Over the last five months, Headway Southampton has been providing remote and virtual support services to brain injury survivors, their families and carers. Now, it has announced a phased reopening to its centre on Commercial Road, Totton.
Tim Lockwood, the charity’s manager, said: “We’re pleased to announce the phased reopening of our day centre. Things are not as they were before the pandemic, but we are adapting to this new normal and look forward to continuing to support our clients face-to-face.”
The National Lottery has provided the charity with a grant to help finance the preparations as the centre reopens.
A thorough risk assessment has been conducted and new health and safety procedures put in place. Staff, volunteers and clients will be encouraged to socially distance, sanitise their hands regularly and undergo temperature checks, and staff will be fully equipped with personal protective equipment.
The charity is limiting the number of people in the centre at any one time so not everyone is allowed back just yet. For those that are, they can expect to take part in activities to stimulate cognitive functioning such as quizzes, arts and crafts and creative writing.
Tim continued: “Many of our members will feel a sense of isolation after their head or brain injury and lockdown has only emphasised that. Returning to the centre will play a key role in combating these feelings of loneliness.
“Having a chance to come back to Headway Southampton and see friends again, as well as being involved in fun and stimulating activities, is an important step forward.”
For those not yet ready to return to the day centre, staff and volunteers will continue to provide remote and virtual support through Zoom sessions, phone calls and socially distanced meet ups.
Tim concluded: “Brain injuries don’t stop in the face of a global pandemic, and survivors still rely on the support of Headway Southampton. We understand that for many of our service users and their families, this is an incredibly challenging time and we will continue to do whatever possible to support them through this.”
To find out more about the work of Headway Southampton, visit headway-southampton.org.uk.
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