Headway News, June 2021
- 4 June 2021
Quite a few of us braved the wind and weather last weekend to run a fundraising Sausage Sizzle at Mitre 10, Lunn Avenue. It’s great to raise funds and equally great to spread the word about what we do at Headway. It was interesting that many of the people we talked to assumed that Headway is government funded. Many of them generously gave an extra donation when they realised we aren’t.
Without funds Headway can’t run the free activities our community value so much. While we regularly seek funding from various charitable organisations, we would love it if some of you could help. You could do this by organising a fundraising activity on our behalf and also by encouraging friends, family and colleagues to donate to us.
We are starting a new knitting and crochet group this month. Before all the guys think this is strictly for women, I think you should know that in Scotland, it was the men who knitted. It made their wrists strong so they could better wield their dirks and broadswords!!!
It's lovely to see so many of you coming along to Headway House and share in the real sense of community that you have created.
If you haven’t yet been invited to get your COVID vaccination, you can phone and make a booking. The number is 0800 282 926.
All the best
Ruth
Hats For Headway Day - Saturday 22nd May
We were so lucky to have a beautifully sunny May morning at Headway House to celebrate the Hats For Headway Gala Day and Hat Parade. Lots of fun was had by all, including hat creating, face painting, Headway Harmony singers, games and prizes for the best hats.
Entertainment by Headway Harmonies and we were grateful for the support from the ACG Interact Club who came to do face painting.
Art Group Fun
The Monday art group have enjoyed a wide range of activities over the last few months. Juliana has been imaginative by introducing a range of art media for the group to take part in. Mondays are a fun day of creativity at the House. New people are welcome!
In May they enjoyed a day of creating hats for the Hats for Headway Gala.
Hats Parade at the Hats For Headway Gala Day
Entertainment by Headway Harmonies and we were grateful for the support from the ACG Interact Club who came to do face painting.
A collection of images from the Hats Parade and fun had creating hats in the art room on the day.
Art Group Fun
The Monday art group have enjoyed a wide range of activities over the last few months. Juliana has been imaginative by introducing a range of art media for the group to take part in. Mondays are a fun day of creativity at the House. New people are welcome!
In May they enjoyed a day of creating hats for the Hats for Headway Gala.
Sausage Sizzling fun
The weekend of May 29th and 30th saw the Headway Board, Staff and a few volunteers standing in the wind, rain, sunshine and thunderstorms at Mitre10 Mega at Lunn Ave for a weekend of sizzling fun.
500 sausages sizzled and sold with plenty of conversations shared with the public. Even a celebrity chef, Al Brown, gave Headway's BBQ Chef, Steve the thumbs up for his efforts.
Sausage Sizzling volunteers:
Top Left- Steve and Al Brown
Top Right - Ruth, Agnes and Michelle (Staff) with Emma (Headway Harmonies tutor)
Middle Left - Barry with Roger (headway Accountant)
Middle left - Ruth (Headway President) and Agnes (Board Member)
Bottom photo - Board Member Ed, with his family.
Other Sizzlers were - Board Members Maggie, Robert and Bryony (+Arthur). We also has help from Julie (Staff) and Tina (sorry no photos to share).
Many thanks to EVERYONE for your help over the weekend. We really appreciated every moment of your time you donated to help us!
How Can YOU Help Headway House?
At Headway House, 207 Manukau Road, Epsom we hold daily activities and support groups for any person in Auckland affected by brain injury. These activities and services are free of charge to anyone in our community. We need your help to ensure we can keep operating these services.
In 2021 we celebrate 40 years of operating. Our name may have changed a few time but we are The Brain Injury Association, Auckland also referred to as Headway Auckland.
To help us operate into the next next decade we are hoping individuals like you may be able to help us too!
Simple fundraising activities can be fun and help to spread the word about the Charity.
Do you want to host a High Tea? A movie night? A lunch fundraiser? a Cake Sale? Sausage Sizzle? theatre night? or other simple fundraiser in our name?
Please contact Michelle@headway.org.nz
We have lots of printed information to share and can help you get your ideas into action.
What's On at Headway House?
Activities:
Tai Chi for Wellbeing may be done standing or sitting down, is relaxing and helps calm the mind, also social and fun. This form of Tai Chi was developed by Dr Paul Lam who initially developed 'Tai Chi for Arthritis and falls prevention', and works well with any physical ability.
Come to class wearing comfortable clothing (easy to move in) and bring a bottle of water.
NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW!
We are going to trial a knitting and crochet group through June and July to see if there is an interest in this activity.
Please join us from 10.30am to 12pm at Headway House.
We have been donated some wool and knitting needles, PLEASE help us by donating some wool if you have some. Drop wool at Headway House, 207 Manukau Road.

Headway Harmonies
There were a great number of singers coming along now and we look forward to seeing you all come back once the doors open again. New singers are welcome too, so bring a friend and enjoy the music.
Support Groups:
The Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Group caters for any person with brain injury, both men and women. Held at Headway House, please feel free to come along.
Held on the FIRST and THIRD Wednesday MONTHLY.
PLEASE NOTE THIS MONTH THERE IS A CHANGE - NO GROUP ON 16TH JUNE - but there will be a group meeting on 30th June instead!
Our North Shore Women's Group meets monthly on the FIRST Thursday at 10am.
Our Women's Group meets monthly on the SECOND Thursday at 10am.
The Spouses' and Carers' group meet on the FIRST Wednesday of each month at Headway House and welcome you to join for an evening of shared friendship and support. New visitors always welcome!
Sharing Our Gratitude
We have had some very generous funding support in recent months from a number of sources. We are very grateful for all the support we receive and all funds have been allocated to specific projects and activities.
This month our thanks go out to:
For a very generous sponsorship and funding towards our planned, new Road Sign at 207 Manuakau Road... watch this space!
For a very generous grant received from the Accommodation Support Fund to go towards paying our Rates at Headway House this year.
For grant funding to assist with Salaries for our Manager, Social Worker and Liaison Officer.
Supporting the work of Headway

Join the Headway community and help us improve the lives of people and families in Auckland affected by brain injury.
Use this link to become or renew your annual membership: Become A Member.
Do you know someone that needs some support dealing with a Brain Injury or has a family member who needs some support?
Please use this link to see how Headway can support you: Headway Support
As a charity we rely on donations and funding so that we can keep supporting brain injury survivors and their whānau and family. Please help Headway to continue to provide our support and services during these challenging times. Your gift will help us to continue providing information and support to people affected by brain injury. Thank you!
We are so grateful for all the support you offer and are always on the look out for opportunities to help the Headway community flourish, so if you would like to arrange your own fundraising activity or support us in any way, please contact Michelle at michelle@headway.org.nz