Southampton And Isle of Wight Headway Branches Have Received A Boost From The Proceeds Of National Conference

The Southampton and Isle of Wight branches of brain injury association Headway have received a boost from the proceeds of a national conference which raised more than £3,000 for the charity.

The conference was a collaboration of between Miranda Gardner, Head Injury Nurse Specialist at University Hospital Southampton, Erika Schwamborn, Head Injury Support Nurse and Claire Howard, partner and expert serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Southampton office who put together a national conference on March 16.

The conference focused on the complex behavioural, social and legal issues relating to acquired brain injury and was attended by delegates from across the professional health and legal spectrum.

Miranda Gardner who has worked for 23 years in the field of brain injury said: “Headway provides an invaluable community support service for those who have suffered brain injury and we are delighted to be able to support the local groups.”

Irwin Mitchell has been a long-time supporter of Headway’s work across the UK, with the charity operating more than 125 groups and branches which offer support to brain injury survivors, their families and carers.

Headway also provides information and services to professionals including those in the legal and health sectors.

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“The work that Headway does makes a huge difference to everyone whose lives have been touched by the consequences of a brain injury.

“We are very proud of our links with the organisation and felt the recent conference was an ideal opportunity to try and give something back to this fantastic cause.

“Serious injuries can transform people’s lives, but Headway’s effort is a reminder that it does not mean that survivors cannot get the best from life. We look forward to doing more to support them very soon.” Claire Howard - Solicitor

The funds will be split with £2,500 going to Headway Southampton and £520 given to Headway Isle of Wight.

Joy Cleightonhills, Chair of Headway’s Isle of Wight Branch, said: “We are very grateful not only for the donation to our branch here on the Isle of Wight, but for the support Irwin Mitchell gives to small third sector groups such as ourselves by delivering quality training, information sharing days and workshops to both professionals and the laymen.

“This can only improve the lives of others in need after a brain injury as more people understand the journey both medical and emotional the families are on.”

Jo Hillier, Deputy Manager from Headway Southampton, added: “We were delighted to receive this donation and really appreciate that we were thought of. This is very timely as we are renovating the kitchen at our facility in Commercial Road, Totton and need to raise £6,000 for the project.

"This £2,500 is a tremendous start to our fund raising campaign. The kitchen will be used by all who attend and will make a real difference to the support we can provide and help brain injury survivors regain their independence and enjoy being part of a community.

“We are very thankful for their donation which will assist us in continuing to provide quality support to those looking to rebuild their lives.”