At Headway Worcestershire, we are dedicated to empowering adults with acquired brain injuries, and our CEO Mandie Fitzgerald embodies this mission with unwavering passion and commitment. With extensive experience and a deep curiosity about the complexities of brain injury recovery, Mandie is a visionary—creative, forward-thinking, and determined to bring our mission to life.

A charismatic ambassador for our charity, Mandie actively seeks opportunities to raise awareness and improve understanding of acquired brain injury and its impact on our ABI community. With a positive, hands-on approach to challenges, she fosters a warm and engaging environment that resonates with everyone involved, including clients, team members, and volunteers. Mandie also works collaboratively with corporate partners and the charity sector, strengthening our collective impact.

I have been actively involved in charitable related work since 2012 when I was part of Worcester Round Table. Whilst being introduced to Headway Worcestershire, this experience introduced me to the importance and the positive effect independent organisations can make to individuals and charities within local communities.

In 2012 my father was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and I turned to Headway Worcestershire which provided information on this cancerous disease. Following my father’s passing, I contacted Headway again and enquired about becoming a trustee.

Since 2018 I have had the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team and feel fortunate to be able to contribute to the charity’s mission and together make a positive impact within the community. It is very rewarding to be committed to something outside and greater than one’s own self.

I know what it’s like to face setbacks in life and I am passionate about bringing my legal expertise and solutionist approach to influence to improve people’s lives where I can.

Brain injuries can often be overlooked or misunderstood and, as someone who is neurodivergent, I understand how this feels.

It can be tough, thinking differently and struggling with day-to-day stuff in a world where you can’t change the way you are or overcome challenges in the way others do.

As a trustee, I can directly contribute to the strategic direction and impactful work of the organisation dedicated to supporting people who have experienced brain injuries.

I’m a Professional Golfer at Ravenmeadow Golf Centre in Worcester. I enjoy using my years of experience to help everyone enjoy their exercise and hobby to the best of their ability when they play.

I found Headway Worcesteshire in 2010 after I suffered a severe brain injury. While working so hard with the help of the medical experts and my family I was made aware of how important Headway Worcestershire would be to me once I left the hospital. Headway was already aware of my injury and my recovery journey and couldn’t do enough to help me get my life back together once I returned home.

Following on from this I’ve made sure that Headway Worcestershire is my first thought when there has been any opportunity to raise money or awareness for the fantastic care I received. I want this to always be available to anyone else in our county that will need it too. I was then invited onto the board and I am very proud to be a Director of this fantastic local Charity. Everyone involved brings wonderful care and expertise and I hope my knowledge in surviving a brain Injury and experiencing the wonderful work Headway do for our community will make sure this is a very successful Charity for everyone in our county for many years to come too.

I first became involved with Headway Worcestershire in 2019 as a volunteer, a role that felt like a natural fit after my career in neuroscience nursing. It quickly became evident how vital this charity is in supporting individuals with acquired brain injuries.

In 2022, I was invited to join the board and become part of a diverse and dedicated team of directors, guiding the charity through its ongoing journey.

My weekly volunteer visits allow me to work directly with clients, witnessing first hand the vital work the entire team provides daily, while deepening my understanding of the complex challenges that acquired brain injuries present.

Nick French is a highly experienced leadership coach and founder of Ceniril Coaching, dedicated to empowering small business owners and leaders. He brings extensive practical experience from the food service, retail, and builders merchant industries, including working director and board-level roles.

In his role as a trustee, Nick taps into his “critical friend” methodology to support Headway Worcestershire in its strategic journey, offering perspectives and guidance where needed, and supporting the leadership team’s vision. Having supported numerous charitable causes, Nick has been drawn to Headway by its intimacy and inclusive culture.

I am Marcel Torrent, universally known as Sven. I am an engineer of 30+ years experience working in various industries across the world, the last 13 years I have worked at Worcester Bosch. I first found Headway Worcestershire when my wife, Melanie, had a sub-arachnoid haemorrhage. During her time in hospital I turned to Headway to ask for advice and support in preparing for her homecoming, what to expect and what changes I may need to make when Mel came home. Once she was home Headway were there to support us with things like sorting out Mel’s PIP and Blue Badge. Of course the biggest help that Headway have given us is the Wellbeing Centre that Mel attends on a Monday and Friday.

I wanted to become a trustee of Headway to give something back to the charity. They have helped both Mel and I and I felt that by being a trustee I would in some way pay back the huge support that have given Mel and myself. I look forward to supporting the charity in all its endeavours over the coming years.

EVERYDAY

10am - 3pm

The Mill
Gregory's Mill Street
Worcester
WR3 8BA

MONDAY

9.30am - 2.00pm

Aztec Adventure Centre
(opposite Webbs)
Upton Warren
Bromsgrove
B61 7ER

MONDAY

9.30am - 2.30pm

Wallace House
Community Centre
Oat Street
Evesham
WR11 4PJ

THURSDAY

9.30am - 2.30pm

The Severns Club,
Lickhill Rd,
Stourport-on-Severn
DY13 8SB

ABOUT US

Registered Charity Number 702490

Company Registration Number 02443464 (England and Wales)

Affiliated to Headway – the brain injury association
Registered Charity Number 1025852

CONTACT

Headway Worcestershire
The Mill, Gregory’s Mill Street
Worcester WR3 8BA

Telephone: 01905 729729
Email: enquiries@hwtl.org.uk

LINKS

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