Our history
The Dean Neurological Centre is a highly specialised unit which provides care for around 60 adults of all ages, who have experienced a traumatic brain injury, or long-term neurological conditions. Often the centres’ residents experience complex physical, cognitive or and/or behavioural problems. The residents may stay for weeks, months or years, dependent on their needs and wishes.
There are very few places in the UK which provide long term, specialised 24-hour nursing care and rehabilitation for persons over 18 with such complex needs. Although owned by Elysium Healthcare, part of Ramsay Health Care, most residents at The Dean Neurological Centre are funded by statutory services such as the NHS or Social Care.
Each centre has a large team of Carers, Nurses, Therapists, Activities Coordinators and other supporting staff, whose task it is to provide specialised nursing, care, and therapy with the aim of maximising functional potential and quality of life, within a homely environment.
In 2019, a small group of residents’ family members and friends decided that it was time to increase awareness of the work of the centre and to raise funds which might be used to improve the lives of those who reside there. To achieve these aims, we first formed an Unincorporated Charitable Organisation (UCO) and began fund raising.
We have been incredibly successful raising more than £9,000. On reaching that target, it became necessary by law to become a fully registered charity. This was quite a long and arduous task, but we have done it and we are now a Registered Charity -Charity number – 1198515
As the new Friends of The Dean (FoTD), we have seven enthusiastic Trustees, now raring to go with the real work of helping our residents. We always need extra pairs of hands so if you have any skills or time to offer, please get in touch with us.
How we raise funds
Raising over £9,000 in only 2 years is quite an achievement for a small group. We could not have done this without the support of friends, families and staff within the centre.
Here are some of the things we have done so far:
- Supported key staff and friends who have given up their time, to take part in fundraising events such as marathons
- Organised themed fancy dress parties which have included tombolas, raffles, superb music gigs, and much more
- Started a tuck shop to provide soft drinks, confectionary and toiletries
All fundraising ideas and offers of help from residents, family, and friends are welcome. Now that we are a registered charity you can set up a Just Giving page on our behalf and help us claim Gift Aid on all donations.
How we spend funds
So far, we have purchased a BBQ for use for all occasions and we will be transforming the garden areas into sensory gardens.
Thanks to everyone involved
FoTD is unique in that it could not exist without the support from the management and staff The Dean Neurological Centre.
There is not enough space to list all the individuals from families and friends who support FoTD. We would like to say a big thank you to everyone.