Pamela Bell, 37, is one of just three people from across the UK in the running for the title of Volunteer of the Year at the national brain injury awards ceremony organised by Headway – the brain injury association.
The accolade, sponsored by Anthony Gold Solicitors, will be presented by double Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell at the star-studded ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel in London.
Pamela first began working with local people affected by brain injury after she graduated from Belfast’s Queen’s University in 2015, and decided she wanted to use her talent to inspire and support others during their rehabilitation.
After seeing first-hand the devastating impact brain injury can have upon individuals and their families, Pamela did not hesitate to offer her skills for free.
The graduate, who works as a customer services advisor, frequently travels for up to three hours across Northern Ireland to deliver complimentary drama therapy sessions to members of Headway, a charity that supports people affected by brain injury.
The drama activities often range from simple warm-up exercises and bean bag games to help improve concentration and regain lost skills after brain injury through to creating improvised scenarios to encourage creativity from the members.
Sessions at Headway Ballymena, a local branch of the charity, saw one service user keeping up with popular culture by drawing upon their love of food to recreate The Great British Bake Off tent.
"I am overwhelmed everyday by the incredible strength of Headway's service users," said Pamela. "To be praised for something that I take enormous pleasure from doing is a lovely surprise and real privilege.
"Quite often after brain injury, individuals struggle with issues ranging from limited mobility and co-ordination difficulties to hidden effects such as poor concentration and lack of confidence and social skills. It is wonderful to see my drama therapy sessions helping to build the communication skills and self-esteem of the Headway members.
"I originally began volunteering with mental health and stroke patients, and the significant value of drama giving a voice and purpose to vulnerable people quickly became clear.
"Our sessions at Headway usually start with an opportunity for the members to share their thoughts and worries about their daily lives after brain injury. This talking therapy element helps to relax the members and can play a fundamental role in their rehabilitation."
Pamela’s nomination was made even more special as it was Headway member and stroke survivor, Peter McDaid, who put her forward for the award.
“Pamela is an invaluable asset who has an exceptional talent of encouraging even the shyest characters to engage in group activities,” said Peter, who recently helped launch Headway’s latest groups in Foyle and Strabane.
“Her sessions are invaluable to our groups in terms of building self-esteem and she engages exceptionally well with those diagnosed with a brain injury, their families and carers. She always arrives early with a smile and a positive attitude that inspires confidence and improves the wellbeing of us all.
“It is wonderful that she chooses to use her knowledge gained at Queen’s University to selflessly give back to the community in the most touching way. Pamela is an inspiringly positive person to have in our lives and we really believe she deserves recognition for her amazing volunteering efforts.”
Each year, Headway Annual Awards celebrates the exceptional efforts of survivors of brain injury and their carers. Pamela will discover if she is to be named Volunteer of the Year at a glittering ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel, in London, on Friday 16 December. Awards for Achiever and Carer of the Year will also be presented, alongside the Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award.
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