July 5th, 2025 – What a fantastic day we had at Headway Leicester for our Summer Open Day this year! With glorious British sunshine beaming down, we welcomed family, friends, and the wider community to celebrate everything that makes Headway House such a special place.
The day was a vibrant mix of celebration, connection, and community spirit, made even more special by the unveiling of our newly transformed garden and accessible patio area. It was also a chance to raise vital funds for our next project—a new greenhouse—as part of our ongoing mission to create a healing, inclusive space for all and thanks to everyone who came and donated we raised £790!
A Garden to Be Proud Of
At the heart of the day was the grand reveal of our newly designed community garden, a highlight of our Bloom After Brain Injury Project.
Thanks to the incredible craftsmanship and generosity of George Knight Brickwork and Chris Toone, the new sandstone patio, framed with sleepers and raised beds, looked stunning in the sunshine. These beds are filled with competitive sunflower-growing attempts by our ever-enthusiastic members!
This transformation was made possible by generous funding from Blaby District Council and The National Lottery, who have supported us over the past two years. The garden is not just a place of growth—it’s a space for learning, conservation, joy, and above all, connection.
A special mention goes to Nina Simms, our RHS-qualified gardener, whose dedication and vision have brought this project to life. Nina’s role, fully funded by our Awards for All grant, has been central to creating this beautiful, welcoming environment.
Games, Guests, and Good Company
Of course, we didn’t just admire the garden from afar—we got stuck in with garden games, laughter, and plenty of cups of tea. The friendly competition was fierce, with Cllr. Zuffar Haq (Evington) and local businesses joining in the fun. A special shout-out to Nicola and Connie from Affinity Law, who embraced the challenge of every game with impressive enthusiasm!
We were also delighted to welcome Gemma’s pony, Foxy, who spent the day patiently soaking up attention from visitors of all ages—a truly memorable highlight.
Gratitude for a Community Effort
Events like this don’t happen without an incredible team effort. Our heartfelt thanks go to the entire Headway Leicester staff, whose tireless preparation ensured everything looked fantastic and ran smoothly. Their warmth, creativity, and dedication shine not just on Open Day, but all year round.
Thanks also to Yasmin Patel from East Leicester Medical Practice, who wowed us with an array of delicious cakes and generously volunteered her time. Chelsea, our talented face painter, brought plenty of colour and joy to the day, and Rabia’s wonderful family and friends gifted us with beautiful henna designs in memory of their beloved mother and gave many people ‘forget me not’ seeds too—a deeply touching gesture.
A Celebration of Community and Togetherness
Our Summer Open Day was more than an event—it was a celebration of who we are at Headway Leicester: a community built on support, inclusion, and shared joy. Opening our doors to the public is an important part of what we do, and our members and volunteers were proud to share stories of how we “do life together.”