Welcome to Snap News, our Autumn edition newsletter.
This Issue Includes:
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Headway, a New Era
For more than 40 years, Headway has been the leading UK-wide charity helping individuals and their families to rebuild their lives after brain injury.
In August, the charity launched a new five-year strategy under the leadership of its new Chief Executive, Luke Griggs. Luke, who was appointed as CEO in December 2022 having served in numerous roles at the charity over the past 17 years, said the strategy would help to evolve the charity and build on the solid foundations established over the years:
 This is an exciting time for the charity. There is so much great work taking place across the UK, whether delivered by Headway UK or the network of autonomous local Headway charities or volunteer-led branches.
Awareness of brain injury and its often hidden, complex and fluctuating effects is steadily increasing, as is the political pressure for more support to be provided to those affected.
But there’s no doubt there’s a great deal of work to be done. Our new strategy focuses on four key areas: strengthening the network of local Headway charities and branches; increasing awareness and education around brain injury; introducing new services to directly improve the lives of those affected; and supporting research to strengthen the case for greater investment in brain injury.
We cannot do this alone, so collaboration will be key. As will listening to the views and ideas of anyone with a shared passion for improving life after brain injury.
To download a copy of Headway’s new strategy or to watch an accessible video, go to:
www.headway.org.uk
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Brain Injury Group Webinars
Brain Injury Group Webinars offer vital education and support on various brain injury topics, designed to assist professionals in improving their care and processes.
Free for members of the Brain Injury Group, these sessions provide valuable insights from experts in the field. Non-members can access these webinars for just £29 (+VAT). These sessions are typically an hour long and are often APIL accredited. Join us for an upcoming live session or explore our on-demand recordings to stay informed and supported.
Upcoming topics:
- Reframing What It Means to Work With “Challenging” Clients and Their Families: 15th October
- Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicles for Individuals with Brain Injuries and Their Caregivers: 24th October
Snap Care are proud supporters of Brain Injury Group
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HydroBubble Chest Physio
Hydro Bubble is a device designed to assist with chest physiotherapy by delivering Bubble PEP, a technique that stands for Positive Expiratory Pressure. It was developed by nurses who wanted to create a relatively inexpensive and reusable devise, especially for children with Cystic Fibrosis.
Bubble PEP works by creating positive pressure when the user blows bubbles into water. This technique is used to help clear secretions (phlegm or sputum) from the lungs, an important part of chest physiotherapy.
How does it work?
The positive pressure generated by blowing into the Hydro Bubble helps to keep your airways open. This process moves secretions towards the larger airways, making it easier to clear them through huffing or coughing.
Additionally, the bubbling action creates vibrations in the lungs, loosening and mobilising secretions. By clearing these from the chest, Hydro Bubble reduces the risk of lung infections.
Why is airway clearance important?
Airway clearance is essential for keeping your lungs healthy. Clearing secretions helps prevent blockages that can lead to infections, which are especially risky for children with cystic fibrosis.
Hydro Bubble
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CMSUK Case Manager Awards
Our MD, Sally Britton was honoured to be one of the judges again at this year's CMSUK Case Manager Awards.
"It is a fantastic event that celebrates all the hard work that case managers and their supporters do to help their clients live their best lives. It's also a great opportunity to catch up with many of the case managers we work with, as well as meet new ones.
We were lucky enough to have Martin Perry, an amazing motivational speaker and table tennis player for Great Britain (GB Para TT) delivering the key note speaker. Martin has an incredibly successful table tennis career despite being born with only one limb.
I was fortunate enough to sit on the same table as Carole Chantler was awarded Case Manager Life Time Achievement Award and was able to video the occasion, I think she was a little surprised!
To see all the winner and photos of the event:
https://www.cmsuk.org/
https://www.cmsuk.org/gallery
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Sad Goodbyes
Since our summer newsletter, we said sad goodbyes to two wonderful individuals who contributed so much, Euan MacDonald and Claire Lomas. |
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Euan MacDonald, MBE
Euan MacDonald, MBE, who very sadly passed away recently, leaves behind a remarkable legacy of courage, advocacy, and determination. Diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) at a young age, Euan became a passionate campaigner for those living with the condition. His personal experience with MND inspired the creation of the Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, a leading organisation dedicated to advancing research and support for individuals affected by this debilitating disease. His commitment to improving the lives of others extended beyond his own battle, as he co-founded Euan's Guide, a website that offers reviews of accessible venues for people with disabilities. Euan's impact will be felt for years to come, as his work continues to inspire hope and change for those facing similar challenges.
Euan MacDonald
Euan's Guide
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Claire Lomas, MBE
Claire Lomas, a remarkable fundraiser and inspirational figure, tragically passed away at the age of 44 following an accident in Jordan in August 2024.
Paralysed from the chest down after a horse-riding accident in 2007, Claire did not let her injuries define her. She became widely known for completing the London Marathon in 2012 using a bionic suit, a feat that took her 17 days and raised over £200,000 for spinal research. Beyond her fundraising, Claire undertook numerous other endurance events, raising nearly £1 million for charity. She also became a sought-after motivational speaker, sharing her story of resilience and inspiring others to overcome adversity.
"I was fortunate enough to hear one of her motivational speeches and even luckier to sit next to her for the event. She was dynamic, sharp-witted, funny, and the most down to earth person you could meet.
Everything she achieved for raising funds, awareness and what was possible after a life-changing injury, will be her lasting legacy".
Sally Britton
Nicolls Spinal Injury Foundation, In Memory
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Our newsletters are published quarterly: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
If you have useful information you would like to share, please contact sally@snapcare.co.uk
Thank you!
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