Headstart NewsLink Dec 2022

The Headstart Acquired Brain Injury Services commenced in 1987 and is recognised as a premier provider of specialist services for people with an ABI in the Hunter and Central Coast region. Headstart provides individually tailored services across community access, in home support, life skills, social, leisure and recreational services, case co-ordination, and community information and education.

95 Turnbull Street, Hamilton NSW 2303 P 02 4965 4420 F 02 4965 4424 E info@headstart-abi.com.au W www.headstart-abi.com.au

ABN 75057986026 I CFN 13046

Headstart ABI Services is a registered provider under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Our Vision

For people living with brain injury to have opportunities that strengthen and enrich their lives.

Our Purpose

To make a difference in the lives of people touched by brain injury by providing opportunities and inspiring hope.

Leadership

Executive Director: Sue McHattie

Manager Service and Supports: Kesley Skippen Finance Manager: Therese Paksi HR Lead: Katherine Fitzgerald Quality Lead: Bronwyn Doherty Office Administration: Kathy Provost Marketing Lead: Andy Meier

Now you can read NewsLink online with Issuu! If you aren’t on our email list then let us know. What kind of stories or information would you like to see in NewsLink? Do you have some great stories or photos? We’d love to hear from you! Email Andy at our office: comms@headstart-abi.com.au

From the ED’s Desk

Ihave heard it said that Christmas isn’t just a day, it can be a frame of mind. How true, because a spirit of joy and generosity is something we can all benefit from the other 364 days of the year.

One of our consumers who embodies a generous Christmas spirit is Ray, a stroke survivor who is always giving back. Ray is always on the lookout for ways to help others. Thanks for all your tireless work, well done Ray! (see opposite page).

Some very good news is that the Board have purchased the property directly behind us in Darling St which has been in our sights for many years. We are currently arranging all things needed to make it a functional office space as soon as possible, hopefully from February. Read about a wonderful initiative from Mortels and consumer Dave, facilitated by Coworker Kate. In this bumper edition we have a few more faces to introduce you to as we welcome new staff (see pg 4). Under Nikki’s supportive leadership the Rec group has had a fantastic year. The highlights start on pg 26 and also for weekly updates check out our Facebook page.

Check out Lawson’s Story (pg 12), a video produced by his father Phillip for a real insight into the impact of ABI in Lawson’s family. You’ll be inspired!

I recently found a pic (see below) from 1997 after we bought the Turnbull St house and some of us got up and sang “Twelve days of Christmas” with words re-written for Headstart. It sure takes me back!

So I want to sincerely wish you a Merry Christmas, and a happy 2023. Look out for one another over the coming time, be kind, and please reach out if you’re lonely or need any help.

Till next year... keep smiling. It makes all the difference!! - Sue

Ray keeps shining

In November, Ray participated in the Stride 4 Stroke as part of the I-REBOUND team, made up of university stroke researchers and others living with stroke. The goals were to promote the importance of regular exercise in preventing strokes, raise money to fund services for those living with stroke, and also assist with research into stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Challenge activities included walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming. Individually Ray smashed his $1000 goal and raised $1054, taking the team tally to $5,238. Top job Ray!

Pg 22

Exopulse Mollii Suit Trials

“I-REBOUND is an initiative I have been involved with, working with other stroke survivors, university researchers, and The Stroke Foundation.

I think your consumers, also including those with different brain injuries, would find it very useful. It will be filled with information, tips, and tricks to help stroke survivors, and the greater community, to rebound into a healthy lifestyle and stay there!” - Ray

Are

a female carer of a stroke survivor?

Researchers from the University of Newcastle are conducting the FoCCuS4HEART project, which seeks to work with informal female carers of stroke survivors to develop a program that will enable carers to self-manage their emotional and cardiovascular health while undertaking their caregiving duties.

This project requires a deep understanding of the physical and emotional strain caused by being a carer to a stroke survivor, and your participation (via workshops and surveys either in-person or via an online platform) would be very helpful in ensuring that the program we develop is best tailored to meet your needs and the needs of other carers such as yourself.

The research is running until mid 2023 so there’s plenty of time to jump on board from the start of the new year!

Recruitment criteria: Females aged 18 years and over, who speak English and provide informal care to a stroke survivor are invited to participate. Informal care refers to a person such as a spouse, family member, and/ or friend who cares for a stroke survivor.

What are the benefits? You will be helping provide information that will guide the development of a program that will help current and future female carers take care of their emotional and physical health.

Contact information: If you are interested in participating, please feel free to contact the research team at FoCCuS4HEARTproject@newcastle.edu.au or get in touch with Principal Investigator Dr Heidi Janssen at heidi.janssen@health.nsw.gov.au or via phone (02) 4921 4037.

Say G’day to Headstart’s newest team members

Finance Assistant

Kylee

Renae

I grew up near Newcastle but lived on the South coast for 20 years. I have always worked in jobs supporting people to get jobs, in mental health and women’s health. All my jobs have been case management and leadership roles. I have been doing TAFE and Uni courses as well because I like to learn. Being a Co-worker at Headstart is great because I get to help people live the life they want! I love the outdoors, going for walks with friends, looking at art, listening to live music and of course a good coffee.

Get to know Renae

Favourite food: Vietnamese or Thai.

Favourite movie: Any live music acoustic or a band, LOVE Foo Fighters!!

Favourite band/music: Almost everything except heavy metal. Favourite hobby: Reading and going for walks.

Favourite place on earth: A garden with lots of trees, plants and grass or the beach. Italy is cool too.

If you could be any animal? A bird. Craziest/silliest thing you’ve done: Travel around Europe on my own. Three words to describe you: Kind and empathetic.

Describe your first week at Headstart: My first few weeks have been great! Headstart team are all awesome!!!! I love meeting and getting to know everyone.

I’m an extremely proud Mum to two beautiful boys, Jacob 12 and Josh 10. They keep me busy, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, a day at the beach, a weekend away, and listening to live music.

I studied at the University of Newcastle doing a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in both Financial and Management accounting. After more than two decades of not studying, I decided to commence my PA (Certified Public Accountant), I know crazy, what was I thinking, anyway I am halfway through and determined to finish.

I have worked in several industries including hospitality, healthcare, retail plus many more.

Get to know Kylee

Favourite food: Anything Italian.

Favourite movie: Inside Out. Favourite band/music: Keith Urban. Favourite sport/team: Knights. Favourite cartoon character: Winnie the Pooh.

Favourite hobby: Craft (Quilting, cross-stitch and sewing).

Favourite place on earth: Tasmania. If you could be any animal? Koala.

If you could meet someone famous? Keith Urban.

Craziest/silliest thing you’ve done: Bought a brand-new car before I even had a licence!

Three words to describe you: Hard-working, reliable and respectful.

Aimee Support Coordinator

Hi everyone!

I moved to Lake Macquarie from Hornsby in September last year and have been enjoying exploring Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, there are so many beautiful places!

In my free time I usually play board games, go bushwalking, spend time with my family, cuddle my cat and go out for a meal and drinks with my husband and friends.

I’ve been working in the disability sector for 4 years, starting off as a support worker in SIL and then moving into leadership roles. I love being able to work with people and couldn’t imagine doing anything else!

Get to know Aimee

Favourite food: Chicken Teriyaki Donburi or Pizza.

Favourite movie: The Greatest Showman. Favourite band/music: Ed Sheeran, A Great Big World, Avril Lavigne, Jesse Bloch and Timmy Trumpet.

Favourite sport/team: I don’t follow sports, but I loved basketball as a child. Favourite cartoon character: My 2 nieces love Bluey, so I think my favourite would be Bandit (the dad).

Favourite hobby: Arts and crafts.

Favourite place on earth: Tivua Island in Fiji.

If you could be any animal? Cat. If you could meet someone famous? Hugh Jackman or Ed Sheeran.

Craziest/silliest thing you’ve done: I shaved my head for the Worlds Greatest Shave in 2014.

Three words to describe you: Thoughtful, flexible and friendly. Describe your first week at Headstart: It was great, the Headstart team are very welcoming and kind. I’m looking forward to settling into the Co-worker role and meeting more people!

Support Coordinator

Boots and all

It’s summer and you may be thinking “I don’t need Ugg boots now.” Well, read on and you might change your mind when you hear what our consumer Dave has to say about his Custom Mortels Ugg boots.

osh is the new manager of Mortels and he’s made up some brand new boots for Dave to help reduce his pressure wounds,” shares Kate. “Other things he is able to create for people with disability are boots to fit over AFOs, barriers to fit under AFO’s for reducing pressure wounds, sheepskin wheelchair seating covers to reduce slipping and barriers to also reduce pressure wounds. Josh is clearly very passionate about helping as many people as possible.”

Josh explains, “I spoke with Dave for about an hour and I really got to understand his needs. Upon review I changed the way I thought about his product. While I think what we’d created originally was good, this new version is ten times better because of our collaboration. We both live in Lambton so I decided to take them over to him and fit them to his foot myself. Dave is such a genuine gentleman and it’s been a real pleasure to help him!”

“While we’ve been NDIS providers for 12 years it’s only now an area that I’m focusing on growing and promoting.

I know I’m still learning, but I haven’t yet been presented with a with a client or an issue that we haven’t been able to help. I’ve got a team of 15 people here and we all work together to come up with solutions for our customers. We can make up a set of custom boots in one to two days on average, with totally bespoke new items taking perhaps a couple of weeks.”

“Whether for NDIS or other customers, our tiered pricing is the same and fully transparent, with the first tier being for our standard range to the fourth tier being the highest custom level, and may need special fitting around an orthotic for example. We offer Laybuy and also payment plans like Afterpay too which most people prefer as they can have their product right away rather than wait several weeks.” www.mortels.com.au

’ve got two pairs now, thanks to Josh,” says Dave. “They’re fantastic! There’s no hard sole on them so they’re nice and soft around the heel where my foot problem is. I’ve got bandages and pressure stockings on my feet day and night for my pressure wounds.

When I go to bed at night I’ve got no-one to take them off for me, so I can just sleep with these on because they’re so soft and comfortable. Other crappy brands are nylon and polyester, so you sweat and it makes the infections worse. But because these are sheepskin I can wear them in summer, they insulate me and keep me cool. My feet don’t heat up and that’s good for the wound healing.

Now Josh is making a big mattress underlay for my bed and a seat cover for the back of my wheelchair. They’re so good for relieving pressure, it’s going to be amazing. The natural product is great, no sweating at all.”

Watch a 3 min video of Kate talking with Josh in more detail. Scan QR code with your phone or visit vimeo.com/776121292

“J

“I

Headstart CoWorker Kate met up with Josh Mortel recently.

Dave’s new boots were personally delivered by Josh in November.

“Food is the highlight of my Christmas for sure! Plus a few Bacardi Breezers. I’ll be staying at home with my housemate and we’ll have ham, pasta salad and all sorts of stuff. Definitely deviled eggs!”

- Jay

“It’s all about family, and being thankful to God for another year in our lives. My brain surgery happened just before Christmas in 2005 and so I appreciate every Christmas as a blessing.”

- Imelda

Christmas Quotes

“Christmas is about getting together with family. I’m one of four kids and my mum and dad. We go to mass, then come home and unwrap the presents. It’s the same every year. We tend to eat lots of chocolate!”

- Melitta

“Christmas is a happy, joyful time of the year. Seeing the kids faces with the presents and Santa is just great. It brings a smile to my face every time! We do a family Christmas eve dinner and then a Christmas Day breakfast. So a food coma and sleep for the rest of the day. Wake up, eat more, sleep, eat, repeat. “

- Dayne

“Di (my support worker) will be with me for Christmas day and she’s got a surprise planned for me! Otherwsie I love meeting people at parties and all the festivities makes everyone happy. I don’t miss the cold Canadian Christmas, this is my home now!”

- Kaley

“I am looking forward to Christmas but it costs me money! I have two kids, six grandsons and two great grandkids and I’ve got to get them all presents. I love them all but I’m not a zillionaire you know. For the day I’ll go to my daughter’s and see my family.“

- Alfred

“I love Christmas! I’ll be seeing my sister, brother in law, niece and nephews in Gwandalan. We get together hand out presents and spend time with the whole family together. “

-

Rodney

“On Christmas day we walk to the end of the street and visit friends, which is what we’ve done for nearly ten years now! There’s five of us including my husband, so it’s a special time for family and friends. I love everything about Christmas. It’s such a joyous time!“

- Ariane

Christmas BBQ

Jo, Sharon and Christine

Colin and Marion

Teri-Anne with our Central Coast crew

Lauren, Beth, Aimee and Mark (CoWorkers) Nikki and Kynan

Wayne

Pete Dayne, Dom and Kris

Lunchtime!

Georgia and Ron

Bryce and Romeo

Simone and Ray

It’s not a BBQ without snags!

Will and Wayne

Lyn and Kristy

Ariane, Stephanie and Julie

It’s been a couple of years sonce we had a proper big get together, and all who attended had a fab time on Weds 14 Dec!

Christmas Video

Santa, Kynan and Sharyn

...the herald angels sing!

Hannah with Paige, Beth and Heather Trae

Imelda and Santa

Hark...

Taylah and Leah

CoWorker Mark and Jason

Darren Dom’s a winner!

Lisa and Mark

Joel, Brenden and CSW Samantha

Nikki and Aimee

Christmas BBQ

Firing at Brenden!

Taking aim at Brenden...

Darryl

Sue and Teri-Anne

Kaley joins the staff Macarena!

Jeff

It’s

been a

couple of years sonce we had

a

proper big get together, and all who attended had a fab time on Weds 14 Dec!

A year in review

Introducing a snapshot of the Headstart ABI Services annual review for 2021-2022.

The full 28 page report is available to all current Headstart Association Members. Becoming a member is simple and costs only $5.50 annually. By officially “joining” Headstart as a member you are actively being involved in our organisation at a deeper level. Membership is open to anybody and you will have the opportunity to attend the yearly AGM and vote on important topics and decisions.

“Always our main response has been and will continue to be ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our consumers and staff. We started in July 2021 with still a heavy load through covid and restrictions lifting, then not, then the challenge of the continually changing dates for vaccination mandates for all our workers. This stress and uncertainty continued and brought disruption to the lives of our consumers with the ever present exacerbation of covid. Despite this, infection rates remained very low across our organisation for both staff and consumers, which we credit to the determination and care of our staff and our covid management strategies which required 24/7 input from the outset.”

from Chair & CEO Report

Lorraine Blair & Sue McHattie

Excerpt

The nightmare before Christmas

Lawson Rankin had a crash whilst on schoolies in Bali in December 2019. He died on the scene, and his mates brought him back to life. Lawson’s dramatic rescue and remarkable recovery was all over the news and now his ‘halfway story’ has been captured on film.

LAWSON’S STORY

he phone call came at 4am on a Sunday morning and nothing was ever going to be the same,” says Lawson’s father Phillip. “The parents worst nightmare had begun.”

Lawson’s tight group of friends went over to Bali for schoolies celebrations, loving life and living carefree in paradise.

Everything changed a week in when one of Lawson’s mates had his phone stolen and the thief zoomed off on a scooter into the dark. Lawson sped off in pursuit through Bali’s backstreets and his mates followed behind.

Things didn’t look good when they found a smashed red helmet lying on the grass. Further on, lying in a dirty open drain was Lawson, face down in the water. They pulled their blue and bloodied friend lifeless out of the drain and started some basic CPR. When Lawson coughed up some water they were relieved that he was alive, but he was only barely clinging to life.

As insane as it sounds, I see that accident was meant for me. I can see myself in the future doing such great things.

- Lawson (from the film)

“The plane had 20 minutes to get down, get Lawson on the plane, and get off the ground. But even getting to the plane was dangerous, with Lawson literally on life support in an Indonesian ambulance. We had to all go through customs, and anything could have stopped us at any time.” - Phillip (from the film)

In 2022, Lawson’s father created a documentary film to tell the dramatic, incredible and inspiring story of Lawson’s survival and rescue in a 26 min doco film. Today Lawson continues his recovery with deep appreciation to all of his family, friends, supporters and the medical teams that believed he could survive. This halfway story has been three years in the making and Lawson has totalled over 5,000 hours of rehab.

Scan QR code to watch on a smartphone or search for “Lawson’s Story” on Youtube.

“T

FILM PRODUCED BY PHILLIP RANKIN & GLENN LEAHY

Watch Lawson’s Story (26 mins)

A father with passion and purpose

A Redhead family man, Phillip Rankin is the founder of Balance Energy Australia. He couldn’t have known at t he start that his discovery would play a role in helping one of his sons recover from a serious ABI.

An RBTI biochemical analysis involves a urine and saliva assessment to determine the internal state of a person’s body. Phillip’s business is www.balanceenergyaustralia.com

discovered the Reams Biological Theory of Ionization (RBTI) over ten years ago. It started out just with a personal interest for my own health after going through a tragedy and some difficulties in my own life. I just wanting to look after number one. When people say health is important, I respond with “OK, show me our diary”. I never really honored or respected my health until it was one of the last things I had left in life. The instruments gave me analytical data with results that I could trust. So I went down the rabbit hole. I found something that I really enjoyed which was a truthful insight into how far away from perfect health the body chemistry can be. When I found this test, I really enjoyed it for myself. Then people started asking questions: “What are you doing to get all this energy?” “Why do you look so good?” So I dug deeper and travelled to the United States three times to meet the best practitioners in the world.

When I began I had no idea how to change the numbers, but fast forward and I’ve designed a simple system, assembled various test kits and developed software that I now teach online to individuals and practitioners globally. The numbers go into the software and then it’s about correcting hydration and improving diet through nutrition and mineral supplementation on a consistent basis. In

essence what it means is to live in a way that I think we all know best: good food, good hydration, good rest, good exercise. Over time I’ve learned a lot about having the right amount of intake at the right time, whether it’s hydration or lowering foods that are too high in salts or too high in sugars. I now work with people’s lifestyle health issues, elite athletes such as Super 8 race car drivers, pro surfers, archers and football players. Some of them actually over hydrate.

When I first tested Lawson in ICU Bali, he had the highest numbers that I’ve ever seen. This was after over ten years and thousands of tests. It was frightening because Lawson was chronically dehydrated. Back in Sydney I alerted the ICU doctors who had no idea of my testing mechanism. I was basically testing urine samples every few hours, and while it was unusual for a hospital to allow this, they agreed when I explained that I was just checking his fluids. I sat with Dr Gordon Flynn, Intensive Care Specialist at Sydney’s Prince of Wales Hospital and demonstrated Lawson’s numbers, along with the changes over a few weeks as as we brought his hydration to the “healing zone”.

By the time I left we left POW Hospital after three weeks, Dr. Flynn, said, “Phillip get

“I

this in every hospital in the world.”

Phillip checking Lawson’s hydration

“I’m so proud and completed as a father with three incredible sons. Lawson’s one of those sons. His determination and his willingness to do the best with what he’s got is all that a parent could wish for.”

- Phillip

I was then teaching health professionals about hydration, and this continued when we moved Lawson up to Newcastle. Essentially we reduced Lawson’s food and increased his water. It’s no different if you’ve got a brain injury, a broken arm, want lose weight or simply fatiguedwe hould all have consistent and correct hydration. High salt and dehydration is a huge factor it not allowing the body to recovery.

Dr. Janet Schultz from Brisbane is doing a case study on Lawson’s rehydration, and I’m hoping that shortly we’ll have a paper published.

The enormity of the impact on the community of just one accident is mind boggling. It’s incredible to think that Headstart would have hundreds of stories, all different yet all life changing.

A lot of things aren’t mentioned in Lawson’s video because it would go on too long. There are literally hundreds of people behind Lawson’s - and no doubt every person’s - recovery from a brain injury: friends, family, health practitioners, support workers and far more. There’d be at least 5,000 people affected in some way by Lawson’s accident, with many named in the film credits. Sure, Lawson wouldn’t be here without his attitude and self belief, but he also wouldn’t be here without so many people helping him along the way. We are so grateful.

To people reading this article: everything you do matters. Never give up!

I think the real measure of our society is how well people that can look after themselves look after those who can’t. That’s our measure. Not GDP.

I believe that people’s struggles are less about mental health or depression and more about them having no direction and nobody to help them along the way. With no support around them and no one to pick them up to visit the beach or spend time to create a purpose. Then people start telling themselves they can’t. So before people start trending towards a negative bias, support people can ask: “What are you doing today? Not much? All right, see 3pm and we’ll go do this or do that.” I’ve experienced it with Lawson. Instead of focusing on what is lost, focus on what people can do.

I think that Headstart is magic in a box. It’s an incredible avenue for young people to get connected to others in need. Most people have got an inner gift of sharing and caring, and all of a sudden they can go walk and talk with someone, hold their hand or push their wheels and take them on the Nobbys walk and be of service.

The secret to life is to happy is to be happy and useful.

- Dalai Lama & Phillip Rankin So while Headstart is a service for disabilities, it’s a service for people first. It’s easy for us to understand this now because of Lawson. As an older person looking at Headstart I see that while they specialise in brain injury it’s first and foremost a service for human beings.

I don’t know what life would be like without them. I think if you’d asked someone a few decades ago they’d say “lonely,” or “no direction”. There was no real intelligence on what brain injury is and isn’t. Basically, we were told if this had happened twenty or more years ago Lawson would be ‘warehoused’ or put aside. That’s a harsh term, I know.

Even today, the terminology is scary. It’s frightening for a parent to hear that their child is potentially never going to walk or talk again. It’s enormously confronting until you get out of the hospitals and you get into the care system and it feels like the sun just came up. There are people to help you move forwards and ask “What do you want to do? What are your goals?” I mean who asked someone with a brain injury these questions thirty years ago?

Initially Joel (CoWorker) came out and spent time with Lawson to really understand him. I know it’s important to look at every critical point in the healing process, and everything is a critical point. The potential of getting the match with the right support worker can change someone’s life, literally. The way that Headstart support workers look at the client or act towards the client is about making their life normal. They’re working for them and at the same time they’re caring for them respectfully.

I think the whole world’s attitude is changing thanks to people like Sue, Joel, and the support workers who have actually connected into Lawson’s heart and soul for his development as a human being instead of just the brain injury.”

Lawson’s life tips

Life is ALL about good habits.

Start to make good habits right now. I think the most important habit to start is to always be an active person and never be lazy. Once again do not take me literally. When I say an “active” person, I do not mean a person that does physical activities. I mean a person that is willing to go to the moon and back to train for their goals, and the thought about giving up doesn’t even cross their mind once. If you train yourselves to not be lazy people and to not give up at working towards your goals, I promise, you will succeed in life. I give 110% effort towards my goals.

Mindset is everything.

My father showed me a video clip, and it talked about how powerful the mind really is. It subconsciously cannot tell the difference between fact and fiction. I just thought to myself, “of course it can, the mind is not that silly”. But the next moment was incredible. The clip then said imagine yourself with a lemon in your hand. Genuinely believe that there is one there. Then take a bite from it like you do with an apple. I was amazed. My face just squinted, and my mouth started to fill with saliva as it does normally with sour food.

I had a stumble on one of my walks and I was put down very softly with one of my physios. It was basically a fall in super slow-mo. We don’t really like to count

that as a fall because it really was not a fall. It was just my physio lowering me down to the floor and being a comfy cushion under me. Honestly, I was so disappointed with myself but my physio ended up saying look on the bright side. I just lied down on the floor and I was thinking that there would only be a bright side if there was $5 on the ground.

My excuse for being on the ground was that I saw money on the floor and I just had to get my hands on it. She was saying that “falls” are actually good because you now know what you need to work on and how to get yourself back up. Find something positive in every fall. I do find that difficult but now I see it, they show you exactly what you need to work on.

Appreciate tough experiences.

Because that is where I’ve learned the most. It doesn’t only teach you about life itself, but they also teach you about who you truly are.

The hard times have delivered to me what I have to be to be my true self. They also deliver to each individuals their true self.

You can either choose to take the easy way out and give up. Or keep a level head and keep chipping away at it. They also make the good times feel so much better. Like for example, the corona virus, you did not truly realise how much you took the “normal life” for granted. Just

imagine when this whole virus is over. I predict people will just be walking around streets in groups of more than 2 people with less than 1.5 metres between them, they will all be walking in an ecstatic joy that will be more contagious than the virus itself.

Tough experiences also deliver each individuals their true self.

You can choose to take the easy way out and give up. If you do that you will try to make an excuse for why you gave up. Get that out of your system as quickly as you can. You have absolutely no one else to blame other than yourself for that shocking attitude. Like the experience I am going through right now. It is SO easy for me to say that I’m in this because of that man that took the phone, but, I strongly choose not to. I do not even partially agree with that. I am in this only because of me. No one else. You could say “yeah but what if he didn’t take that phone”, but he did. That’s all that matters.

Don’t accept the easy way out. Just completely focus on the now. I know this is hard, but I just cannot even fathom how powerful it is. Don’t think about the future. The future will come. How good your future is going to be is only the product of what you do right now. Ask yourself what do you need to do RIGHT NOW to succeed and do your best.

he did. That’s all that matters.

Lawson, what are your goals for the future?

Don’t accept the easy way out. Just completely focus on the now. I know this is hard, but I just cannot even fathom how powerful it is. Don’t t

I’m studying Commerce part time at Uni. I see myself building my business and I hope to take it around the world. My Dad and I are already in talks with professors and colleges in the US. I want to base the package around the things that have worked for me, and along the road I’ll find out what works for others. It’s about learning from other people as I grow my business, but ultimately it’s about helping people with brain injuries and spreading the love.

The business will include some of the machines I’ve discovered on my journey that I think can work for other people. I’ll create a platform based on my own rehab, my diet and supplements and also some mind tricks. Basically all the things I’ve learned.

What do your Headstart support workers mean to you?

They’ve been a massive support early on when I didn’t have my license, helping me get around everywhere, taking me to all my appointments, helping me at the pool, with rehab and things around the house. They were all super nice and we had fun. It was like having a best friend with me all the time!

Written by Lawson and presented to HSC students. These are worth reading!

Christmas smiles with the family in 2020

All Ricki-Lee wants for Christmas is her P’s!

“I’ve been doing lots of driving lately, so I’m very happy!

how far I’ve come, and so am I. Another four or five lessons

“I can’t take my dog on the bus with me anywhere, so I decided it was time to get more independence back. Then I can go to the shops or to appointments without needing someone to take me. I used to drive before my accident so I just thought why not get on the road again?

I spoke to Kellie at Headstart and then Allison, my OT with Lifetime Care who assessed me initially. David, my driving instructor, said I’d need about 15 hours of lessons. I’ve just about had all those lessons and Allison will give me another assessment for a last bunch of hours to help me get to my P’s. She actually sits in the back seat while I drive.

I don’t have a car yet, and I can only get that approved once I’ve got my P’s which I will go for in David’s car.

My eyesight is not the best since my accident so I’ve got to be aware of staying in the lines when I’m driving. The other main thing is to check the blind spot over my shoulder, and keep checking the mirrors. All things I need to get right to get my P’s.

I love it, I get so excited when David tells me I’ve got a lesson, I say “yay!” David is like my daddy. He’s awesome! It’s great to have a driving instructor that I feel so comfortable with, which is a good thing. If I didn’t feel comfortable with him I wouldn’t be as far as I am today. We’re getting our house on fire!

I am feeling confident but we both I know I’m not ready just yet and I still need a few more lessons. We’ll know when that time comes. I love being behind the wheel and it’s all very exciting!” - Ricki-Lee

“Ricki-Lee is excited about making headway in her goal of regaining her license. Back in April, Ricki approached me with the question of how she could go about this goal. Ricki was super excited about the prospect of this new goal and has asked me to assist. I explained to her that the process for regaining a licence would require her to remain seizure free and to start with gaining a medical clearance from her doctor. She would then require an OT to assess her, lessons, car mods etc. I agreed to contact her Case Coordinator and she hasn’t looked back!”

-

Kellie, Headstart CoWorker

“Ricki's done well, she's so focused on it and she’s really come on board with it. She says “Yes this is my goal, this is my aim, this is what I’m doing.”

“All my business does is help people with a disability learn to drive. I’ve got a highly modified car and I’ve also got access to two vans with access for different kinds of wheelchairs so that people can actually drive from the wheelchair. One of the vans can be used to teach quadriplegics to drive. So what I do is pretty specialised and I’m a registered NDIS provider. I’m flat out busy and haven’t got time to scratch myself!”

- David, Arrive Alive Driver Training

David, my driving instructor is very pleased with

and I should be able to get my P’s by January.”

A trip to the tropics

“I’ve always traveled to the Gold Coast so I just wanted to go further north. I’d also never been to Cairns.

It was even more than I hoped it would be! It’s the only place in the world where two World Heritage sites meet. I loved the country we saw and everything there.

There was a bit of nostalgia too as my mum and dad (who are now deceased) had been there with my brother and sister when I was only a tiny baby. So that was another motivation to go.

I like to go on trips and try to do something each year. Early next year it’s hopefully going to be WA.

Milly (my CSW) was great support. She did all the driving of the hire car. I wouldn’t have been able to see what I did without her.

My support workers help me with my day to day organisation back home and even on holiday Milly helped with all the arrangements, booking things and going places as well as keeping me fed. There’s quite a lot of bits and pieces to sort out on holiday actually! It’s good.

My brain injury was caused by two brain bleeds over a couple of years. Hereditary apparently. I’ve got ten aneurysms along my carotid artery. One coiled twice and the other nine have titanium clips on it. I went into hospital in July and got out of rehab in December, so it was six months.

I had family help initially but once I could get myself around and walk that soured pretty quickly. Headstart came in about two months before I moved out. They recognized that where I was staying was detrimental to my health. My time with Headstart has been good. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them. Headstart helped me to see through the complexity of the brain injury. To see that there was hope to go on. When I first moved out from the family home, if it wasn’t for all the Headstart girls and Sue I wouldn’t have survived and would’ve taken my own life. I’m where I am now just through hard work and determination and the help of the girls.

Earlier on in my recovery I was doing all the brain exercises and neuroplasticity and rehab when I was learning to walk and talk again. I just have a very set mindset now.

I’ve even ran a triathlon, so I know that anything’s possible. I believe in healthy body, healthy mind.

At the time of my brain injury I was about to embark on my boat sales business. I live on the Hawkesbury River now and I love the water. My plan within probably six months is to have a big boat and take it up to Far North Queensland.

My goal for the future is to have total independence (and boat!) so that’s what I’m working towards.

Daniel visited Far North Queensland for five days earlier this year, and he shares his experience with us.

Highlights from Daniel’s holiday:

1. CSW Milly and I at Mossman Gorge.

2. Daintree rainforest lookout. We went to the river and the beach while walking through this beautiful place. It’s a world heritage site that meets the ocean.

3. We went hiking to find this spot near CapeTribulation called Masons waterhole - the water was beautiful! My mum and dad actually swam in this when they toured the country.

4. The biggest paperbark tree I’ve ever seen and had to give it a hug. It was massive!

5. Going tropical on the way to Palm Cove had to take a photo of just how beautiful the palm trees looked along the water.

6. Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. Saw some amazing and beautiful sea turtles, fishes and coral.

7. Boat trip out to the Great Barrier Reef for a snorkeling day tour. Spent the whole time enjoying the crystal clear waters and all the sea life.

8. Daintree beach, look a photo of this along our walk in the rainforest.

9. Rock formation statues along the way to Port Douglas. We stopped and made our own as well!

All in a day’s work for Fleur!

Fleur doesn’t remember New Year’s Day in 2004, a day that changed her life forever. Now, it’s very much about living each day as it happens and Fleur makes sure that each one counts.

am a country girl. I love the space. It’s a different feeling when you’re here. It’s beautiful!”

Fleur’s father Peter adds: “She’s a country girl who loves the city! Fleur grew up in the 80’s on our dairy farm. We then had a poultry farm which we since closed. We’ve still got a few cattle.”

Fleur’s brain injury happened in 2004 when she was 25. Our interview was assisted by Fleur’s father due to Fleur’s memory difficulties. “Sometimes she thinks it was a skiing accident but that’s not the case. Fleur was living in Mammoth Mountain in California. It was the morning after a New Year’s Eve party. She went into a diabetic coma and had a cardiac arrest that stopped her heart beating. It was a tragic incident. She’s not diabetic and the doctor’s have never been able to identify the cause. ‘Etiology unknown’ they say.”

“Of course we weren’t there. I got a call from the hospital saying that if we don’t get there fast we may not see her again.“

It was arguably the most traumatic day of our lives.

Sandra and I frantically organised flights as Fleur was Medivaced to Los Angeles.

“We got to LA and our daughter was on a ventilator and in a coma for about ten days. When Fleur came out it she didn’t know where she was. She couldn’t see properly and couldn’t walk properly. They treated her in intensive care for quite some time before she was moved to the Centre for Neuro Skills in Bakersfield which is basically a live in rehab unit. Sandra stayed with Fleur while she had intensive rehab for five or six months: physical therapy, speech

therapy, and more. It was very clear from early on that her memory was absolutely shot and she couldn’t form new memory. The medical bill was astronomical so fortunately her US employer had medical insurance. We would’ve been unable to pay it. In June we were finally able to bring Fleur back to Australia”.

Fleur adds, “It was great to be back in the country but I remember pretty much nothing, unfortunately. I went back home though most of my friends lived in Sydney.”

“Fleur’s memory is good from about six to twelve months before her brain injury, with a reasonably good recall of her early years,” says Peter. “But more recent events are a blank and Fleur finds it very hard to converse on any sort of recent memories.”

While her social skills are excellent - and always wereshe’s got no memory to draw on, so it’s very hard for her.

“Fleur’s global intellect is not as high as it was. She was a very smart girl when she was younger. Physically she had problems in occipital lobes which had to do with spatial awareness and they have largely resolved, interestingly.”

Fleur had been married to an American for about a little over a year when this happened. It’s many years later and she’s now in the drawn out process of a divorce. “Our journey with Headstart began reasonably early on. They were fantastic with Fleur and kind to her. I don’t know what we would have done without them.”

We asked Fleur how her support workers (CSW’s) help out. “I’m not quite sure,” shares Fleur openly. “It’s just good to have someone come and help me out.”

“I

“I’ve been working with Fleur for a long time now. She is very much loved, and she’s such a great help! It’s wonderful to have an extra set of hands to do those time consuming tasks that we don’t always have time for, and I appreciate Fleur’s help with the children’s reading. I think that it’s really good that she gets to interact with people all the time and make conversation. She knows us all pretty well now. Even though she can forget what she’s up to, having the support worker there to assist is helpful.”

Maree,

Year 1 & 2 class teacher Vacy Public School

Her father continues, “Fleur would not remember even going to school. A support worker picks her up here in the morning and they take her up to school three days a week. Vacy School is a little country primary school of about 125 kids where the CSW’s help her carry out her duties as a volunteer teacher’s aide. Fleur does meal prep, pencil sharpening, photocopying and listening to kids read. She works predominantly in one classroom with a teacher named Maree, a delightful lady who’s putting time and effort into making sure Fleur can work using checklists and things.

Support workers are accredited with all the necessary checks and things go into the classroom to help Fleur do her job properly. They don’t just sit in the corner and we encourage them to also be active alongside Fleur.

I’ve been teaching on and off at Vacy School for 20 years. I had retired but now I’m just doing some casual as Fleur and her daughter Abbie are back living with us so the extra income is helpful. Vacy is a very supportive community. I just can’t speak more highly of the way the community have taken Fleur in, helped her out, and given her some meaning and purpose in life for so many years”.

I’ve always really enjoyed working with the younger children alongside a lovely lady called Maree. I also enjoy being around the other teachers.

I love being at the school. - Fleur “It’s a very normal social situation amongst all the staff,” says Peter. “While she may not contribute a lot verbally, Fleur enjoys the banter in the staff

room and it’s good to think she’s doing something with people who aren’t all old like her parents!

Thursday and Friday’s supports are different. CSW’s take Fleur to the gym and to yoga. They may have a bite to eat somewhere and do a few other things. So it’s a little bit of a social outing for Fleur as well. Other times like holidays they’ll go to the movies together or go walking. That gets Fleur outside our home instead of being in our direct care all the time. Fleur is very much a social butterfly and this dramatic change to her life has caused her many friendships to decline over time. This way she has a different outlet as it can otherwise get claustrophobic for her just being home.”

“I like going to the gym in Maitland. I love yoga too. I feel so much better like mentally as well as physically. It just makes me feel good,” shares Fleur.

Peter says, “Since she’s been back living with us she’s probably lost 16 kilos. She’s fit, trim, taut and terrific!

Fleur’s daughter, Abbie was born in 2008 and she’s also now living with us.”

“I like being a mum,” says Fleur, “but it’s a challenge being a mum when you don’t remember many things.”

Peter adds, “They’re very close to each other in a fractured sort of way. They cuddle every day but also fight a bit so it’s an interesting little dynamic.”

We asked Fleur about her goals. “That’s an interesting question,” she responds. “Basically I wish this brain injury would just fix but that’s not going to happen, unfortunately. I want to just keep doing what I’m doing.”

Peter says, “We are working with NDIS to

get some part-time independent living because we want Fleur to spend time with younger people. That’s unlikely until Abbie’s finished high school in four years. Fleur’s condition is one where she comes across perfectly normal at face value. But when she engages in a conversation and tries to bring something it becomes clear what a debilitating condition it is.

You can’t leave her anywhere or have her do anything by herself, especially in public. So the responsibility on the carer is very significant to make sure she’s fully looked after. She’s got little stock standard answers for things. People ask her what she’s going and she often responds with “Oh, just the usual.” This is because she’s got no recollection of what she has done.

Fleur’s coped remarkably well even though it’s made so many of life’s activities very difficult. She went away on a little inclusive holiday retreat for a few days and a minute after stepping off the bus she had no idea she’d been away. Her memory is very much in in the present tense so it’s very, very difficult to manage. If you showed her a photo she could tell you what’s happening in the photo but it wouldn’t be saved in her memory. Very much like a computer if you forget to press the save button nothing gets locked in.”

Peter: It’s very challenging at times, but you’ve just got to push ahead and make life the best you can make. That applies to whoever you are.

Fleur: Absolutely!

Fleur and her daughter Abbie

Macquarie woman Kristi had a severe stroke and has seen great benefit from using the Exopulse Mollii Suit.

Watch a short video of Kristi’s story. Scan the QR code with your smartphone or go to www. vimeo.com/761687119

Suit yourself with Exopulse Mollii

The Exopulse Mollii Suit is an innovative, therapeutic garment which may aid in therapy and the treatment of chronic pain, stroke, cerebral palsy, spasticity and other motor disabilities. This revolutionary technology may help to improve mobility, balance, blood circulation and relieve pain. Headstart have been connected with Grant and Monique at Metiér Medical for several years now and previously offered trials to consumers.

This electro-stimulation suit was created by Swedish chiropractor Fredrik Lundqvist who, at the time, was working to help rehabilitate patients with brain injuries. He experimented with putting electro-stimulation into clothing to help treat people with cerebral palsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, acquired brain damage and other diagnoses that lead to motor disabilities.

The Exopulse Mollii Suit was first launched in Sweden in 2010 and was imported to Australia and New Zealand by Maitland-based company Métier Medical Limited.

The comfortable two-piece suit looks a bit like a wetsuit with a zipper down the front. It has a detachable control unit which can be programmed to activate up to 58 electrodes embedded in the suit.

The Suit emits a mild, lowfrequency electro-stimulation programmed explicitly to the needs of the individual.

It is designed to trigger reciprocal inhibition, the body’s own reflex, to reduce the tension in the spastic muscle and to help voluntary movement.

This helps relax spastic, tense and aching muscles, improving mobility, balance and blood circulation and achieving pain relief.

Grant Howells, CEO of Métier Medical Limited, first came across the Exopulse Mollii Suit during a trip to the UK in 2015, and it totally blew him away.

“In a UK hospital, there was a guy who had been hit by a car and had a spinal injury,” Grant explained. “He was in a wheelchair, and he couldn’t walk without being supported. After being in the Suit for an hour, he pretty much got out of the wheelchair by himself,” he said. “I knew I had to bring it to Australia”.

A great example of the Suit making a difference to a person’s quality of life can be seen in Newcastle woman Kristi Durrance. Kristi suffered a brainstem stroke in February 2018 that significantly impacted her movement and speech.

As part of her therapy, Kristi trialled the Exopulse Mollii Suit for two months for one hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon.

Lake

Monique Blackburn (pictured left, with Kristi) is a Registered Nurse and Exopulse Mollii Suit therapist.

“I saw the difference that it could make in someone’s quality of life and how they’re able to live life. That was really inspiring!

So I decided that I wanted to make more of that kind of impact and started working for Metier Medical who are based in Maitland. I moved from my home town of Melbourne to Newcastle a couple of years ago now. I’m loving it here!

In terms of helping people with ABI, the suit is more about symptom management than it is about the actual injury itself. It’s suitable for reducing spasticity or tight muscles, improving movement and reducing pain.

So anyone that’s got movement and mobility issues or pain is suitable for a trial.”

“I noticed my legs were bending much better, my grip with my hands was much better, and my sleep was much better,” she said.

After the trial ended, Kristi noticed these improvements slip away again. Luckily she was able to secure a Suit for herself in November 2020, which she now wears for an hour each day.

As soon as she started using the Suit again, Kristi says that her “severe back pain went away overnight. I sleep 9 to 5 each night. Prior to the Suit, I would sleep terribly; I’d just lay there.”

Grant believes that there is so much untapped potential when it comes to who the suit could help. “We are only just scratching the surface of who it could benefit,” he said.

The Exopulse Mollii Suit has been effective in reducing acute and chronic pain, providing practitioners and clients with a new, complementary tool to existing therapies. “Hopefully, we can broaden its intended use, and we are leading the way on that,” Grant said.

The Exopulse Mollii Suit is ideal to use alongside existing therapy programs. “Health professionals are encouraged to write a referral for the Suit; however, a referral is unnecessary for clients to book an appointment. Health professionals

are welcome to attend sessions with their clients,” adds Grant.

“I just want to get it out there. We offer free trials and anyone interested can simply phone us.”

“The Suit is designed to be worn every day or every second day for one hour at a time. The residual benefit of a 60-minute treatment can last up to 48 hours, after which Exopulse Mollii therapy can easily be repeated in the home environment”.

The suits are often used on a hired arrangement to start with, and then they can be purchased outright. Métier Medical is a Registered NDIS Provider.

Anyone interested in trialling the Suit free of charge scan this QR code with a phone for a form to complete or to book an appointment.

Alternatively phone 1300 315 530 email info@molliiaustralia.com.au or for more information visit www.molliiaustralia.com.au

Several Headstart consumers have trialled the Exopulse Mollii Suit.

Community Education Team News

ABI awareness at Callaghan College

We are so proud of our Community Education Team! Some feedback from the Deputy Principal at Callaghan College: “We recently had the Headstart ABI Services CET team come and present at our student wellbeing day. It was great for the students to hear real stories and help them gain further insight on the impact that risk-taking moments can lead to lifelong consequences for themselves but also family, community and anyone within their sphere of influence.

The presentations were professional and ignited the bidirectional relationship that exists between the audience and the presenters. The students were left awestruck as to the candour and raw reality that was imbued within the context of the delivery. This style of delivery and engagement resonated strongly with all members of the audience.

The presenters kept the audience engaged through stories of lived experience and they kept the presentation sensitive, fun and non-judgemental. The presenters were happy to answer all the questions asked on the day. It was great to be able to give our students a better understanding of how diverse disabilities are to increase inclusion in the community and prevent further accidents that could contribute to injuries (like ABI) in the future. I would recommend the Headstart ABI Services CET team to any school looking to have an impactful Wellbeing day for students or staff in the future.”

“Thank you to Jon and your team. Nothing short of outstanding!”

Cale Wallace Deputy Principal (Yr 12) Callaghan College

he focus of 2022 for CET (like for many aspects of our lives) was to rebuild and adapt to the post COVID world. I am so proud of our efforts this year in how we worked as a team to get the word out about CET, find new events and adapt our presentations to suit our new audiences. 2022 brought new opportunities and diversity to our CET project with many new relationships built! The team were able to present at many new events that focussed on ABI prevention by increasing insight around unsafe decisions with our youth and assisting other community services gain more understanding on ABI to increase Inclusion of their services.

We also continued to deliver our Road Safety awareness events to our regular event providers (Wheelskills, Ryda and Pittstop) to the high standard our CET team are known for!”

Jon departs Headstart this month for a move to Correctional Services. We thank Jon for all his hard work and wish him well!

“T

- Jon, CET Coordinator

CET Coordinator Jon introduces the team, seated in the front row

Student feedback means our stories are hitting home!

“Inspiring!”

“A wake up call.”

“I didn’t know that such a small mistake could impact them in a significant way.”

The Skyla’s the limit!

Originally from Ulladulla, former CSW Skyla is Australian Women’s SUP national champion! We always knew she was a champ, and now it’s official.

Skyla’s partner Wes (who also worked a support worker with us) scored second place in the open men’s division. Now living in the warmer climes of Byron Bay they claimed their titles in the cold waters off Phillip island.

“Because of COVID everything had stopped, so Wes and I used the time to do a lot of training which helped when competition started again. We actually got invited to Puerto Rico last week as wildcards in a comp, but it was such a notice we just couldn’t get there. But that would have been cool!” says Skyla.

“I miss working at Headstart so much, I still talk about it to this day. I always recommend to people in Newcastle that if you ever want a job you’ll get to work with the most amazing people you should get a job at Headstart.”

“I’m studying primary teaching now but when I first moved up here I did some disability support and I really want to get back into doing more of that again.

I can’t wait to see everyone down there in Newcastle sometime soon and I always follow your stories on the Facebook socials.”

Congratulations Skyla and Wes! We miss you both.

Wes charging down a solid wave

Skyla makes it look easy

Rec group roundup

The Rec Calendar is constantly changing with many different fun activities to choose from. So many benefits can be gained by participating in these activities, ranging from physical - where we are working on balance, endurance and strength - to mental stimulation like playing a game of cards. Rec is extremely uplifting to our mental health by getting out of the house. People get to try something new, challenge themselves and make new friends.

BBQ at Blackbutt

Rec’s weekly karate class

Ice skating

Slot car racing at Lemon Tree Passage

Picture perfect

with Eddie Cross

They say a picture is worth a thousand words! Rec had some creative fun with a 6 week photography course held on Fridays through November and into December. It’s been a while since we held a class like this, and thanks to the talented and very supportive professional Eddie Cross we had brilliant time. Thanks Eddie!

Vantastic

Some of our Rec Group visited Van Gogh Alive at Foreshore Park in October. A very different approach to art, this immersive experience has been shown in over 80 cities around the world. Nikki: “It was breathtakingly beautiful! Watching moving pictures of Van Gogh’s paintings with classical music really took you to another world!”

“I felt that the exhibitions were very clever and it was quite entertaining. All organized well to be able to see them all. It was brilliant, even though there were a lot of people there. You do pay for it, but otherwise you don’t see it!” - Phil

Vincent van Gogh lived with mental illness throughout his life, painting almost 900 works in 10 years. Only 37 years old when he died, Van Gogh had only sold one painting.

ArtClass

Our own Mark E is an artist and held a Rec Group art session in October. We are so lucky to have a talented artist to help those less confident!

Leah is dwarfed by a self-portrait of Van Gogh.

Happy not dead day, again!

Neil ‘s survival of a stroke in 2013 is met with a new challenge each year. With a small stroke occurring again in April 2022, it’s a reminder to Neil and wife Vicki that every new year is one worth celebrating.

“A

pril 2022. We were looking forward to spending a few days with our then 13yr old daughter and her friend, exploring Katoomba. Everything was planned, right down to the quickest route to Bakers Delight!

Nope. Neil woke Sunday morning 24 April, highly agitated and confused. Had no idea what day/month it was. Off to JHH he went in an ambulance. He had several tests over the week, looks like he had a small stroke which caused some absent seizures. Earlier in the week he needed assistance to walk to bathroom/ shower everything, could barely concentrate to talk or use his phone. In true Neil style, he doesn’t give up easily, walked out of the hospital a week later. Whilst he now has some new challenges, he was determined to cook a BBQ for dinner on his first night back at home. My only issue is trying to keep him from doing TOO much.

6 months later - 15th October 2022, was Neil’s 9th Stroke Anniversary day, also known as “Happy not Dead Day”! This year we walked from Nobby’s to Merewether. We all definitely enjoyed a beer when we arrived at The Beaches for lunch with family and friends. Watch out next year, he wants to ride 50ks. Each year for me as a carer, I can’t help but reflect on what life was like, what it was going to be like on our property, to where we ended up. 15th October every year, is like every other day, the sun comes up, washing to do, kitchen to clean up again, generally after Sophie, etc etc etc.

Last year however, for me I found Neil’s stroke anniversary day much harder to cope with than previous years.

Once everyone was in bed the night before, I found myself thinking (way too much) – about what was lost, our dreams that vanished overnight, the new house we were going to build, so many thoughts of what changed instantly running through my head. I remember the night before his stroke so vividly, I started crying and couldn’t stop, the grief is oh so real. It is hard to explain, am sure a select few truly understand.

My daughter Rachel was almost 19 years old and she is haunted by the look on my face at 5am whilst waiting for the ambulance to arrive. She cooked kids pancakes for breakfast and had to tell the other kids when they woke up, that Neil was in hospital. Sophie just thought daddy was vomit sick and she doesn’t like vomit! Rachel very quickly stepped up without being asked and looked after the kids who were only 5, 10 & 14yrs old (2 with special needs) while I spent as much time in hospital with Neil as I could.

One thing that hasn’t changed - I love Neil with all my heart and I love his determination to improve.

Neil’s love of trains and google maps has certainly intensified. We will be forever grateful he is still here to tell us what time the sun sets, making sure recycling is in the correct bin and the running commentary when packing/unpacking groceries.”

- Vicki (Neil’s wife)

This year’s walk from Nobby’s to Merewether, 9 November.

Finished!

From country music... to Okinawan karate.

After time in hospital Monique loved getting back to her Equine Therapy at HEAL.

The talented Trae sang a country (which he wrote 10 years ago) for the first time since his head injury. He’s loving his music again and attending regular lessons at the The Vibe.

Romeo was a black belt in the 90’s and is chuffed about returning to Headstart’s Karate class. He is gaining self confidence, working on his balance and plans to join a second mainstream karate class soon.

More news bites feature every week on our Facebook page. Catch all the latest updates, stories and rec activities.

to a round of golf.

Tony was excited to play at Gosford for the first time since his accident. Very impressive!

On ya Ron!

“You can’t keep me down. I’m a rock,” says Ron. ”I’ve been back at the gym for about six months now. I want to get back to my initial fitness level, bulk up a bit and improve my maneuverability.” Ron had head on with a car on a push bike without a helmet at age 24.

CSW Lauren has seen great progress. “One of Ron’s goals is to be stronger, and he‘s doing great. He likes to challenge himself and the gym has helped with his stability and balance. Ron is walking a lot better too and going to the gym helps him feel good about himself and puts him in a good headspace. Ron is very thankful for his physio Sian (pictured) for always pushing him.” Great stuff Ron!

Making a Complaint

If you would like to continue receiving NewsLink, become a member by contacting us on 4965 4420 for a membership application.

Our membership year starts from the 1st July. Your contributions to the newsletter are welcomed, and we will keep you up to date on all the issues, activities and the developments in services.

You have the right to complain under the Community Services (Complaints, review and monitoring) Act 1993. If you have a complaint there are steps to take. At each step, every effort will be made to resolve your complaint before going to the next step.

Step 1. Talk with the person concerned

Step 2: Talk with Co-worker/staff member

Step 3: Talk with Director

Step 4: Talk with Chairperson

Step 5: Talk with Committee

Step 6: Talk with an outside service

Traditional Owners

At each step you have the right to have someone else present if you wish. This person is called an advocate and may be your friend, family member, staff member, paid advocate or someone else.

If you wish Headstart can help you locate an independent advocate.

We recognise, respect and embrace the Aboriginal elders and people of this region as the traditional custodians and cultural knowledge holders if this land. We further acknowledge the cultural contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with disability and reaffirm our vision of a world where every person is welcomed.

NewsLink is produced by many people at Headstart ABI Services.

We welcome contributions from everyone: an article, letter, photograph, poetry, etc. We also welcome suggestions as to articles that we could write about for future issues - so please get on touch!

We appreciate feedback on things like the kind of stories, size of our typeface, layout and general appearance of our newsletter.

HAVE YOUR SAY on these, or any other issues by writing to us at: Headstart ABI Services 95 Turnbull Street HAMILTON NSW 2303 or email: comms@headstart-abi.com.au