline on 0808 800 2244.
March 2016
Calls to improve the safety of school rugby have been cautiously welcomed by Headway – the brain injury association, although the charity has stopped short of calling for a ban on all tackling for those under 18. The charity was responding to a letter signed by doctors and health experts calling for the government to ban full-contact rugby in schools. “We can see the merit in limiting contact in rugby in younger children, but it is difficult to define where the line should be drawn in terms of at what age players should be introduced to full-contact rugby,” said Luke Griggs, Director of Communications.
The charity has said it is vital to ensure players are taught the correct tackling techniques in rugby. "If they are prevented from tackling until they are 18, they will be ill-prepared for adult rugby and would be more likely to sustain serious injury as a result ... we would like to see the government provide concussion awareness training to all teachers – not just those conducting the sports lessons. Sports teachers must adopt an ‘If in doubt, sit it out!’ approach and receive mandatory concussion training. At the same time, classroom teachers need to be trained to recognise the symptoms of concussion, such as slurred speech, dizziness or nausea, the presentation of which can be delayed for several hours after impact."
For more information about Headway’s If in doubt, sit it out! campaign or to download the free Headway factsheet on concussion in sport, visit www.headway.org.uk or call the helpline on 0808 800 2244.
Millbank Creative Works Exhibition
January 2016
Millbank Creative Works is a community organisation developing a creative talent-driven, cross-discipline local ecosystem in SW1 london and it's an organisation close to the heart of one of our long-standing members. They are holding an exhibition of their work in collaboration with Chelsea College of Arts at The Cookhouse Gallery from 22 - 28 January.
January 2016
Millbank Creative Works is a community organisation developing a creative talent-driven, cross-discipline local ecosystem in SW1 london and it's an organisation close to the heart of one of our long-standing members. They are holding an exhibition of their work in collaboration with Chelsea College of Arts at The Cookhouse Gallery from 22 - 28 January.
Something for documentary film buffs...
December 2015
DocHouse is the UK’s first cinema dedicated solely to screening documentaries, be they past classics or great new releases. Based at the Curzon Cimema in Bloomsbury, they don’t believe people should have to pay through the nose to see great film. They show thought provoking and entertaining films and have an extensive online learning annex exploring all things documentary.
December 2015
DocHouse is the UK’s first cinema dedicated solely to screening documentaries, be they past classics or great new releases. Based at the Curzon Cimema in Bloomsbury, they don’t believe people should have to pay through the nose to see great film. They show thought provoking and entertaining films and have an extensive online learning annex exploring all things documentary.
Office Move
December 2015
Headway North London is moving it's office to a new building close to Mornington Crescent. We had hoped to complete the move in early January 2016 but the building work is unfortunately behind schedule and the move will be delayed around two months.
In the meantime we are based at our temporary office just across the road from the new building (currently a building site) and all services will continue to operate from their regular venues at the Crossfield Centre, Swiss Cottage Community centre and Kingsgate Community Centre.
December 2015
Headway North London is moving it's office to a new building close to Mornington Crescent. We had hoped to complete the move in early January 2016 but the building work is unfortunately behind schedule and the move will be delayed around two months.
In the meantime we are based at our temporary office just across the road from the new building (currently a building site) and all services will continue to operate from their regular venues at the Crossfield Centre, Swiss Cottage Community centre and Kingsgate Community Centre.
Meet the Scientists Day at Imperial - 23 September
September 2015
Professor David Sharp’s research group at Imperial College is again hosting a half-day event at their Hammersmith Campus for survivors of traumatic brain injury and their carers to learn more about the research going on in traumatic brain injury.
The event, this year - on 23rd September - will feature tours of their laboratories - where researchers will demonstrate the techniques they use and the sorts of problems they are trying to solve. There will be a demonstration of how they obtain MRI scans, and participants will be able to learn about the drug studies currently ongoing, be shown how EEG and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques are used, and gain an insight into the military brain injury research. These tours will be followed by a talk by Professor Sharp about general aspects of research in brain injury.
There will also be an opportunity to give feedback, relate experiences of taking part in brain injury research, and also to sign up to take part in current and future research studies.
More information is available on their website: http://www.c3nl.com/events/meet-the-scientist/ or in the attached flyer. There are just 37 places available so if you are interested in attending it would be wise to register quickly. You can register for the event here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/meet-the-scientists-brain--injury-tickets-17949768240.
September 2015
Professor David Sharp’s research group at Imperial College is again hosting a half-day event at their Hammersmith Campus for survivors of traumatic brain injury and their carers to learn more about the research going on in traumatic brain injury.
The event, this year - on 23rd September - will feature tours of their laboratories - where researchers will demonstrate the techniques they use and the sorts of problems they are trying to solve. There will be a demonstration of how they obtain MRI scans, and participants will be able to learn about the drug studies currently ongoing, be shown how EEG and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques are used, and gain an insight into the military brain injury research. These tours will be followed by a talk by Professor Sharp about general aspects of research in brain injury.
There will also be an opportunity to give feedback, relate experiences of taking part in brain injury research, and also to sign up to take part in current and future research studies.
More information is available on their website: http://www.c3nl.com/events/meet-the-scientist/ or in the attached flyer. There are just 37 places available so if you are interested in attending it would be wise to register quickly. You can register for the event here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/meet-the-scientists-brain--injury-tickets-17949768240.
Broken Minds Exhibition - 11-13 September
Sep 2015
We're very excited that Headway North London’s Music Therapy participants will feature at this up-coming exhibition by The Outsider Gallery, along with the artwork created by our Art therapy group. Both the music therapy group and Art therapy group were a huge success and it's great that we can spread the word at this event in east London. Full details can be found in the attached flier.
Sep 2015
We're very excited that Headway North London’s Music Therapy participants will feature at this up-coming exhibition by The Outsider Gallery, along with the artwork created by our Art therapy group. Both the music therapy group and Art therapy group were a huge success and it's great that we can spread the word at this event in east London. Full details can be found in the attached flier.
Time to Celebrate for the Winners
August 2015
Rebecca Pryce and Rosie Axon of Chiltern Music Therapy were the lucky winners of our champagne prize at this year's Field Fisher legal event 'Court in the Middle'. Headway North London had a stand at the event held on 9 July and the winners of our business card draw went home with a bottle of champagne!
August 2015
Rebecca Pryce and Rosie Axon of Chiltern Music Therapy were the lucky winners of our champagne prize at this year's Field Fisher legal event 'Court in the Middle'. Headway North London had a stand at the event held on 9 July and the winners of our business card draw went home with a bottle of champagne!
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'I was snowboarding one minute... then I woke up six weeks later'
July 2015
Charlotte Elmore shares her experience of brain injury as she joins the campaign to encourage people to wear helmets on the slopes.
Read more
July 2015
Charlotte Elmore shares her experience of brain injury as she joins the campaign to encourage people to wear helmets on the slopes.
Read more
New figures show shocking increase in brain injury admissions
May 2015
Hospital admissions in London for patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) diagnoses have increased by a concerning 17% since 2006/7, according a new report issued by brain injury charity Headway.
Read more
May 2015
Hospital admissions in London for patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) diagnoses have increased by a concerning 17% since 2006/7, according a new report issued by brain injury charity Headway.
Read more
Scams awareness month
July 2015
What is a scam?
Scams can come in many forms, from doorstep double glazing sales, to online investment offers. You could be targeted by someone impersonating your bank to collect bank details, or by bogus companies offering computer services. Online, you might encounter fake job adverts, offers for goods and services, or emails about winning a prize draw you haven’t entered.
Last month, Camden Trading Standards received a number of reports of bogus callers visiting older vulnerable residents and claiming to work for Camden Council. If you are advised that a cold caller on the phone or your doorstep is from the council, you can check their identity by calling Camden Council on telephone 0207 974 4444.
Spotting a scam
This Scams Awareness Month, give yourself time to make a decision and get your facts straight - and speak out if you think you may have spotted a scam.
Look out for the following warning signals to help you stay safe
You can avoid unwanted calls by registering your phone and mobile number with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS). 38% of scams use phone calls or texts to target consumers. Visit their website at tpsonline.org.uk or phone them at 0845 070 0707.
Reporting a scam
If you think you have identified a scam – report it. You may or may not be able to get your money back, but you could prevent others from being targeted.
July 2015
What is a scam?
Scams can come in many forms, from doorstep double glazing sales, to online investment offers. You could be targeted by someone impersonating your bank to collect bank details, or by bogus companies offering computer services. Online, you might encounter fake job adverts, offers for goods and services, or emails about winning a prize draw you haven’t entered.
Last month, Camden Trading Standards received a number of reports of bogus callers visiting older vulnerable residents and claiming to work for Camden Council. If you are advised that a cold caller on the phone or your doorstep is from the council, you can check their identity by calling Camden Council on telephone 0207 974 4444.
Spotting a scam
This Scams Awareness Month, give yourself time to make a decision and get your facts straight - and speak out if you think you may have spotted a scam.
Look out for the following warning signals to help you stay safe
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is – be wary
- Did you buy a ticket? If not, you can’t win anything
- You shouldn’t have to pay anything to get a prize
- Contacted out of the blue? Be suspicious
- Resist pressure to make an immediate decision – don’t be rushed
- Ignore job adverts that request money in advance
- Never send money to someone you have never met
- If in doubt, don’t reply. Bin it, delete it, or hang up
- Genuine computer firms do not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your computer
- If your bank rings you and you suspect a scam, hang up – then either wait five minutes to clear the line, or use another phone to call your bank
- Your bank will never phone or attend your home to collect cash, your pin, payment card or chequebook if you are a victim of fraud. Nor will they ask you to transfer money to a new account for fraud reasons.
You can avoid unwanted calls by registering your phone and mobile number with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS). 38% of scams use phone calls or texts to target consumers. Visit their website at tpsonline.org.uk or phone them at 0845 070 0707.
Reporting a scam
If you think you have identified a scam – report it. You may or may not be able to get your money back, but you could prevent others from being targeted.
- Report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at actionfraud.org.uk
- Contact your bank if you have paid for goods or services by credit card or debit card. You may be able to ask for a chargeback
- Get advice and report to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or at adviceguide.co.uk
New figures show shocking increase in brain injury admissions
May 2015
Hospital admissions in London for patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) diagnoses have increased by a concerning 17% since 2006/7, according a new report issued by brain injury charity Headway.
There were more than 40,000 hospital admissions for acquired brain injury in the capital last year for issues including non-superficial head injuries, strokes, brain tumours, encephalitis, and a variety of additional conditions. Using hospital admissions statistics, the charity has compiled the first dataset on ABI-related hospital admissions in the UK. This is the first time a picture of incidence rates for all ABI in the UK has been published, with the figures highlighting the concerning number of people in London sustaining injuries to the brain each year.
Key findings from the research include (for admissions to hospitals in London in 2013/14):
“These new figures are a real cause for concern,” said Julie Bridgewater, from Headway North London which supports local people affected by brain injury.
“Admission to hospital for an ABI-related diagnosis does not necessarily mean a patient will be left with short or long-term deficits requiring rehabilitation or support. Many of those admitted each year will be left with no lasting cognitive, physical, or behavioural deficits as a result of their injuries.
“Many others, however, will not be so lucky and will face an arduous battle to rebuild their lives and relearn lost skills most of us take for granted, including walking and talking. Even those who make good recoveries are still likely to require some short-term support and information from charities like Headway North London
“Such a significant number of people admitted to hospital with ABI-related diagnoses, coupled with the fact the majority of these people will survive, suggests an ever-increasing demand on our services.
“We hope that these statistics will make people understand that brain injury is more common than they may have realised. It can happen to anyone at any time and, when it does, we’re here to help. But we need more support to ensure we can continue to support local people to rebuild their lives.”
May 2015
Hospital admissions in London for patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) diagnoses have increased by a concerning 17% since 2006/7, according a new report issued by brain injury charity Headway.
There were more than 40,000 hospital admissions for acquired brain injury in the capital last year for issues including non-superficial head injuries, strokes, brain tumours, encephalitis, and a variety of additional conditions. Using hospital admissions statistics, the charity has compiled the first dataset on ABI-related hospital admissions in the UK. This is the first time a picture of incidence rates for all ABI in the UK has been published, with the figures highlighting the concerning number of people in London sustaining injuries to the brain each year.
Key findings from the research include (for admissions to hospitals in London in 2013/14):
- 40,710 admissions for all forms of ABI – up 17% since 2006/7
- 19,376 admissions for non-superficial head injury – up 8% since 2006/7
- Males 1.8 times more likely than females to be admitted for a head injury Female head injuries up 26% since 2006/7
- 14,196 stroke admissions in 2013/14 – up 27% since 2006/07
“These new figures are a real cause for concern,” said Julie Bridgewater, from Headway North London which supports local people affected by brain injury.
“Admission to hospital for an ABI-related diagnosis does not necessarily mean a patient will be left with short or long-term deficits requiring rehabilitation or support. Many of those admitted each year will be left with no lasting cognitive, physical, or behavioural deficits as a result of their injuries.
“Many others, however, will not be so lucky and will face an arduous battle to rebuild their lives and relearn lost skills most of us take for granted, including walking and talking. Even those who make good recoveries are still likely to require some short-term support and information from charities like Headway North London
“Such a significant number of people admitted to hospital with ABI-related diagnoses, coupled with the fact the majority of these people will survive, suggests an ever-increasing demand on our services.
“We hope that these statistics will make people understand that brain injury is more common than they may have realised. It can happen to anyone at any time and, when it does, we’re here to help. But we need more support to ensure we can continue to support local people to rebuild their lives.”
Acquired Brain Injury, Social Work and the Challenges of Personalisation
May 2015
Despite their social needs, limited attention has been paid to people with ABI within the social work literature and their needs are also often overlooked in policy and guidance. Read more about this challenge in a new article by Mark Holloway and Rachel Fyson in the British Journal of Social Work (access via the link on Head First's website).
May 2015
Despite their social needs, limited attention has been paid to people with ABI within the social work literature and their needs are also often overlooked in policy and guidance. Read more about this challenge in a new article by Mark Holloway and Rachel Fyson in the British Journal of Social Work (access via the link on Head First's website).
Action for Brain Injury Week: 18-22 May 2015
May 2015
This year's Action for Brain Injury Week is here so look out for news and events. This is our opportunity to raise awareness of brain injury so if you're doing something to help those affected let us know so we can publicise it. Don't forget to use #ABIWeek if you're tweeting!
This year will also see the return of Hats for Headway Day on 22 May 2015.
May 2015
This year's Action for Brain Injury Week is here so look out for news and events. This is our opportunity to raise awareness of brain injury so if you're doing something to help those affected let us know so we can publicise it. Don't forget to use #ABIWeek if you're tweeting!
This year will also see the return of Hats for Headway Day on 22 May 2015.
Free Courses starting 30 April
April 2015
Want to learn more about computers or how to Create a Website with WordPress? Two free courses are starting at the Maiden Lane Community Centre on 30 April. If you would like to book a place call 020 7267 9586. Full details are available on the attached promotional flyer (to the right).
April 2015
Want to learn more about computers or how to Create a Website with WordPress? Two free courses are starting at the Maiden Lane Community Centre on 30 April. If you would like to book a place call 020 7267 9586. Full details are available on the attached promotional flyer (to the right).
Free Aphasia Art Workshop with RSPB - Sat 18 April
April 2015
Do you have Aphasia? If so, you are invited to join 'The Possibilities are Endless' free Art workshop at The Hive, Hampstead Heath on Saturday 18 April. It will be an afternoon of nature inspired art with the RSPB showing local birds and wildlife, and Artist and Speech and Language Therapist, Cat Andrew leading a FREE art workshop. Full details are available on the attached promotional flyer (to the right). Please contact sophie@togetherfilms.org if you would like to attend.
April 2015
Do you have Aphasia? If so, you are invited to join 'The Possibilities are Endless' free Art workshop at The Hive, Hampstead Heath on Saturday 18 April. It will be an afternoon of nature inspired art with the RSPB showing local birds and wildlife, and Artist and Speech and Language Therapist, Cat Andrew leading a FREE art workshop. Full details are available on the attached promotional flyer (to the right). Please contact sophie@togetherfilms.org if you would like to attend.
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Marathon Success for Sarah Evans!
April 2014 Sarah Evans's success in this year's London Marathon is an inspiration and a huge fundraising success. Sarah managed to smash her target of £300, so far raising over £1000 for Headway North London! All of us at Headway North London would like to thank her for the huge amount of time and hard work that must have gone into this achievement and congratulate her on her success! Don't cut me out!
March - May 2014 Headway have launched a survey ahead of ABI (Acquired Brain Injury) week to raise awareness of the effect of funding cuts and welfare reforms on people with brain injuries. The results of the survey will be used to highlight the human impact funding cuts are having now, and the negative long-term effect they are likely to have on the public purse. Please help by completing the survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/fundingcutsbraininjury. 
Patient & Carer Research Day, Imperial College London
March 2014 Despite traumatic brain injury (TBI) commonly causing many long-term problems, there has been relatively little high quality research aimed at improving long-term outcomes. Now Imperial College London are undertaking major new TBI research focused on improving the lives of patients and their families after TBI. This event has been organised to publicise the research and to engage patients and their families/friends in shaping the direction of it. Please come along to find out more, ask questions, get involved and meet new people. The documents below provide full details of the event. When: Friday 14 March, 12.30 - 16.00 Where: Imperial College London, Dept of Medicine, Burlington Danes Building, Hammersmith Hospital, Mezzanine Floor, W12 0NN. The cost of transport to the venue can be reimbursed by the department. 
Hemispheres Newsletter Winter 2013
December 2013 Download the latest issue of Hemispheres, the regular newsletter of Headway North London, right here. 
Benefits shake up impact for brain injury sufferers
August 2013 A recent move by the government aimed at shaking up the benefits system has seen some stark changes being suggested, leading to serious concerns from charities throughout the UK, for the welfare of not only the sufferers but also their carers. Living with a disability affects not only the physical aspects of a person’s life, but the emotional aspects including well-being and the feeling of security. Julie from brain injury charity Headway North London has this to say about the changes; “The effects that this shake up in the benefits system will have on the survivors of brain injury and their carers will be vast. Not to mention the lack of rehabilitation with or without any litigation involvement. There are still many people who often do not benefit from appropriate rehab at any time in their journey of reparation or re-adjustments to their life after brain injury.” Despite the vast and on-going implications that traumatic brain injuries have on a person’s life, the number of those people who successfully gain a positive outcome in litigious activity in either a personal injury ormedical negligence case is shockingly small. This implication means the majority of people rely on the benefits that both they and their carers receive to provide the care and support they need both physically and emotionally. These changes without doubt put the level of essential day to day care that is imperative, hugely at risk. When it comes to the allocation of Disability Living Allowance, those suffering from the impact of brain injuries struggle to define what their needs are; this is due to the potential developing complications in the aftermath of this type of injury. Julie Bridgewater went on to say: “If a survivor of a traumatic brain injury is benefitting from Disability Living Allowance, at any level, the assessment process, appeal process, review and potential cut off point, is hugely dependent on what level of support the survivor received at the point of assessment. Where brain injury is concerned the number of ‘hidden-disability’ issues, that develop over time and without warning impact the care that the patient needs. The more subtle the hidden aspect the greater the stress is around trying to ‘prove’ the need for benefits becomes.” Field Fisher Waterhouse continues to work on behalf of the people left with these life altering events, striving to ensure that the people responsible for the medical negligence and mismanagement of patients that lead to the traumatic brain injury are held accountable. They seek not only an admittance of negligence but also monetary compensation to support the sufferer and carer for the foreseeable future. Moving forward the impact of these proposed changes to the well-being of the survivors of traumatic brain injuries is still unclear. Nobody-Knows August 2013 Watch Luke Douglas-Home’s film ‘Nobody-Knows’. Synopsis: In 2005 I had a critical traumatic brain injury when I fell while riding. In the UK 200,000 people have them every year, so the injury itself is not unusual. However, the scale of my recovery from being almost dead then in a month-long coma, then paralysed down one side of my body is remarkable. The film documents bits of this recovery - from grassy Transylvania with horses where the accident happened, to ambulances, hospitals, family and ‘shrinks’. I have had to relearn how to think, walk and talk and the film ends with me walking down a London street where I was born, live now and love. The film was shot and produced on a shoe-string using favours from friends and ex-colleagues. New Outreach Worker
May 2013 The resources available to Headway North London were boosted this month, with the appointment of Richard Crutchley as the group's part-time Outreach Worker. Richard joined the team in early April, and will concentrate on spreading the word about Headway North London's work, liaising particularly with hospitals and GPs within the north London area and supporting individuals and their families in finding the services within the group, and available beyond it. Richard's background is in town planning and architecture, and he has recently set up his own greetings card publishing company, producing cards and prints using his own architectural photography. However, Richard has first hand experience of Headway, his first wife accessing the services of Headway in Swindon during her battle with a brain tumour. Richard hopes that past experience gained in dealing with the public, politicians and professionals in the built environment will be transferable to the world of head injury, and that his experience of Headway from his past will be invaluable in understanding the needs of those seeking support through their own difficult times. He said, "I'm pleased to be joining the team at North London at this time. The work that Headway does is extremely valuable in seeing people through the difficult period immediately after a head injury, and provides a focus for victims and their families alike, appreciating the different needs and worries of each party. I hope that I can bring something of value here over my stay". Richard will be working for two days during the week, between Tuesday and Thursday, and can be contacted at outreach@headwaynorthlondon.org or on 020 7625 3236. Running for Headway North London April 2013 Amongst the huge numbers running in this years London Marathon was Colleen Cotter, a member of Headway for nine years and a veteran of the London Marathon having run it several times in recent years. She was aiming to raise £500 through her endeavours and, a few days after the run, had smashed through that total! We have also been made aware that Headway North London will have runners supporting us in the Nike Night Run in Victoria Park in May. Details on Twitter and Headway, when we have them, for sponsorship. | |||||||
