HCR Foundation’s work for local charities

Charities around the Three Counties have received some of the £250,000 raised since the trust was set up – one is Headway, the charity which supports people who have suffered brain injuries.

Headway has been supported by both HCR and MAG – the Foundation has supported the refurbishment of the charity’s kitchen and both companies donned silly headgear to raise money for the charity’s ongoing costs.

The charity, which is part of the national Headway network, is almost entirely self-funded, so donations are vital. Its work with those who have suffered a brain injury after traumatic experiences, illnesses or other accidents, providing personalised rehabilitation programmes, aims to improve their daily lives.

It helps people to work towards regaining daily living skills, to improve life after brain injury, and has day centres in Kidderminster, Bromsgrove and Worcester, where sessions are focused around practical and social activities. It also offers an outreach service.

The kitchen project, which cost £10,000 in total involved knocking down a wall and refitting the kitchen with stainless movable benches, new convection ovens (to replace the current broken cooker) and rings on two levels. One set of rings were installed for wheelchair users and there was also a higher working surface, a new fridge, new sinks and proper commercial flooring.

Dawn Oliver, who presented the donation, said: “Headway is a superb charity – it provides support to people who have suffered all manner of problems, like strokes, accidents or illnesses, which have changed their lives; we are very happy to be able to support them in their work.”

Mandie Fitzgerald, Headway’s fundraising manager, said: “I’m really delighted with this donation; £1,000 is a considerable amount of money and will be a great help.”