Support Activities and Services
Please click on any of the activities below for further information.
 Big Lottery Funded Project

Edinburgh Headway Group received a grant In May 2004 which allows Headway to employ a full time Project Manager. The main aims of the Project are:-

  • To improve the quality of life for those affected by head injury, their families and carers by improving access to support services (including those offered in Headway House) thus reducing the social isolation they feel.
  • To improve the quality of care by raising awareness, amongst medical and other caring professionals, of the complex needs of those with head injuries.

Neliss Baxter is the Project Manager. The role of the Project Manager involves:

  • Providing information to brain injury families (even those who have received a minor injury) about the effects, including the after effects, of traumatic brain injury and the benefits of using the services of Headway.
  • Establishing a continuous path on discharge from hospital, for the brain injured person (mildly or moderately injured) to ensure they have access to the facilities at Headway or other relevant organisations.
  • Increasing the awareness of brain injury and Headway services amongst professionals in contact with people with such injuries.
  • Providing training sessions for interested groups to assist in raising the awareness of the effects of a brain injury.

If you require more details about the project or you would like somebody to speak to your group or you as an individual about the activities and support service Edinburgh Headway can offer, please contact Neliss on 0131 537 9556 or E-mail neliss@edinburghheadway.org.uk
 EDINBURGH HEADWAY GROUP

Edinburgh Headway Group 

FORTHCOMING EVENTS FOR MEMBERS, RELATIVES AND BEFRIENDERS
 Befriending Project

The Befriending Project offers a service to Member adults, their carers and families in the City of Edinburgh.  The work of the project involves matching a Member to a trained volunteer befriender and supporting them to meet regularly and get out and about in the community.

Befriending is a supported one to one relationship and can involve activities like meeting for a coffee, going to the cinema, walking, eating out, playing pool and lots of other things.

For Members, befriending is often a very important part of their life and routine. It can begin to address issues such as social isolation, low self esteem, and difficulties in developing and maintaining friendships. For carers and families, befriending offers support by giving them the opportunity to have some time to themselves while the person they care for is out with their befriender.

“He treats me like a mature 30 year old man, not like a wee laddie or a handicapped person”

                        Steven, Befriendee

“You get a feeling of satisfaction – you’ve done something, you’ve made someone’s life a bit better, you’ve cheered them up for a few hours”

Jim, Befriender 

“Mixing, talking, hearing about other people’s situations. I can tell my befriender things I can’t tell my mum”

Gerald, Befriendee 

 “It takes a little pressure off my shoulders ... I’m not comfortable being the only conduit for my daughter to relate to. I’m glad she’s got her own life again. I don’t feel responsible all the time when she’s out with her befriender”

Alison, Carer

The Befriending Project also offers regular information and social events for carers and befriending volunteers throughout the year.
To find out more about the Befriending Project, or for information about volunteering please contact Arlene Sutherland or Joan Gubby on 0131 537 9557. Alternatively, contact us by email at befriending@edinburghheadway.org.uk

 Arts & Crafts
Group Leader:   Scott Watt – Local Edinburgh Artist
A chance to express your artistic side with different medias and material.
Scott will help you create your own work of art.
A small quiet group which is sociable and fun
Times available:
Tuesday 2-4pm
 Art Therapy
Students from Queen Margaret University are regularly on placement at Headway House.
One to one sessions are arranged with therapists and headway members.
Further details are available for anyone interested.
 Drama
Group leader: Ed Ellis, B.A. (Hons) Performing Arts
A relaxed and sociable workshop designed to be compatible with varying individual skills. Sessions should help develop communication skills, trust and a bond with others in the group. A fun and lively group.
Times available: 
Wednesday 1.30-3pm
 Gymnasium
Group Leader: Lorenz Clausen, Hons Sport Science, MSc 
Prevention & Rehabilitation, Diploma Sports Massage Therapy.
Gentle and monitored exercise will increase strength, flexibility, mobility improving self confidence and self esteem. Increasing your cardiovascular capacity and motor control. Lorenz will help you develop your personal exercise plan
Times available:
Monday - Thursday 10.30am -1.30pm
 Hydro-Therapy
Group Leaders: Elaine Anderson & Becky Wood (Headway Activities Co-ordinators)
Location: Hydro-therapy pool, Astley Ainslie Hospital.
A relaxing and fun activity aimed to sooth aches and pains. The warm water will sooth stiffness and joint pain.  The group aims to provide gentle exercise with a sequence of simple routines or you can merely enjoy an hour of relaxation.
Times available: 
Tuesday 12pm-1pm
 Music Group
Students from Edinburgh University Community Music Department are regularly on placement at Edinburgh Headway. Some of the many benefits of music therapy are confidence, building, group working, listening skills, memory skills and manual dexterity. A very popular activity which can be great fun!
 Reflexology
Therapists: Sheila  McKay, Lorna Pascall, Christine Thomas
All therapists at Headway House are qualified and registered therapists.
Location: Headway House
Reflexology is a non-intrusive therapy which involves working on the feet. The treatment is aimed at balancing the body’s many systems and creating enhanced relaxation and calm. A comforting and nurturing therapy which will promote general well-being.
Times available
Mon:  10.30-1pm  Christine Thomas
Tues:  2-4pm  Sheila McKay

Wed:  2-4pm  Lorna Pascall
 Relaxation
Group Leaders:  Elaine and Becky,
Activities Co-ordinators
Techniques to help you unwind and relax.  Switch off from every day thoughts.  Lie back and enjoy the calm.
Times available:
Thursday 1.30 – 2.15pm
 Shiatsu
Therapist: 3rd year students from Shiatsu School Edinburgh are regularly on placement at Edinburgh Headway.
Shiatsu is a relaxing treatment and can be beneficial for back pain, stress, headaches, joint pain and stiffness.  Enhances general well-being – relaxing mind and body and reducing the build up of stress. Shiatsu uses hand pressure and manipulative techniques to restore the body’s energy balance and maintain good health.
Times available:
Tuesday 1.30 – 4pm
 Study Group
Group leader: Marion Bennett, M.A. Dip. Education, Teaching experience especially Adult Base Education.
Marion has worked with Edinburgh Headway Group for many years. The study group aims to be a social and fun occasion with a more serious aim and purpose; to keep minds active and interested in as wide a range of topics including current affairs and personal interests. A largely self governing group which is supported by volunteers who help individuals throughout the group.
Times available: 
Thursday 2-4pm
 Tai Chi
Instructor: Hazel Moffat
Qualified and registered Martial Arts / Coach Instructor
A gentle form of exercise, accessible to all ages and abilities. The smooth gentle movements and relaxation help to promote a calm and focused mind and can also increase flexibility, suppleness and exercise the muscles.
Times available: 
Monday 2-3pm
 Social Activities
As well as the more structured activities, we also organise regular, user led, outings and social evenings both within and out with the centre. This may be a trip to a show, ten-pin bowling or a concert and buffet.  So whatever your interests may be we will do our best to organise an event to cater for you. There is usually a small charge for such events.