Celebrating Volunteers - Gill

Celebrating the Volunteers Who Make Our Community Stronger

Spotlight on Gill, Vice Chair and Long‑Standing Volunteer

At Headway Huddersfield & District, our volunteers are the heartbeat of everything we do. They bring warmth, stability, humour, and compassion to every drop‑in session, outing, and event. Their support helps brain injury survivors, families, and carers across Calderdale and Kirklees feel understood, connected, and valued.

Today, we’re sharing the story of one of our dedicated volunteers: Gill, our Vice Chair and a Speech and Language Therapist with Rose Speech Therapy who has been part of Headway Huddersfield & District since January 2018.

How Gill First Became Involved

Gill first heard about Headway through the people she worked with—survivors who spoke about the support they received and the difference it made to their lives. Their experiences inspired her to get involved herself.

“I had heard people talk about Headway and the support they got, so I wanted to be involved.”

Eight years later, she remains a central part of our community.

What Volunteering Has Meant to Her

For Gill, the friendships and shared laughter are at the heart of her experience.

“We genuinely have a great group of people and I love it when we all get together.”

Her time with Headway has also shaped her professional life, giving her deeper insight into the long‑term realities of living with a brain injury.

“I’ve learned so much more about living with a brain injury long after rehab has stopped. It’s given me great perspective and (I hope) made me better at my job.”

A Community That Supports Each Other

Gill’s favourite memories reflect the inclusiveness that defines Headway Huddersfield & District. Her children have joined in with Boccia sessions—something she remembers with a smile.

But she also recalls moments when the support flowed both ways.

“At the end of 2018, when I was going through some personal issues and my dad was being treated for cancer, the members and committee helped me. People checked in and that was lovely. It was similar in lockdown too—everyone looks out for each other.”

This sense of mutual care is what makes our community so special.

Why Gill Recommends Volunteering

Gill’s message to anyone considering volunteering with us is simple:

“I would absolutely recommend volunteering—you get so much more out of it than you put in.”

Her experience reflects what so many of our volunteers tell us: that giving time to Headway is not just meaningful, but rewarding, uplifting, and full of connection.

Join Our Volunteer Community

We are always looking for people who want to make a difference—whether by helping at drop‑in sessions, supporting members on outings, or contributing skills behind the scenes.

Volunteering with Headway Huddersfield & District means becoming part of a community that looks out for one another, celebrates small victories, and creates moments of joy and belonging.

If Gill’s story has inspired you and you’d like to learn more about volunteering, we’d love to hear from you.

Here is Gill pictured on the left