Welcoming staff, Chief Executive Luke Griggs delivered an inspiring talk to start the day, reminding attendees just how far the charity has come, and inviting staff to help continue this momentum.
There were engaging sessions in which staff shared experiences and perspectives. This was an opportunity to hear why colleagues choose to work for Headway, to understand the different challenges and joys in their role as well as thinking how Headway can improve its services.
What was evident was the desire and passion from staff to not only carry out their jobs, but to go above and beyond to support the important cause of brain injury.
During the afternoon session, and truly the highlight of the day, a talk was given by brain injury survivor Stephen Tame.
Stephen’s moving and inspiring talk outlined how he sustained a traumatic brain injury following a fall from height at work. Since his accident, Stephen has used a number of Headway services and is proud to carry his brain injury ID card. Talking of his local group, he said:
“Headway Nottingham is absolutely fantastic. It’s like a family, and I’m so happy there. There is a comradery.”
Stephen was asked ‘If you had one bit of advice for other brain injury survivors what would it be?’
“Like Rick Astley said, never give up!
“But also, I’m still here. No matter what happens that trumps it, I’m still here.”
The newest member of the Headway team, Rosheen Hodgkiss-Bernard, said:
“Having recently joined Headway, the away day was a great opportunity for me to meet colleagues and see quite how passionate everyone is about making a difference to the lives of brain injury survivors and their families. Meeting Stephen, who regularly uses Headway’s services, was inspiring and is a timely reminder of why staff do what they do.
Towards the end of the day, Director of Communications Colin Morris asked colleagues to summarise how they found the away day, this generated the following word cloud which encompassed the passion and positivity felt.
Recognition and a huge thanks was also given to Headway staff who were not able to attend on the day, this was to keep the Headway helpline and charity shops open and operating as usual.
