We have been delighted to be able to welcome back many of our Headway clients back for the first time since lockdown was implemented in March.

The weeks leading up to this have been busy implementing all the safety measures to ensure each of our five day centres is COVID secure.

For some it has been an emotional week, seeing their friends for the first time in almost 4 months, but the overall feeling has been that of happiness.

During lockdown we have learnt many things, Skype being this biggest one, which has helped to ease the overwhelming feelings of isolation lockdown has brought on for many, and we have also been able to offer so many new services, which have proven vital to many during these difficult, unprecedented months, and we plan to continue with these services where possible as we go forward.

But you cannot replace physical interaction and the positive impact that has on a person’s mental well being.

This week has certainly been a cause for celebration – socially distanced of course 🙂

We look forward to welcoming more of our clients back as the weeks go on.

What a crafty bunch you all are! Many hidden talents and these pieces are too good not to share with everyone.

From handpainted flower pots, magnets, rainbow sheep, paper mache masks to a homemade recreation of the famous Arnie movie character!

You have all certainly made the most of your time during the lockdown.

We hope you are all very proud of yourselves, as we are proud of you all.

During lockdown, we have definitely been making the most of getting to grips with our gardens here at Headway East Kent.

As you will see from all the wonderful photos, some of our talented clients have hand-decorated pots, the Dover group have been having fun with their very own ‘runner bean race’  whilst others are having a competition to see who can grow the tallest sunflower…so watch this space and be sure to check back in and see how the ‘growing is going’!

It has been discussed agreed, we are now pleased to say we are able to offer the following services to ANYONE who needs them during COVID-19, not just our clients who are living with an acquired brain injury, such as a stroke.

Details of the services we are currently providing can be found by clicking the link below.

If you are an existing client and would like to know more about these services and are interested please get in touch with our area manager Jenny on jwalsh@headwayeastkent.org.uk or call on 07860 226682

These services are for our existing day centre clients that would normally attend our day centres.

If you are not currently one of our day centre clients but would like to access these new services, please contact;
Carolyn Wibrew Assessment Officer/Carers Support 07835188078 or email: cwibrew@headwayeastkent.org.uk who can complete a telephone assessment with you and refer you to Social Services for funding purposes, or you could choose to pay privately.

We have been overwhelmed with the generosity of people in our local community recently with donations of their old smartphones, and for that we thank you.

Our next hurdle, however, is to be able to provide data plans to our clients we have been able to deliver the donated smartphones to, in order to keep connected via our virtual day centres.

We absolutely appreciate many will be having to tighten their purse strings during this current climate, but if you are able to make a donation of any spare change, we would be extremely grateful.

The health and well-being of our clients is our priority, and being able to minimise the feelings of isolation many of us will be experiencing during this period of uncertainty, will make a big difference.

If you are able and would like to help, please contact our Area Manager Jenny on E: jwalsh@headwayeastkent.org.uk or call on 07860 226682

Any donation, no matter how big or small will help with this.

Thank you

The Headway East Kent Team

26th March 2020 at 8 pm #clapforourcarers

We hope many of you will join us in taking a minute at 8 pm tonight to show our appreciation and support in thank all those on the frontline working tirelessly to battle COVID-19 for us all.

Those include charities, volunteers, shop assistants, health care workers (at all levels), pharmacists, call centre staff and small businesses etc.

Stay safe everyone – we can beat this!

URGENT APPEAL – PLEASE SHARE

Our physical day centres are no longer open at present. We have worked hard to set up Virtual Day Centres but these can only be accessed by clients who have a smartphone, tablet, laptop.

We aim to ensure no one gets left behind and all of our clients are able to take part in our virtual day centres.

Headway East Kent has been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity so far, but have over 100 clients currently using our service, and it is vital we keep connected during this period of uncertainty.