Chairman’s Message –

Martin Pettingell
It is a little while since our last newsletter but  a lot has  happened in  that time.
As a charity  much of our funding is raised from donations and grants, however, a significant sum was provided by the local authority in recognition of the service we provided to those they had assessed as needing our help.
The nature of that assessment and the way services are delivered and paid for is undergoing radical change. We need to adapt to ensure that those who need our service are still able to both access and afford it.
The challenge for us is to ensure that we continue to provide the highly specialised service to those who need it.
Establishing a greater degree of financial independence will help us achieve this aim and to that end fundraising in all its forms remain key to our ongoing success. We are very grateful, therefore, to all those who have
helped us throughout the year.

Collaboration with school students to make new film
A brilliant new film created by students from Chilton Trinity school on behalf of clients and carers from Headway
Somerset Services in Bridgwater is now available to view via YouTube 
The purpose of the film, which was part of the ‘Having a Voice’ Project was to find ways together to enable the clients to share their experiences and put across their messages, as they believe that many people cannot see past their injury.

Marc Herriot, the school’s IT Manager, commented:
“During the video creation what the students experienced was very emotional. They were great ambassadors for the school, so when you have time we urge you to watch their video”.

Pop- up boutique opened by Michael Eavis

Alison Mills Headway Somerset Fundraising Manager Michael Eavis with Marika Sterry from the Orchard Centre & Martin Pettingell, Chairman Headway Somerset

A unique social enterprise, ‘Pop-up Boutique’ opened its doors in the summer for ten days at the Orchard Centre in
Taunton. Michael Eavis leant his support by attending the official opening.
Called ‘So Boho’, to reflect the style of the ladies clothes donated to the charity, the project involved staff, clients and volunteers and supported by advice and practical support from local retail outlets in the Orchard Centre.
The shop took over £2,000 and additionally raised the profile of Headway Somerset and its services to the local
community.
Thanks must be given to the Orchard Centre who, together with the landlords of the shop , kindly donated the premises for our use were incredibly helpful with assisting us to get this project off the ground.

FOR MORE NEWS

Project 21 – How you can help