Headway Ireland - Latest News

Advocacy and securing services for people with Disabilities will feature at conference in Dublin

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:20:00 GMT

"Securing Resources for Neurological Care and Rehabilitation in a Recession"

The Neurological Alliance of Ireland are hosting this conference on Tuesday 6th March 2012
Venue: Radisson Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin 8

There will be a focus on Advocacy for people with neurological conditions and examples of effective advocacy for organisations. Also the Clinical Directors of the HSE National Programmes in Rehabilitation, Epilepsy, Neurology, and Stroke, will speak on service planning and development. Full details are here.

Minister Kathleen Lynch, Minister of State for Equality, Older People, Disability and Mental Health will attend.

Please note the conference is free but you need to post a booking form to the NAI to secure a place.

The deadline for bookings is Friday 24th February. The NAI's phone number is 01-8724-120 for any enquiries.

Screening a new film by Headway Trainees

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:28:00 GMT

HEADWAY AND CHAPTER THEATRE PRODUCTIONS INVITE YOU TO

FILM SCREENING: THE MISERABLE DESIRES

02 February 2012

Headway, the national association for Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and Chapter Theatre Productions are hosting a premiere film screening of "The Miserable Desires", a short film starring and written by the clients of the Headway training centre Ballincollig, Co. Cork. The screening will take place on Thursday 9th February 2012 at 6.30pm in Christchurch at the Triskel Arts Centre, Tobin Street, Cork.

The product of a collaboration between Claire Jackson and Maria O'Callaghan of Chapter Theatre Productions and the clients of Headway Cork, "The Miserable Desires" is a work of fiction created during a series of drama workshops that took place at the Headway training centre in Ballincollig last year. According to Paula Larkin, rehabilitation and training officer with Headway, "The arts, in particular drama, can play a huge role in emotional and cognitive rehabilitation following brain injury. Brain injury, whether following stroke, aneurysm, disease or accident, represents a massive and devastating trauma to the life of the individual involved. Adjusting to and accepting life after brain injury can be extremely painful and difficult, especially if you are coping with communication, cognitive, emotional and confidence issues in the aftermath. Drama provides a way of releasing this pain and hurt in a safe way and is a gentle and fun means of rebuilding your sense of self-belief, creativity and independence. Everyone who took part in the Chapter Theatre workshops and the subsequent filming process found themselves growing and blossoming; it was a wonderful experience and we are so proud to be showing our work to the world."

Admission to the film screening is free, although donations can be made at the door and are gratefully accepted. The event is being hosted by the Triskel Arts Centre and Gulpd Café, who are providing refreshments after the screening in the café foyer. Further information on this and all other work being done by Headway can be accessed by contacting the Ballincollig training centre on 021 4871 303 or by logging on to www.headway.ie

Contact: Paula Larkin 021 4871303/larkinp@headway.ie

"My Charity Matters" - would you like to tell people why Headway matters to you?

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:32:00 GMT

Can your phone take video?

The Neurological Alliance are calling for people to show how much difference organisations like Headway make to their lives by submitting a short video.

The Alliance says:

"We want to let everyone know why organisations like Headway are important and how they make a difference in your life. If you are affected by a brain injury, then this is your chance to make a short video showing how it has affected you and why Headway matters to you." You can use your phone, ipod, camcorder, or digital camera. For lots of tips and help on how to make a simple video, click here. The Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) is an umbrella group for neurological organisations such as Headway.

For more information on making a "My Charity Matters" video click here. If you have any questions, please phone or email Ruth Lunnon, Information and Support Worker in Headway Dublin. Ruth is the Headway contact person for this NAI "My Charity Matters" video project. You can phone her in Headway on 01 810 2095 or email her to lunnonr@headway.ie. If you are sending a video in to Ruth, please make sure to read and sign the video consent form here.

Brain Awareness Week will take place from 5th to 11th March 2012. The videos selected by the NAI will be a focal point of Brain Awareness Week, and some of the videos will be shown as part of the National NAI conference in Dublin.

Studying Brain "Tsunamis" to prevent further damage

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:08:00 GMT

New Research published in the Lancet, by Kings College London and the University of Cincinnati has investigated the pheomenon of "cortical spreading depolarizations", otherwise known as "brain tsunamis." These waves of destructive brain activity occur after an initial injury to the brain and can result in further additional loss of brain function. The research hopes to be able to promote a greater understanding of how to prevent and treat the phenomenon and prevent further damage from occurring.

Read the full article here at http://www.kch.nhs.uk/news/media/press-releases/view/9576

Limerick Remembrance Tree

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:05:00 GMT

Headway, Limerick is one of four organisations that will benefit from voluntary donations at the Limerick Thomond Rotary Club Remembrance Tree, running currently until December 22. Local volunteers/clients will man the tree on SATURDAY DEC 17 and TUESDAY DEC 20. Please come along on these days to show support for the initiative and remember a loved one who is no longer with us with a ribbon on the tree.

At Headway's training centre on Steamboat Quay, charity Christmas cards are also on sale along with art works by local clients.

A spokesperson said Headway is "honoured to be asked to participate and we are very grateful to Limerick Thomond Rotary Club".

Eamonn Flynn, President of Limerick Thomond Rotary Club said that the location of the tree on Bedford Row will be a focal point for shoppers and visitors.
"It's a lovely way to remember a loved one by tying a ribbon on the tree in their memory and the tree will stand proudly in the heart of our city centre this December. Headway Limerick, The Parkinson's Association of Ireland, The Irish Motor Neurone Association and Multiple Sclerosis Limerick are most deserving of support," he said.

There will be a Mass on December 23 in the Augustinian Church at 4pm for all names that were placed on the tree and these ribbons will be displayed at the altar for this Mass. All are invited to attend.

For further information, contact Headway on 061-469305/469306.

PHOTO BY BRIAN HURLEY FOR I LOVE LIMERICK.

It's that time! Order your Christmas cards from Headway

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:32:00 GMT

It's that time again!

Headway are selling our Christmas cards for €6 for pack of 10. To order your cards, please contact Teresa at mcgeet@headway.ie or ring 01 810 2066

Let's Get Better Together

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:25:00 GMT

This inspiring video, created by Headway Limerick service users was our entry into the "Better Together" competition organised by The Wheel.

Neuronetwork.ie - your link to services for neurological conditions

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:50:00 GMT

Headway are delighted to be part of the newly launched Neuronetwork.ie website developed by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland and the Disability Federation of Ireland.

The website, which is now live and available at

www.neuronetwork.ie

lists all the services provided by the subscriber organisations all around the country for a whole range of neurological conditions. Although the site is principally geared towards healthcare professionals working in the primary care sector, the site is available to all and should be useful resource for families and people with brain injury to help them locate their nearest available services.

Visitors to the site can search by the type of service, the neurological condition or the geographical location or a combination of all three, through an easy to use search interface designed to make the process as painless as possible. Results are presented in order of location, the nearest first.

Although the site is still in its very early days, most of the member organisations of the Neurological Alliance have updated listings for all their services and upcoming events of interest to people affected by neurological conditions and the site is set to grow over the coming months.

Making Headway Autumn 2011 - to the Top of the World

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:29:00 GMT

We're delighted to announce the release of Making Headway Autumn 2011 Edition, which you can read online via this link:

http://www.headway.ie/resources/newsletter1/2011/10/click-to-read-making-headway-online-requires-flash/

or, if you prefer you can download as pdf and read at your leisure.

This edition's cover features an amazing photograph given to us by brain injury survivor, Martin Lennon. His trip to the Himalayas has been life-changing experience and you can read about it on Page 6. We are also delighted to feature an article on services provided by Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, (Page 8) an inspiring story of rehabilitation (Page 3) and a feature describing an exciting new Headway Service in Dublin, the Community Reintegration service (Page 4).

Brian's story on Ireland AM

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:15:00 GMT

Yesterday, Limerick service user Brian Hogan appeared on TV3s Ireland AM with Headway Assistant Psychologist Niamh Bowen. Brian told his compelling story of how he acquired his brain injury following a night out with friends, and his subsequent journey of rehabilitation.

You can view the video here

Donal's Progress Making Headlines

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:51:00 GMT

The September 20 edition of The Clare People newspaper has a great feature about Cratloe native and Headway Limerick client, Donal Ryan. In it, he explains how a rare tumour caused his brain injury and how Headway services are helping him.

Following treatment for the tumour, which first appeared in 1998 and later returned in 2003, Donal was left with memory difficulties which led him to seek help from the Headway Limerick service which he now attends daily. On his experience, Donal comments:

"Overall, when I look back at where I came from, I'm grateful to be alive"

You can read the Clare People online via their digital edition at www.clarepeople.com (subscription needed).

Find out more about the Headway Limerick Annual Fundraising Ball on Oct 7th here

Irish Heart Foundation National Stroke Awards - would you like to nominate someone?

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:01:00 GMT

Have you had a stroke or do you know someone who has?

The Irish Heart Foundation is calling on the public to celebrate life after stroke by nominating stroke survivors to be honoured at the charity’s second annual Stroke Awards this November.

The categories you can nominate someone in are:

1. Young People’s Bravery Award - for a young person who has had a stroke
2. Adult Bravery Awards- for an adult who has had a stroke
3. Carer’s Award
4. Boehringer Ingelheim Stroke Champion Award

The closing date for nominations is Friday 30th of September, 2011.

To make a nomination:
1. Visit the Irish Heart Foundation's stroke web site at www.stroke.ie
2. or contact Sarah Horgan on (01) 634 6925 or shorgan@irishheart.ie, to get a form.

Headway Limerick Annual Ball!

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:33:00 GMT

Download the full Press Release Here

This Monday (Sept 12) gale force winds didn't deter Mayor Jim Long from officially launching the Headway Limerick Annual Ball, which will take place on October 7 in the Dunraven Arms Hotel, Adare.

Mayor Long said he was blown away by Headway's work -- providing rehabilitative services for people from Limerick and adjacent counties who are affected by an acquired brain injury.

"I think for a long time people with brain injuries needed an agency to turn to. Headway stepped into that breach. They have to be commended but most importantly they have to be supported. I've met some clients today and you can see the vibrancy in these people. I was very moved when one of them said, that he had nowhere to turn to and now he has. Headway does a wonderful job. I'm committed to using the mayor's office to support them in any way I can," said Mayor Long.

Acquired brain injury can happen to anyone at anytime, and can be as a result of a road traffic accident, sports injury, stroke, brain haemorrhage, infection or other head trauma. There are no accurate statistics for Ireland, but it is estimated that 30,000 people in Ireland have ongoing consequences due to an acquired brain injury. It is also estimated that about 50 people a day in Ireland are at risk of a brain injury either through trauma or stroke. Sustaining an acquired brain injury means that someone's life can change overnight, as well as that of their family and friends. The impact can be lifelong and unique to the individual, so there is no 'one size fits all' approach to rehabilitation and support.

Headway Limerick has 51 clients of all ages from 16 years to 65 years -- all with their own brave stories -- and there is a constant waiting list to avail of their services. All proceeds from the ball will go towards a proposed new training centre in Limerick.

Rehabilitative Training Manager, Denis Mangan, said that the organisation "was grateful to the HSE and FÁS for funding places on Headway's three training programmes, and psychology services for clients and family members".

Headway was granted €500,000 after a successful application to the JP McManus Pro Am Capital Fund to put towards a bigger and better facility.

"Support is more important than ever because Headway has to raise a matching amount as part of the agreement. We are dedicated to fundraising independently as well. This is our fourth year holding the ball. It's a very important fundraiser and always a great night," he said.

"It takes place in the luxurious surroundings of The Dunraven Arms Hotel. The ticket price includes a champagne reception, a five course meal and the evening's entertainment will include a live auction, a wish tree, spot prizes and music by band, Little Creatures, and a DJ. We are urging people to attend and also appealing to local businesses to donate goods and vouchers, which will help to raise much needed funds on the night of the ball."

Mayor Long is also kindly donating a piece of art for auction at the event.

Tickets are €100 per person. Tickets and further information available direct from Headway, Limerick by phoning 061 469305 or 469306, or by emailing tickets@headway.ie.
Ends

Notes to Editor:
- If you need further information, Denis Mangan is available on 061-469305.
- Headway offers services and support to people affected by acquired brain injury. In many cases people with brain injury have no obvious physical disability but the effects can be profound and unique to the individual. Brain injury can happen to anyone at any time in life and can be a result of an accident, or blow to the head, stroke, haemorrhage or tumour. The impact of brain injury is often lifelong, affecting both the person with the injury and their family members in a variety of ways. Due to the many and varied effects of acquired brain injury, people often have difficulty living independently, working or returning to education, participating in social and leisure activities and maintaining family roles or personal relationships.
- Headway has been supporting those affected by acquired brain injury since 1985. It provides a range of community based services in Limerick, Cork, Kerry and Dublin along with outreach services in the South-Eastern region. Services include rehabilitation training, day activity, psychological therapy and family support, counselling, outreach, family education workshops, supported employment, community access and a national helpline on 1890 200 278.

Images for Awareness

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 17:04:00 GMT

Headway is delighted to announce the publication of "Living with Brain Injury - Images for Awareness" by the Headway Harbour Peer Support Group 2011.

The group met over the summer of 2011 and produced this e-book of images about different aspects of their experience as brain injury survivors. You can download the publication in pdf format using this link, or read it interactively online using the display below (requires Flash).

A Break from Routine

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:28:00 GMT

Trainees from the Headway Rehabilitative Training Centre in Clondalkin have been taking a series of well- earned breaks from the daily task of achieving their rehabilitation goals. Over the summer the local Gardai have facilitated transport to allow a group from the centre to go on a series of outings to various Dublin landmarks.

Recently, the group has gone on trips to Dublin Castle, the Natural History Museum, the Book of Kells, the National Gallery and, most recently, Malahide Castle.

Jenny Nealon, Training Officer with Headway explains the benefits. "At the centre, it tends to be quite a busy environment. The trainees are all focused on their rehabilitation goals. These trips are a way for people to get out into their local community in a more relaxed and informal way. But we always make sure that there's an opportunity to practise social skills - we would always have lunch or coffee together and make sure that people have a chance to mix socially. Many of our trainees would have difficulties using transport, so having the bus from the local Gardai to help has been a godsend."

The rehabilitative training service is based in Bawnogue Enterprise and Community Centre and helps people rebuild their lives following brain injury.

Places are currently available on our Rehabilitative Training Course in Clondalkin: Find out more about the service here.

(pictured left to right: Tom O'Donnell, Samantha Whelan, Garry Kelly, Dean Courtney, Michael Comiskey, Terry O'Neill)