Headway’s pool therapy re-opens
The swimming pool which is an excellent therapeutic facility for patients was damaged during the April floods.
ELEVEN challenging months at Headway-Natal have yielded great results as the revamp of the centre’s swimming pool is over and patients can again receive Aquatherapy sessions. The pool was severely damaged by the April 2022 Floods.
Headway-Natal is a non-profit rehabilitation centre assisting survivors of acquired brain injury, stroke victims and those caring for them.
A person’s way of life can change in a matter of minutes. Sadly, it is not only the person who has survived the devastation of a stroke or brain injury whose life changes overnight.
Also read: Headway-Natal empowers its members
Their families also have to deal with upheaval in their own lives as they learn to manage with the impairment of their loved one’s mental faculties, loss of movement and speech.
Headway’s chairman Ian Vowles said the pool and outside area were a complete mess after the flood. Headway is grateful to everyone who worked tirelessly to complete this mission.
Manager Colleen Marais said the past two to three years have been incredibly challenging. Firstly, their daily running was halted due to the Covid lockdown restrictions, and just as things started to get back to normal, the swimming pool was damaged. The heated pool is an excellent therapeutic facility for patients whose movement is compromised.
Colleen said she was thankful for the commitment of the dedicated contractors, staff, and volunteers who made sure the revamping process went smoothly.
She said it is such a joy to see the patients back in the pool. Headway’s patients come once or twice a week for therapy. There is also a fully equipped gym as an alternative to the pool.
Group sessions are offered in the form of exercise classes and skills groups, such as cooking, woodwork and fabric painting.
Also read: 12 Home swimming pool safety advice for all parents
Headway has also got a charity shop on their premises which is run by volunteers. Donations of any good quality items are gratefully receive, and sold in the charity shop to raise funds in order to continue their service to the community.
The shop is open from Monday to Thursday from 09:00 to 13:00. The centre is situated at 11 Menston Road, Westville.
For further information, contact 031 266 2709.
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