STOP PRESS NEWS

 

XMAS BAZAARS

 

Every year each of our centres holds a Xmas bazaar to help raise much needed funds.  This year their events are being held on the following dates:

 

Bridgwater  -  Friday, 23rd November

 

Yeovil          -  Tuesday, 27th November,   10.30am to 12 noon

 

Henton        -  Friday, 30th November,  10.30am to 2.30pm

                               (includes a ploughman’s lunch)

 

Please make a note in your diary and come along. 

 

 

FULL SERVICE REVIEW

 

We recently held a full review of our services, which was attended by all the key stakeholders having an interest in what we do.  In the morning we invited commissioners of our services to find out what they wanted from us and what they were able to provide.  This was a very worthwhile session which gave us many ideas about how we need to adjust what we do. 

 

In the afternoon we had our AGM, which was followed by a session with staff, clients, carers and some other stakeholders from the agencies with whom we work.  We discussed what had happened in the morning and sought the meeting’s views, and this was again very fruitful.  What came through loud and clear, at both sessions, was that the quality of service we provide is very high, but we need to look at what we do, how we do it and to become more hard-nosed and commercial. 

 

The fact is we are going through a period when funding is tight and the statutory authorities have reduced budgets, so we have to look at other ways to generate funds.  The National Service Framework committee, which is chaired by the NHS, will soon be looking at the care pathway for people with brain injury and we hope there will be opportunities to fill the gaps in service provision that clearly exist. 

 

The next part of the process is for the Board of Trustees to determine how we take things forward, and this is likely to be through a small working party, involving Trustees and senior staff. 

 

FUND RAISING VOLUNTEERS

 

We have pledged to raise at least £12,000 net this year through our own fund-raising efforts, and a small committee has been organized in order to plan a number of events and to carry out the necessary work to make them successful.  We need some ‘doers’ on this committee, people who have the time and commitment to help us, and hopefully one or two who have previous experience of planning such events.  If you might be interested in helping us please give Rob Sexton a ring on 01404 47092 or email through info@headwaysomerset.org.uk. 

 

 

VOLUNTEERS

 

We are still seeking volunteers for our centre at Henton, near Wells, and for our Outreach and Hospital Visiting services in the Taunton/Bridgwater areas.  If you are interested please contact Rob Sexton on 01404 47092 or through e-mail on info@headwaysomerset.org.uk.