Annual General Meeting
19 September 2006

Michael Switzer, Chairman of the brain injury charity Leicester Leicestershire and Rutland Headway, told members at the AGM that he intends to stand down at the end of March 2007.   He said that this was his eighth annual report and he had decided that ‘this was enough.   Every organisation needs fresh ideas and leadership’ he continued, and said that the Trustees had indicated their intentions to elect Carol Birch, currently one of two vice-chairs, in his place.

Michael reported another successful year, including fruitful funding negotiations with the County and City Social Services Departments and with the NHS, who between them provide some 60% of Headway’s income.   Substantial support had also been received form the Big Lottery Fund and other trusts and foundations, and the need for continuing support from the voluntary sector was stressed.   A time of change lay ahead, said Michael, with new initiatives in the pipeline on the national frameworks for the provision of health and social care.

Services Director Mary Goulty reported on substantial increases to the services offered by Headway since the completion of the extension to Headway House.   The personal development plans for Members have been expanded and improved, and woodwork is now offered on a full-time basis.   Trainee police officers are offered a one day a week placement as volunteer helpers to assist their community involvement.   Out in the County, there are now groups in Melton. Loughborough and Hinckley, and, although Headway itself confines its support to adults with acquired brain injuries, it has been offering help to a newly-formed local support for the Child Brain Injury Trust, which uses Headway House for meetings.

Following the AGM, Members were given an overview of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 by Karen Clarke, a partner in Leicester-based solicitors Harvey Ingram LLP.   Ms Clarke said that the aim of the new legislation was to tidy up and simplify the present situation, with the objective of supporting people to make their own decisions as far as possible.   Their own best interests would be served as far as possible, taking account of religion, social needs and family circumstances.   Powers of Attorney could be created in respect of welfare as well as financial affairs.   However, Ms Clarke concluded that there was much that remained unclear at present, needing to be clarified by case law in due course.

The meeting was chaired by Headway’s President, Dr. Laurence Howard, Lord Lieutenant of Rutland.

AGM 2005 »»