Story of a Volunteer Maintenance Engineer

Providing life-changing brain injury rehabilitation in a safe and welcoming environment doesn't happen by magic. Alex Thornton from Ignite Gas Plumbing and Electrics supports Headway Nottingham by volunteering his time and expertise to keep us safe, warm and to help us keep our running costs to a minimum. Here's his story...

"I hadn't heard of Headway Nottingham before meeting one of their team at an event in Nottingham. What struck me was how sudden and unexpected brain injury can be. It could happen to any of us and it's so important that a supportive and understanding place is available for people to rebuild their lives should they suddenly need it.

Nottingham-based Ignite Gas Plumbing and Electrics

"When I arrived at the centre I immediately understood how important Headway Nottingham's work is and the massive difference they make to people's lives after brain injury. Running a day centre, even a relatively small one, can be an expensive business and I knew I could help them out by volunteering my time.

"I'm really pleased that I've been able to use my own skills to help maintain their centre, to help the team at Headway Nottingham avoid what can be significant costs for essential maintenance work. I know the money they have saved has been used to provide their important rehabilitation workshops, and it means a lot to me to know that I'm contributing to something that makes such a difference to the lives of people in Nottingham."

Charlotte Leask, Headway Nottingham's Services Manager:

Alex has been an absolute hero here at Headway Nottingham! His support and advice has given us peace of mind, saved us a lot of money and kept us safe in our lovely centre.

Following a particularly bad bout of wet weather which caused some damage to the building, Alex worked hard to minimise the disruption for our members. His help meant we could continue to deliver rehabilitation and we are incredibly grateful for his help! Thank you, Alex!

Contact Alex on 07961767116 or visit his website at www.ignitegpe.co.uk

Sincere thanks to John McLean Photography for the images on this page.

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What could you do with three hours? Watch three episodes of the latest must-see series. Go out for a meal. Interact on social media. All very enjoyable to do, but will any of those positively impact your local community and simultaneously enhance your sense of self-worth? Volunteering with Headway Nottingham will, and three hours a week is all we need from you.
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Headway Nottingham is at risk of closure. We need your help now more than ever. Read a statement from the staff team and please support us if you can.
Referrals

Our Caseworker is the first point of contact you are likely to have when your referral has been received by Headway Nottingham. Anyone can make a referral for our support, whether referring yourself or making a referral as a professional concerned with someone's welfare. Once the referral is made our Caseworker will get in touch with the person concerned or their carer and work with them to formulate a suitable plan for progression.
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In the 90 seconds it takes to make a donation to Headway Nottingham another person will be admitted to hospital with an acquired brain injury.
Charlotte Leask (Services Manager)
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At Headway Nottingham we offer support to people who live in the City of Nottingham and the County of Nottinghamshire.
Mission Statement

The principle objectives of Headway Nottingham are to promote the understanding of all aspects of brain injury. To provide information, support and services to those living in Nottinghamshire who have sustained a brain injury, along with their families and carers.

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21 years ago, Stephen sustained life-changing injuries after falling 25 feet from a cherry picker at work. He describes Headway Nottingham as being like a lifeguard, saving him from drowning in disabilities. Read more