Occupational therapist shortlisted for national award for helping clients rebuild life after brain injury
A committed occupational therapist has been nominated for a prestigious national award in recognition of their work supporting people to recover and rebuild their lives following brain injury.
Occupational therapist Rachel Lees, 36, from Newcastle Upon Tyne, has been a committed member of Headway Tyneside for 13 years.
Here she is not only a trustee, clinical advisory team member, and safeguarding lead, but also a regular group leader, volunteering to deliver evening social group sessions for members.
Headway Tyneside helps people affected by brain injury across the North East live a better life, by providing support, education, events and clinical services.
Rachel is now one of three finalists in the Volunteer of the Year category at Headway UK’s Annual Awards, held later this year in December.
Each year, Headway UK holds a glittering awards ceremony celebrating the achievements and contributions of brain injury survivors, carers, volunteers, and others in the Headway community across the country.
Rachel, who supports clients with her work at Neural Pathways, was instrumental in setting up Headway Tyneside’s weekly Tuesday Night Social Group 13 years ago, a group that the charity runs, in collaboration with the NHS, at Walkergate Park Centre for Neurorehabilitation and Neuropsychiatry.
In her trustee role at the charity, Rachel brings to committee meetings her in-depth knowledge of Headway Tyneside members, and their responses to the activities and initiatives that they offer.
This knowledge helps inform the discussions and decisions that the committee makes, both for the here and now and for the future direction of Headway Tyneside.
Jo Wallis, Specialist Clinical Lead at Headway Tyneside, put Rachel forward for the award, which is sponsored by Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP, and said she is always available on the end of the phone, offering a listening ear.
Jo said:
“Working in a solo role in the charity sector could potentially feel isolating, but not with the robust support Rachel offers.
“We have built up such a good supportive friendship and she is my go-to person when I need words of wisdom or to talk through a difficult situation.
“Her measured approach and can-do attitude is really inspiring.”
Matthew Nakonesky, Clinical Advisory Lead at Headway Tyneside, said:
“As an experienced occupational therapist working in the field of acquired brain injury, Rachel is a huge support to me in terms of guiding our clinical practices and policies.
“The fact that she knows our members so well is just a huge benefit for the whole committee and really helps guide the decisions we make.
“The amount of work Rachel does at a committee level, alongside her longstanding support at our weekly social evenings and the amazing support she provides our occupational therapist is nothing short of incredible!
“I am incredibly grateful that she continues to volunteer her time for the committee.”
Rachel said she was “shocked” to find out she was in the running for the award.
Rachel said:
“It is so lovely to feel so valued and I am honoured to have even been nominated for this award.
“I have never volunteered my time for the recognition but for the pleasure it gives me, spending time with such amazing and inspirational individuals.”
Winners for the Headway Annual Awards will be announced on Friday, December 12 at The Royal Lancaster in London.
