HEADWAY CENTRE

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The Headway Centre - 41 Cardiff Road, Luton

The Centre was purchased freehold in September 2000 and opened after considerable refurbishment. It is a three-storey house with the Centre activities occupying the ground and first floor, and Headway offices above these on the second floor. Access to the second floor is restricted to staff and invited visitors only. The Centre is fully accessible for people with a disability having a ramped access at the front and a fully automatic door at the rear, via the conservatory. This is the entrance used by most people as it leads from our limited car park. The ground floor comprises a conservatory, a large activity room, fully equipped kitchen, toilets and a hallway. Access to the first floor is by stairs or by a lift in the main room. It comprises a computer suite (6 workstations), a meeting/training room and a quiet room used for relaxation and alternative therapies, when available.

Centre Staff

A Centre Co-ordinator and a Centre Assistant, with volunteers, staff the Headway Centre providing professional care and support to meet clients' individual needs.

Centre Activities

The Centre, supported by Barnfield College, offers a wide range of accredited courses, many at basic entry level. Subject to availability these include: -

Basic computers - O.S. Windows XP - Home Edition Internet access Word processing Numeracy Literacy Creative writing Art - craft Art - painting & drawing Communication skills
Other activities and classes, run by staff and volunteers, include: -
	'Think Big' - group cognitive exercises Low impact physical exercises Independent living skills Games & quizzes Current affairs Social events Hobby craft

All activities and courses are intended to provide either physical or cognitive exercise developing personal skills that increase self-value and maximise self-potential. Clients that attend either one or two days per week will participate in some of these but not all. Day(s) of attendance and activities undertaken will be jointly agreed based upon the assessed individual needs of the client, placement availability and eligibility.

Centre Attendance

Clients wishing to attend the Centre may be referred to Headway via their local Social Services department, hospital, health agency or G.P. We also accept personal, family or carer referrals. All new referrals will be offered a home or Centre appointment to assess the individual needs of the client. This will normally be within two weeks of first contact, subject to staff resources. Centre placements are limited and therefore we have to establish clear personal goals that are realistically achievable prior to any placement offer. Once established, a 'taster day' will be arranged that matches as close as possible the agreed goals. This is an opportunity for the client to attend to see if we meet with their expectations and to meet other clients. Once agreed the client will be offered the placement subject to the client accepting the Attendance Policy. This is an agreement of expected behaviour standards that respects the human rights of staff and other people attending. A full copy will be made available and must be read, understood and signed. Failure to observe this policy may result in the Centre placement being withdrawn. Each client will have an agreed individual service plan detailing their personal goals and actions to be taken, whether they are Centre based or in the community. Periodically these plans will be reviewed and, after a maximum of two years' attendance, a full Service Review will be held to decide if the placement goals have been achieved and to consider other possible options.

Charging Policy

Like all voluntary organisations, we have to continually secure funding to provide our services. All placements at the Centre are funded either through the clients' local Social Services department or by themselves. Clients wishing to be funded by Social Services will be assessed for need and eligibility by a social worker.

Transport

Unfortunately at this stage of our service development we cannot provide any transport to the Centre. However, we do help clients to join 'Dial-A-Ride' who, subject to availability, provide a tail-lift vehicle for clients with a physical disability that prevents them from using public transport.

	Many clients arrange their own transport using public buses, car or taxis. We try to encourage taxi sharing whenever feasible to reduce costs. Unfortunately parking at the rear of the Centre is very limited and no vehicle may be left without the express permission of the Centre Co-ordinator.
	Refreshments Clients are required to bring a packed lunch, or snacks may be ordered from a nearby café. There is a small daily charge for unlimited hot and cold drinks.
Please note: We operate a 'No Smoking' policy inside the building.
Opening Hours Monday - Friday 10am - 3pm Location The Headway Centre is at 41 Cardiff Road, Luton, which is within a five minute walk from the town centre of Luton.

This website is sponsored by:

and Osborne, Morris & Morgan Solicitors