Volume 28 Issue 4 Jun 2022
We bring you more of
Y ur St ries Working after ABI
From Tagging to Tanning All in a day’s work for Daniel, Pg 8
Road trippin’ Epic Blue Mountains, Pg 24
Exercises for falls prevention Pull out and keep guide, Pg 14
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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: Manager Service and Supports: Finance Manager: HR Lead: Quality Lead: Office Administration: Marketing Lead:
Sue McHattie Kesley Skippen Therese Paksi Kathryn Fitzgerald Bronwyn Doherty Kathy Provost 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
Nominate a staff member for outstanding achievement We continue to recognise the work of our staff who have gone above and beyond in any capacity to support our consumers in their daily lives. Please help us thank and encourage our workers! To make a nomination please contact us or email: info@headstart.com.au
From the ED’s Desk
I
t’s with such sadness that I let you all know of the passing of Taryn White and George (Georgeann) Baker very recently. It was very unexpected and a terrible shock for their family and friends as well as all of us at Headstart. We also send heartfelt sympathies to Renai Busch whose mum Ailsa passed away in hospital in the last few days. We had a very long association with all three beautiful women and our thoughts and love are with each family. If this sad information raises feelings of loss or grief for you, please call us at Headstart or talk with Lifeline (13 11 14). There is always support available. Without stating the obvious the “cold” is upon us! Keep in mind that sometimes a brain injury can lead to having less sensation of heat and cold, so make sure you still take that warm jacket and check the temperature outside. Covid thankfully is starting to have less impact in our immediate community but influenza is generating more illness… so its wise and sensible to keep wearing your mask when in public or close to people, and regularly sanitise or wash your hands. It’s the basics of infection control that Florence Nightingale advised 200 years ago to keep communities healthier. Have you noticed when people first meet each other the first question is more than likely “so what do you do?” The world tends to think about work as part of our identity. Work does offer a sense of purpose and often having a brain injury may mean that you can no longer continue with the same work as before. So as we work towards increasing skills and aiming to work again, we may decide that work is no longer our goal. In that case it’s a great idea to find your passions and pursue them. This could take the form of art activities, a musical instrument or even a sport tailored to your abilities. Having an activity that is purposeful and that you are passionate about can be very rewarding, so talk with your co-worker if you have some ideas that you want to action or perhaps brainstorm some options that you could try out. In this edition we follow a few unique people and their stories of refinding passions and returning to work. Of course everyone is unique and will have different skills and also challenges. Perhaps there’s a hobby or passion you already have that could translate into a small work from home business. Consumer Tony (pictured) has been rebuilding old watches and selling them online successfully for years! We look forward to telling more of your stories – so if you are happy to share please give us a call.
Have you checked us out on Facebook recently?
Catch all the latest news, stories and rec activities. NewsLink Jun 2022 I Page 2
Stay warm… till next time! - Sue
Your stories
From Pg 4
Pg 6
Working after an ABI
Pg 14 Falls prevention Pg 24
Blue Mts & Rec Roundup
Community Education Team News
Jon with Colin, Renai and Dave from the CET presenting in Windale.
ABI Awareness at BaptistCare HopeStreet Windale
Recently we were contacted by BaptistCare HopeStreet Windale as they had identified that they currently support a number of people who have been diagnosed with an acquired brain injury. BaptistCare wanted to help their staff gain more awareness of the impacts of ABI to help them support a person with an ABI when they are in a crisis. BaptistCare’s team of Caseworkers and Volunteers support vulnerable people in the community who are going through crisis and may be at risk. They do this by providing a “safe space” for people in the community and have a beautiful café serving amazing free coffee, a grocery store to help with low cost essentials and a team of caseworkers to support people through their challenges and link them to services that can help. Services like the no interest loan scheme can really help someone at their time of need.
Road safety with RYDA
In May, Dave and Romeo presented to the RYDA Program in Newcastle. Michelle Remy from Road Safety Education (RSE ) and RYDA had some encouraging feedback for us:
“T
he RYDA program is Australia’s national road safety program for students in high school. We take the program to schools and run events like this to teach them the things that they don’t learn about when learning to drive a car. We talk about everything from the licensing system to road risks (including distractions, speed and impairment) and even discuss how personality and mindset can impact We worked closely with BaptistCare to make sure we had a road choices. RYDA is all about helping high school students diverse group of CET presenters with stories that would help the understand, identify and mitigate risk and ultimately become team see that brain injuries are sustained through many different safe drivers and passengers.” causes. We helped them understand that many things a person “The CET’s contribution is immeasurable. Our Crash struggles with post ABI can’t be ‘seen’ and that everyone is Investigators session gives students the rare and memorable impacted differently due to their specific injury and personality. opportunity to meet with someone who has actually been
The ABI awareness event was held at the beginning of June. It was great to be able to support the CET presenters to tell their personal stories and to also see the audience absorbed in the event and asking some great questions. We now have a better understanding of how the team over at BaptistCare are helping people and we look forward to working together to assist our consumers in the future.
There is a great opportunity for the Headstart CET project to provide awareness sessions to other support services in the community and help their service provide inclusive support to their participants.
impacted by a crash. Beyond just listening to their story, they also get to interview the presenter to find for themselves all the factors that were involved in the crash. They discuss strategies they can employ when on the road, empowering students to make decisions that will help keep them safe. Many of our students tell us that this session really helps contextualise all the RYDA messages and personalise the information in a way that motivates them to make good choices in the future, as drivers and as passengers.”
Watch our video for more info about our CET:
Jon - Headstart CET Coordinator
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Scan the QR code with your smartphone to watch our 3 min video Or visit www.vimeo.com/556022274
Imelda has a go! “ Imelda is a fun-loving, adventurous person who is always up for giving anything a go. When I first started working with Imelda she was only doing the women’s group activities once a week. Now Imelda looks forward to receiving the Rec Activity Calendar each month to see what other activities are on offer. Imelda joins in with as many social activities as she can fit into her week! The support workers who work with Imelda say she is always happy and such a delight to hang out with.” - Lynette, Headstart CoWorker
“A
t Rec we do something different every week. I like the variety of activities. For example, today we met the Rec group at the Rail Sheds park for a barbecue. Usually we meet up with the same people every week. We are more or less a family. I often go with the same support worker, like Georgia, so I get to know them and they get to know me.
Having Headstart means that I can go out to the shops or do to social activities and do things that I enjoy. Imelda is up for any new challenge. “The other day I played aqua golf for the first time, that was pretty interesting! I’ve actually never even played golf even on the grass.” Imelda loves her arts and craft activities, and especially enjoys sewing. “I’ve been shopping to Spotlight with my support worker but I normally do my hobbies on my own.”
“It’s been wonderful to see Imelda blossom over the several “My brain tumour was removed in 2005. Before that my family months of working together, especially during our time were looking after me but my husband works full time now. together at Rec. She always has a smile on her face and loves While I’m still dependent on my family to help look after me I’m interacting and talking to other consumers and workers each happy that Headstart have supported me for the past year. week. Imelda loves sharing a joke or two and has really come My vision and memory have been affected. With my vision I can out of her shell since I’ve supported her. Her constant positive only see a very small space straight ahead. The other difficult attitude is invigorating and so admirable! thing is that I cannot remember things. One of my goals is to I love seeing how much Imelda enjoys Rec, always checking on find a job. I’m not sure what sort of job because apart from my next week’s activity before the shift ends. She brings so much vision it’s my memory that’s a problem. joy to my day each week and has taught me that no matter I love living in Australia, I was born in the Philippines and what is going on in life to always look at the glass half full.” would like to go back one day for a visit.” - CSW Georgia (pic above) NewsLink Jun 2022 I Page 4
An Excellent Expo The Hunter Disability Expo was held on 13/14 May, with nearly 3,000 people attending. Bigger and better than ever, the event helps keep the Hunter community informed of the vast array of supports, services and products available. It was a real team effort - thank you so much to all involved! Special thanks to CSW Ian for volunteering, Gary for taking some great photos and Romeo for sharing his ABI experience.
It was Rodney’s first time representing Headstart.
Variety is the spice of life for Imelda who rarely misses a Rec event, and if she does we also miss her!
“I loved the way the expo was planned out with all the different stalls. I liked that there was a separate area to get refreshments and relax. It was a fun day. I enjoyed meeting new people, talking about my life and involvement with Headstart. I shared about my CET member Dave (above) car accident, I hope my brain loves talking to people, and he injury story prevent others had plenty of opportunity. from experiencing the things “It was good to see all the I did. Headstart have helped me out so much - supporting different providers and services me to go out in the community, available and just to see how much the industry has grown. get my drivers licence and come out of my shell a lot. I’d I loved catching up with people rate Headstart 110 out of 100!” that I knew from other services I’ve used before. I went - Rod (below right) around with some Headstart pamphlets and spoke to other businesses and met people walking around. I had many conversations and directed people back to Headstart. It was good to think I made a bit of a difference and probably helped some people as well. I met a Vietnam vet there which was good!” - Dave
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Up to the job Returning to work after ABI
M
possible straight away). Rehabilitation any people with a brain injury see returning to work or study as professionals can provide insight into a person’s capacity for employment in an important milestone. different areas. Sometimes a meeting A brain injury can result in a combination of disabilities that require can be organised for the person who was accommodations, but, going to school, injured, family members, the employer university or other learning options can and rehabilitation professionals to be rewarding, given the right support. discuss a gradual return to work plan. A work trial is another option, to assess One of the main hopes and expectations how well the person can cope with the people have when leaving hospital is that demands of different tasks. On-the-job they will return to the work or study they training provides the opportunity for were involved in prior to the brain injury. people to relearn previously acquired skills or learn new skills. What to consider
Source: https://synapse.org.au/factsheet/returning-to-work/
Volunteer work
People who are assessed as being unready for work may wish to pursue volunteer work to improve their skills and experience, and to better understand their capabilities. However, for some people employment may not be a realistic option after brain injury.
This can be very distressing for people who have often spent most of their lives building a career.
It is important that this loss and grief is acknowledge and accepted, and that, Strategies for building capacity at work when ready, they are supported to For many people returning to prepursue other avenues for achievement, injury employment is an important Understanding the different forms of satisfaction, and a meaningful use milestone towards regaining a sense recovery and adjustment becomes of time. of identity and purpose. However, it particularly important when people Legal issues is very common after a brain injury to return to work after their injury. have unrealistic expectations about After rehabilitation some people It can be helpful to consider which one’s readiness and ability to return to manage to return to their jobs, only to areas might benefit from capacity work. People often feel they are ready lose them soon after. There may be building strategies. to go back against the advice of family grounds for objecting to this on the Remediation involves relearning skills and health professionals. Returning to basis of discrimination. In Australia, with practice until a certain level is work too early can result in fatigue and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 overwhelm, which can be disappointing, achieved e.g. practising typing speed. specifies that people with a disability and feel like a step backwards. Substitution requires maximising have equal opportunity to gain previous skills or learning a new one to employment and that their disability Potential barriers overcome a difficulty e.g. using selfshould only be taken into consideration Some of the barriers in returning to work: instruction to improve concentration. when it is fair to do so. • an individual’s desire to work being Accommodation relates to the The Act also states that employers greater than their actual readiness adjustment of goals and expectations should make reasonable adjustments to • problems accessing support, e.g. in line with capabilities, e.g. aiming for accommodate the needs of someone being linked with the right employment a position with less responsibility and a with a disability. This means the support agency reduced workload. employer must examine the physical and organisational barriers that may prevent • cognitive impairment Assimilation involves modifying the environment and expectations of other the employment, limit the performance • poor emotional regulation or curtail the advancement of people people, e.g. introducing specialised • fatigue and other physical problems, with disability. equipment, supportive workplaces and e.g. dizziness and headaches educating employers and colleagues Australia has also been a party to the • experiencing a loss of self-confidence about the nature of support required. Convention on the Rights of Persons after unsuccessful attempts with Disabilities since 2008. Some common recommendations for • reduced motivation. returning to work include having: Support
Employment support agencies and rehabilitation services might provide programs that focus on the person returning to their previous position when the time is right (not usually
• plenty of rest periods
• routine and structure to tasks • flexibility
• reduced hours
• supervision and support.
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Are you wanting to work again? If so please talk to your Co-Worker to explore your options.
Shining in the rain Before Gary’s brain injury his hobby was photography. When a fall from a roof meant that he could no longer surf, Gary put his energy into becoming a professional photographer. Hard work, dedication and a positive attitude has seen him secure some regular paid work, although he is hoping to get more work in future. March is always a busy month for Gary, culminating in the World Surf League Newcastle Pro Surfest event.
“I
’d get there between 4 and 4.30am every morning for the two weeks of Surfest. I had my own keys to let myself into the compound media room. I don’t have to be there that early, but get more done when I’m on my own. I like to get ready for the time when I’ve got to go out and start shooting.
Eleven years ago Gary was given the opportunity to demonstrate his skills to the media team at Surfest, eventually securing a paid position for the annual event four years ago.
“The waves this year were pretty big some days - fifteen to twenty feet! That was a lay day because they only had one jet ski There is another photographer for Surfest, instead of five for safety. Overall it was so I’ll cover certain heats and then come quite messy and dirty because of all the storms and rubbish in the ocean from the back and download those photos, edit rivers. The standard of surfing this year them and get them out straight away, while Paul goes down and takes my place. was very good. Working in the rain all the time at this year’s event meant that One of my photographs was just on the some moisture got inside my equipment front page of the World Surfing League’s so afterwards I’ve had to dry it properly web page. My photos are often in and get it all serviced.” The Herald and all over the place.”
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This year Gary has photographed the AAP Women’s Event, Her Wave event, Wandiyali Indigenous Classic, Surfest Sanbah Cadet Cup and other events. “I also shoot voluntarily for my local Norah Head Surfing Fraternity on the first Saturday of every month. I’ve been doing that for many years.” Gary gravitates towards the coast but has also photographed dances and events such as Pin-Up Dolls. He regularly volunteers for Headstart too. Headstart support Gary with his photo editing skills along with his business and personal organisation.
Work hard, Tan hard When the working day is done Daniel loves to get down to the beach... any beach! You’ll seldom see him wearing a shirt. Dan’s proud of his tan. “I’ve got my own fur coat” says Daniel! “I’m so brown and I never feel the cold!”
Where did you grow up Daniel?
I’ve always lived in the Swansea area, with mum and dad. How did your brain injury occur?
In 1989 when I was 8 years old. I was playing football for Swansea Juniors. I ran out in front of a car. In hospital I had tubes up my nose and they cut my throat open for air tubes. I was in hospital for six months. I was in year three when the accident happened and I couldn’t continue with school. I’ve been in a wheelchair from then and my right leg is messed up.
What do you like to do after work?
I like to got the beach and get a cold drink. I’m a beachie bloke and I don’t like wearing a shirt! I like going to the beaches – Nobbys, Merewether, Caves Beach. My favourite is Redhead. Do you ever get in the water and go for a swim? Yes sometimes. I’ve also got a pool at home. What are some of your goals?
I would like to get around to see more football games, but without Dad. I’d like to go see games in Sydney and Do you have family? Wollongong. I only went to the last game of the year for the My dad is my carer. Rachel is my sister and Todd is my brother. Knights with Dad. I saw St. George Dragons beat the Knights! They are nine and ten years older than me. I see my brother I’ve gone for St. George ever since I was a young kid. once a week because he doesn’t work on a Wednesday. Todd I watch the footy on Fox on TV. I enjoy that. I watch every takes me to his house in town or we may go to the shops. minute of every game. I watch Thursday night, Friday night, Do you remember when your support started?
Saturday night and even Monday night.
Headstart began when I was 28. I’m 40 now. They’ve been good. What gets you motivated? My support workers are my friends. I like watching all the footy games! Cricket too. I like the Big Bash. I go for the Sydney Sixers. Where did you begin working? I record all the games and I have got 25 more hours of games I like working because I want to get out of the house. At the to watch. If I want to watch them tomorrow I can. beginning it was House with No Steps and then it became Aruma. I started when I was 18. I do whatever jobs they’ve got. You’ve just come out of COVID isolation, how did you feel? It gives me satisfaction and I work every day. One of my jobs was to put clothes in packages to go to the hospital. Now I tie I was stuck indoors all the time and I saw no people outside the string onto safety tags. I can do a hundred a day. When we’re house. It felt strange not going outside. I normally get some hot bread at the shops and couldn’t even do that. My Dad had waiting for more work I read books. I like football books. COVID too so my brother did shopping for us. I felt blocked I once worked at Caves Beach pub collecting glasses with my and sick in the nose, that was all. I feel happy to get out! chair. I’d get them from the tables and take them back to the bar. But I was fired for breaking too many glasses. NewsLink Jun 2022 I Page 8
“Dan is an avid Dragons supporter, and if he was to wear a shirt it would be a Dragons one. In fact he does have one on his chair right now. Whenever I go and pick him up from work, the first thing he does - even sometimes before we step out the door – is he rips his shirt off. On a Tuesday we head to Nobbys breakwall. Dan loves it down there always has a good chat with the locals where many of them know him by name. Down at Merewether everyone recognizes him. We also go 10 pin bowling. Dan’s a pretty good bowler. Sometimes a bit ruthless as a bowler, but that’s allright! I’ve learned a few things from him, definitely.” - Solomon, CSW
“Daniel’s contribution with his capabilities is amazing! I don’t like the word disability, I use ability even though he hasn’t got use of one hand really.” “He’s been working here at Aruma for many years now. Even though he’s proud of his sun tan, he can’t take his shirt in here!
Daniel’s role is to string tags, for example danger tags on machinery for the mines or energy and electricity companies. We do at least 20,000 tags a week and Daniel does a brilliant job with just one hand. It’s not easy. Daniel loves coming to his work here five days a week. He’s a bit of a character. He loves his footy and he has a bit of a shot at me sometimes. I know his Dad pretty well too. Daniel lights this workplace up actually!”
Daniel’s only got one side of his body working because of his injury. Maybe it’s because of the distance in time from the accident, but I’ve noticed heaps of improvement in Daniel because of this job. He enjoys it and I know that it’s good for him, even little things like his speech. It’s all part of him being around other people.
- Steven, Aruma
Watch a short video of Dan and his workplace supervisor at Aruma. Scan the QR code with your smartphone or go to www.vimeo.com/714284492
- John (Dan’s dad)
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A new day Eddie (left) and Andy, Headstart’s Marketing Lead, previously worked together for several years at international child development agency Compassion. Recent years have seen Eddie have a series of strokes. Andy caught up with Eddie at Redhead for the latest on his road to recovery and plans to get back to work as an Allied Health Assistant. Puerto Rican born Eduardo - or Eddie as he is known - is a former colleague of mine and a really cool guy. It’s not just his Latino accent either! Eddie is the first to admit that life is about more than the work you do, but at the same time it’s necessary to earn a living and support one’s family. It was great to have a coffee with Eddie again and hear his encouraging story of positivity, resilience and reinvention of himself.
I’ve now had five strokes in total, so I don’t know how I’m still alive. But for the grace of God, I’m here! I had brain surgery because it was a hemorrhagic stroke, a bleed on the brain. So I was bald with a big scar all the way down the side of my head.
Emily went through it all with me. She was the glue for our family, she was everything - dealing with the doctors, the nurses, - Andy, Headstart Marketing & Comms Lead visiting me every day for many months. She took leave from work for three left Puerto Rico when I was 18 to go months to just look after me. Of course to the University of Tennessee and it was the hardest thing for Emily, but it play baseball. I was a freshman when I met was also hard for our kids as well. It was my Aussie wife Emily who was a tennis a shock especially in the early teenage player and also studying there. We’d been years, experiencing their “Papa” going there for just three months when we met, through this ordeal. and we’ve been together ever since! We came back to Australia after several years I had no bone on the top of my skull for and our children Noah (14) and Sofia (17) two months to relieve pressure on the were born here. brain. Then in January 2018 the bone was put back and I transitioned from Rankin One weekend in 2017, at just 41 years of Park at John Hunter to the Hunter Brain age, I just didn’t feel very good at all. Emily Injury Service and I was there around two took me to Belmont Hospital and they months. I then went home but I was still sent me to the John Hunter where I had doing rehab at HBIS on and off for a while. a stroke in the triage. I didn’t realise what I worked with psychologists, OT’s, social was happening to me, I just knew that workers and more, but the main thing something was wrong. affected was my speech so that’s where I did most of my rehab. As a result of my
“I
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stroke I had aphasia, which is difficulty communicating as well as some other executive functioning difficulties. I figured out that it wasn’t that I was less intelligent. It’s just that my words don’t come out as well as they used to and it’s harder for my brain to process things. So I decided to go to an Aphasia group in Maitland which I participated in for a year and a half. Every Friday, I went from 10am to 12pm for different exercises with maybe 20 other people. Everyone was great and it really helped my confidence.
I always try to stay fit and went back to running after my stroke. I ran a half marathon in Sydney and even did a PB post stroke! I was always a runner, and after my second stroke I dropped ten kilos and was down to 70 kg. It’s funny because my right leg wasn’t working properly, probably because my left brain was affected. But in saying that I’m still running. My next event will be the Lake Mac 10.5k in August 2022.
At the time of my stroke I was working as a Human Resource Manager. But after my stroke I couldn’t do this work anymore.
In January 2021 I had another stroke when I was five weeks away from finishing study. I had headaches and felt like something was wrong again. So I went back to the hospital and that’s when they said “Oh, I already had a Master of Business Administration, but I knew I wasn’t going you’ve had another stroke.” I then had to be able to do what I used to do because further brain surgery. The doctors don’t know why, but their best theory was of the communication factor. So I was explained as a cavernoma, which is a looking at different options. In early cluster of abnormal blood vessels on the 2019 my new direction started with a conversation I had with Kate, my Speech brain, that unfortunately burst. Pathologist at Everyday Independence, Therefore I had to put study on hold. Later and Mike, my Headstart Support Worker. in the year the tutor helped me finish the They asked me, “Why aren’t you in the remaining five weeks. I also did a work health industry?” So I asked “Can I do placement with Everyday Independence that?” They said “Yeah. What about a as a Physiotherapy Assistant. Cert IV as an Allied Health Assistant in Physiotherapy?” I thought about it and I finished in October of 2021 said, “OK! That’s a good idea!” and received my certificate in
The goal for me was to get back to work. But I just didn’t know what capacity I had.
I had been through my own rehab journey and felt like it would be nice to give back to people going through similar situations.
And so the plan took shape. I wanted to do all of the study face-to-face and not digitally. So, I did my Cert IV study in Gosford, because here in Newcastle it was only offered online. I went to Gosford by train every week from 9am until 2 or 3pm, from March until December 2020, except during lockdown, of course.
December. It feels great! Now I just need to find some work.
Recently, I’ve been seeing Greenlight Recruitment. They told me that 20% of jobs are advertised while the other 80% are not posted publicly. That’s just how it works. So I’ll introduce myself to different companies and go from there. I’m also meeting with my Headstart Support Worker, Seb, once a week for a couple of hours and we just go to a library NewsLink Jun 2022 I Page 11
or we go for walks together. He helps me with exercises that my Speech Pathologist gives me and we go over it each week. For instance, one of the questions was “give me another word for ‘smile’. “Okay: happy, excited, joyful” and so on. Or it could be an activity like a puzzle, or we go for a walk and talk, which is good too. I feel excited about the health space but at the same time it’s all new. With good help and advice I took steps to make it happen. I may communicate a little differently to most, and if some people are happy with that, great. If not, I’m ok with that too. - Eddie
BREAKING NEWS FROM EDDIE AS WE ARE ABOUT TO GO TO PRINT: “I have been offered a casual position as Physiotherapy Assistant at Toronto Private Hospital, which I have accepted! This was the Allied Health Assistant job I applied for and got an interview a few months ago, but didn’t get it because it was part time and I needed experience. This time the role is for casual work with a chance to go permanent in 12 months.” CONGRATULATIONS EDDIE!
Back to building
David’s stroke meant he could no longer work on the building site, but he still works daily on his dining room table. His partner Deb helps to share their journey.
“I
We’re up to the expensive Lego now so we’re not doing as much until they bring out more smaller, cheaper ones!
His partner Deb continues, “David used to be a carpenter before his stoke, so he’s got that sort of brain. He’s always been interested in bikes and cars, and he used to rebuild motorcycles. His man cave has all the old pictures as a reminder but that’s all beyond his capability now.
Lego is not an interest that he had before his stroke. David can follow because it’s all broken down into steps. It’s like reading a building plan, so that area of his brain can do it. It’s amazing to watch him and if he has to he’ll even use his mouth.
get support from Headstart most mornings. This morning it was Lego with Brad!” says David, who has aphasia since his stroke in 2011. Despite poor vision David still manages to do Lego with the help of his glasses and often a support worker.
A few years ago one of the support workers took David to the Lego shop to just have a look and that was it! When we went into COVID he wasn’t going out and he didn’t get service for a while. So I started ordering Lego online. Lego with one hand is a bit of an issue. Occasionally you’ll hear David swearing every so often because it just won’t go right. But he perseveres.
We’ve got three cabinets and once David fills that third cabinet the Lego has to go to the shed. There isn’t any more room.
When David could no longer work it became very difficult financially. I had to argue with Centrelink to actually get a disability pension for David because they thought he could go back to work. I said to them ‘No, he can’t. I’m sorry but you’ve only got to look at him and see that he won’t be able to work again.’ It took 8 or 10 weeks before they realized, and I had to keep providing information and so forth.
When we started off, it was hard because nobody quite understood what the issues were. The NDIS was initially frustrating to also get them to understand David’s situation and Brad our Headstart support worker was helping David this needs. Once we began with Headstart at least they understood morning. He’ll sit there and he’ll say ‘Right, David we need a grey elbow’. So David will get the grey elbow and Brad will say what our issues were and what we were dealing with. ‘The grey elbow has got to go on this bit here’. Brad’s extremely Thankfully through the NDIS we now have enough support so that David can do what he wants to. good with it. He took David out the other week and they bought a couple of sets of little cars and they just went bang, David has aphasia and so his main struggle is communication. bang, bang, bang, done! So this big BMW motorcycle turned The physical limitations don’t bother him, but it’s the up and it isn’t taking him long either, even though it’s really communication and the trouble he has around that.” intricate with motors and all sorts of bits. It’ll sit alongside the “Very frustrating!” agrees David. Harley Davidson and a Ducati which he already has. David enjoyed gardening for a while, and a support worker helped build the garden beds out the back. We’ve got lettuce and beetroot out there. But he’s lost interest now and spends his time on the Lego especially since the start of COVID.
“To start off with there was a lot of sign language to help me work out what he was talking about. It’s lucky that we’ve been together for so long. Most of the time we’re on the same wavelength. But when I’m not well or am caught up in things
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I’ve tended not to understand him and he’s saying “there, there, there!” I hated that word after a while. I get days where I’m ready to screw his neck because of the word “there”! David’s physio, speech therapist and OT are with Everyday Independence. They had a meeting just this past week and worked out a plan on how to spread out the money. They’re going to get an assistant to come in a few sessions, because the assistants only cost half the price of the physio. Writing isn’t so easy either for David because he’s forgotten letters. If I say to him ‘Write a D or an A’ he can do that. So helping David to write is something that the speechie is also going to work on this year. One of the impacts of David’s stroke was that he gave up smoking cold turkey. Before that he had smoked since he was 14. He’d tried to quit over the years, and every time he’d get a difficult client he started smoking again. I think the longest he went without smoking was a two year period.
David got his $250 from the government today, so he had to have it in his hot little hands for more Lego! I have to say, Lego has been so good because it keeps his brain active and helps with his motor skills. I think it’s been an excellent thing.
“It’s incredible! Amazing how he does it with one hand!” - CSW Brad David’s unfortunately now got shoulder issues and he’s doing more physio for that. He has Mark, a nice guy from Headstart on a Thursday afternoon who takes charge of therapy which has just started back after it was all closed for COVID. Hydrotherapy is particularly good for David’s shoulder and he prefers doing exercises in the hydro pool. It’s very difficult to get him to do exercises otherwise. David’s not such a social person, so that’s something we want to work on this year - getting involved in things like the Men’s Shed again. He tried a Men’s Shed nearby and it was too small plus they don’t have the wheelchair access that we need. So we’ll try another one soon. The Headstart Rec group is going to send him information on things to attend. Since he lost interest a while back we want to get him out for more social activities this year.
The stroke affected one side of David’s body, including his vision on the right side - a peripheral sort of thing. He needs glasses for his Lego. David gets around independently with the David used to have a very handy support worker a while back aid of a motorized chair. who helped to do some gyprocking and also our garden beds.” When his stroke happened David just required everything. I Asked what his favourite destination is, David answers: basically had no separate life at all. I am his carer, his power of “Bunnings!” This is where David stocks up on supplies for DIY attorney, his guardian, everything basically. I also care for my or painting projects planned at home. mother now. So I’m helping both my mother and David so it’s really good to have Headstart workers and other workers to take the strain off me because I can’t do two lots of everything. It works out well. It’s been very, very good.
So now we’re back to having separate interests and doing different things. NewsLink Jun 2022 I Page 13
6 falls prevention exercises
Nikki, our Rec coordinator and a qualified fitness instructor. Nikki takes Ron through a series of simple exercises to improve balance, coordination and help to prevent falls. Pull this page out and keep it handy!
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1.Heel to Toe Walking
Stand with one foot in front of the other so you are in a “heeltoe” position. Use a chair for support, as needed. Hold this position for 10 seconds on each side. Repeat 2 to 3 times.
Why this is important: This exercise is great because it puts your body into a narrow stance. With a decreased base of support, you will challenge your muscles to keep you centered!
2. Knee raises (standing marches)
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. While holding on to a chair, raise one leg in a marching motion. Alternate legs. Focus on smooth, controlled movements and keep your body tall to avoid leaning side to side. You can make this exercise more difficult by letting go of the chair. Perform 20 marches (10 on each leg). Repeat 2 to 3 times.
Why this is important: This exercise is great for improving hip strength and single-leg balance. If your feet ever catch the ground while you’re walking, you’ll benefit from this exercise!
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3. Side leg raises
While holding onto a chair, raise your leg to the side, returning to the starting position each time. Perform each motion 5 to 10 times on each leg. Repeat 2 to 3 times.
Why this is important: This exercise builds strength in the hip muscles, which help maintain stability with walking, turning, and going up and down steps.
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to do at home
Pull-out and keep page
Carers and support workers : this is a great series of exercises to help with building the core muscles of those you support. These exercises don’t need to be done in any sequence or all at once to get the benefits, as there is a cumulative effect.
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4. Heel raises
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. While holding onto a firm surface, lift your heels off the ground. You should feel most of your weight shift to the front of your feet, as if you’re standing on your toes. Perform 10 repetitions. Repeat 2 to 3 times.
Why this is important: Your calf muscle contributes to balance because it controls your ankle position. When you feel unsteady or need to correct your balance, you’ll use your ankle muscles to reposition. Stronger calf muscles lead to better balance!
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5. Foot Taps
Stand tall, facing a step. Beginners should use support from a handrail or back of chair until balance improves. In a controlled motion, lift one foot, tap the step for one second, then return to your starting position. As you repeat this motion, you should focus on consistency and control with each tap. Perform 10 repetitions on each leg. Repeat 2 to 3 times.
Why this is important: This exercise helps improve coordination for ascending and descending stairs. After strengthening your coordination with this exercise, you won’t catch yourself tripping on a step anymore.
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6. Sit to stand
Sit with your feet shoulderwidth apart, keep the weight in your heels, in a slow and controlled motion raise your body to a standing position. Return to a seated position. Perform 10 sit to stands. Repeat 2 to 3 times.
Why this is important: If you’ve ever felt unstable when sitting or standing up from a chair, this exercise will help build strength and coordination!
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Sean is motivated by his boys and wants to be a positive role model.
Determina-Sean!
Sean is a great success story - his supports are dropping gradually aver the next few months. The support workers have done such a great job that they are doing themselves out of work! - Leanne, CoWorker
Working out and ready for work
Sean is a man who aims for “10,000 steps before breakfast” - so a warning that this article could exhaust you!
I thought I’d overdosed but I was told ‘No, Sean you’re not in rehab, you’re in hospital. You’ve crashed a car.’ So I did a lot of memory related exercises and tests, grew up in Mayfield and moved like getting little foam blocks and putting around a bit. I live in Maitland them around the room in different now. I’m pretty open about my drug past locations. For example, next to a chair - even my kids know that their parents on the physio’s bench and then taking have been to rehab. Since then the them away and then putting the five or six only drugs I’ve had are the anti seizure boxes in front of me and seeing if I can medications that I take. remember to put them back in place. The date of my injury was 23 June 2019. After a few months I moved into Hunter I don’t remember the accident, but Brain Injury Service on Darby Street for apparently I was under the influence of five or six months. It was really good not alcohol. They tell me I took off in the being stuck in hospital and everybody at car of this girl I was seeing while she HBIS has an acquired brain injury so I’d was in the service station, no seatbelt or be sitting in the lounge room with people anything. I didn’t get too far and mounted who have gone through similar things. an Energy Australia power pole. We had group activities and took turns From John Hunter they switched me cooking dinner for the other residents. over to the Rankin Park Hospital nearby. The thing I was most excited about was
“I
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getting to see my two boys (12 and 13) on weekends. I could take them out to the movies or Timezone which was definitely a positive. After my injury the big change for me was not hanging around the groups of people that I spent time with before. They were all drug users and even though we’d call each other ‘mates’ it was really just a drink and drug circle of friends. I didn’t want to touch the stuff anymore. Real relationship or closeness wasn’t really there in the first place. It’s different now.
It was a big eye opener when my kids came to visit me in hospital hooked up to machines, a neck brace on and getting fed by tubes. I couple of my mates have also pulled their heads in lately and it usually starts to happen when we become parents.
One thing that hit me was a day when my kids visited and my youngest said “Dad, you’re getting pretty big, big fella!” I’d packed on 30 kilos because I wasn’t on ice anymore and was actually eating. A big goal became losing weight. The dietitians at HBIS put me on the scales and it shocked me when they said ‘Sean, you’re up to 116 kilos.’ I was lazy, watched a lot of TV and not walking much. So I started to change the way I lived. HBIS have group community events where around ten participants would go for lunch or to the pool or out to things like Surfest. My case worker asked me one day if I’d like a support worker. So I met Chris from Headstart and we went on walks around the park or we went to the pool for laps and then we’d get lunch. It was good to have some group community involvement but also good to go and do something different ourselves at times.
Lifetime Care paid for my membership at Anytime Fitness gym and my two support workers would take me to the gym as HBIS had made up a program for me. I realised that doing 20 minutes on the treadmill or exercise bike with my speed set to 4.5k’s an hour, and then doing a little weight based stuff isn’t really enough to drop the kilos. So I set it to 8k’s an hour for 8km’s so I was jogging and doing it for half an hour instead of 20 mins.
After a couple of months we doubled everything. I’m not a muscle man or anything but doing lateral pulldowns with 10 kilos, I didn’t even feel like there was any weight attached.
So I doubled the amount to 20 reps of 20 kilos instead of 10 reps of 10 kilos. I did four rounds around the gym instead of two or three to burn more calories.
I was a really unhealthy, overweight kid and never did much sport at school. Fast forward 10 or 15 years and I had no weight on me because I was abusing I’d go to have a follow up meeting at HBIS amphetamines. There was no strength and I wasn’t healthy. with Dr. Keller - the same doctor that was supporting me when I was at John These days I feel 10 times better Hunter. He said ‘you look a lot better!’ I and love being able to take the kids asked if we’d met and he responded ‘Yes to the oval and kick the footy. Sean, I was your doctor in hospital.’ I said My boys are still faster than me but I ‘well I don’t remember being there.’ can actually keep up with them and Even after being at the gym and going do passing drills or shoot hoops at the for walks I’d only lost 5 kilos in 3 or 4 basketball court or go for a run whereas months. I told Dr Keller that I was up before I could barely go 200 meters and to 10,000 steps a day, and he said ‘Sean, I’d have to stop. 10,000 is good but if you want to lose One other thing I‘ve changed is the more weight you’ve got to do 15,000.’ garbage food. I don’t drink Coke or So I upped it a little bit more and started have sugar in my coffee anymore and running. I had an exercise physiologist I stay away from fast food. Earlier in meet me at the gym for our one hour my recovery I’d do 6000 steps with my meetings and she introduced me to support worker and then go to Hungry high intensity cardio. Now I do three or Jacks for lunch. That’s pretty stupid four routines that are relatively simple because any calories that you burn off are exercises but fast paced for a minute going to come straight back when you then you go to the next exercise and you have a medium meal. Now I try to eat do five exercises. You wait two minutes properly and work out as much as I can. and then you do it again, three times. Brad, my Headstart support worker, That seems to be the thing that shifted helped me focus on the exercise the weight because I only do the weight machines once a week now and the high physiologist’s workout regimes. Brad intensity cardio twice weekly. These days I downloaded an app called Tabata which really helps with the timing of the five often do 25,000 steps a day. exercises. The app counts down the 60 I was 116 kg’s and now I’m down to seconds and then gives you a 20 second 86 kilos. I still want to go a little bit break to move from the rowing machine more, but I’m pretty sure it’ll now be to the dumb bells. I take a short rest and more of a longer drawn out thing. begin again. Brad was showing me the I’ve based a lot on my children. My boys phone and telling me what exercises I had are both into junior rugby league and my to do. After doing it a couple of times other son said to me, ‘Dad, I’m not going he’s really just an observer making sure I’m doing it right and keeping my back to be able to call you big fella anymore!’ straight or whatever.
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Currently we’re aiming so that I don’t need a support worker to tell me what to do. I’ve got the Tabata app on my phone so I can know the exercises I need to do, line them all up and do it by myself. Over the coming three or four months my goal is to reduce my support slowly until I don’t need it anymore. Lynette, my Headstart Co-Worker was telling me that every support workers job is to really do themselves out of a job. I can already do a couple of the routines on my own, and pretty soon I’ll be capable of doing it all independently.
and how to treat customers and staff. It was pretty easy to do the two courses even though it was during the COVID dilemmas. Only one day a week I actually had to goto the campus while the other two or three days I was using Microsoft Teams or a video chat.
I asked my TAFE teacher, Melissa, whether I should come back and do a Cert 4 and she said ‘You’re work ready already. You’re typing faster than anyone in the class, you’re helping other people in the class. You’d get another notch on your belt but there’s not much more you Not only does Brad encourage me need for an office administrator or which is good and something I think receptionist job all you really need he’s supposed to do anyway - but he is a Cert 3.’ Melissa also said to put watches me exercising and helps with little her down as a contact person on my technique-based things like ‘You gotta resume when applying for jobs. keep your back straight there’ or ‘You’re leaning too far forward’. Advice and little hints like that help you move forward. Then when I meet up with my exercise physiologist every month or two they are blown away by how far down I can do squats. They’ve said to me ‘Before you were only just bending your knees, bobbing up and down a little bit. But now you’re going down as far as I think is possible!’ I say ‘that’d be my drill sergeant Brad sitting on side just saying keep your back straight, go down lower and giving me those pointers!’
Every day now I’ll do at least 15,000 steps daily. I either walk around the suburbs or I’ve got a treadmill in the back room. Sometimes I just walk to one end of the house, chuck a u-ey and come all the way back. I was working a little before the accident as a delivery driver and then afterwards I had a job for my Aunty’s company doing bookkeeping. It was mainly online stuff such as using Xero for a bunch of her clients. I’ve always been into computers but I didn’t get a lot of training for that. Since my accident I’ve actually done two TAFE courses - certificate II and certificate III in Business Administration. I wanted to actually have something to put on my resume that’s better than just ‘five or six months working for Newcastle Business Support using Xero.’
CSW Brad and Sean
My TAFE courses covered a wide variety of things. Everything from WHS and workplace safety to how to run a business NewsLink Jun 2022 I Page 18
I’ve got my drivers license back now so I can also put that on my resume. I don’t own a vehicle yet but I can always borrow my mother’s car to get to work. She wouldn’t mind, but really I need my own car soon. I’ve saved up some money and so I look on Facebook Marketplace, but online is not the safest way to buy a used vehicle with over 300,000k’s and no warranty. So I really need to visit a car yard with my mum and go to OzCar or somewhere like that to find something in my price range.
I’d say to my boys ‘You’ve got to do well in school and get a job’ and then they come back with ‘Well you don’t have a job Dad’. It’s hard to practice what you preach if you’re telling your kids that when you’re not working. So I’ll be quite happy going to work full time and am looking forward to that.”
A colourful heart Sue is an amazingly creative person and since her stroke has found her happy place again, with brush in hand.
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’ve always been an arty crafty girl and did advanced art in high school. I used to do tapestries and I was in the rag trade, so it’s always been that type of thing. I love coming here to Blackbutt. It’s very peaceful, it’s very calm. I feel very relaxed when I’m painting and I’ve got a beautiful companion.
expensive children’s wear. I worked there for about four or five years. Then I went into ladies wear and worked for the company that made clothing for Katies. My brain injury happened two days after my 50th birthday. I told my friend that I had this massive headache. She remembered that I’d been complaining about having some headaches prior. Her husband rang the ambulance and I had a stroke just when they turned up.
Tanya from Headstart supports me. I love her because she’s amazing. She’s very helpful in so many ways! I was in a hospital for over nine months and I was in a coma for I just seem to escape into a paintbrush and canvas and I love creating. The thing four months. But God wasn’t ready for me. that annoys me is when people say ‘Oh, you should have put the green there’ or ‘you should have put yellow down there.’ I say ‘Excuse me, this is my work. I wanted the green here and the yellow there!’
I’m a Taurus. That should say it all really. Taurus means someone who loves animals, loves creatures, loves the planet, loves plants. After my aneurism I stayed I think it’s because I was an only child and with some friends and I went and did my horticultural certificate, because I always had to find things to entertain myself. So I’d paint and make tapestries. loved plants. There was one fellow who told us to go home the backyard and It was just something to keep busy and find all these creatures and write a story occupy myself My dad was a cabinet maker so maybe I picked a few things up about it. So I wrote stories about worms and bugs and characters. I said to my from him along the way. teacher,‘Excuse me, why do I have to kill a I worked in the clothing industry as a creature to put it in a magazine story, just pattern maker. I started work when I was so you’d know what I’m talking about?’ So 15 and nine months old in a company I drew pictures. He did pass me but I was called Freidelle Children’s Wear and if very concerned that he wasn’t going to! you’re an older person, you’d probably know of it. It was very famous, very NewsLink Jun 2022 I Page 19
To watch a short video of Sue and CSW Tanya’s art, scan the QR code with your smartphone camera or go to www.vimeo.com/708023270
“It’s rewarding working with Sue and seeing her growth change and just joining her as she hones her art. It’s awesome to see that she gets so much joy from it! So Sue’s really good even though she’s been through a lot. She’s a Trojan. We’re having a few health-related appointments at the moment, so we’re on top of that. We just like hanging out. Painting here at Blackbutt is a great way to get out of your head and connect to your heart. Your spirit. Really, that’s pretty much all the job is about. She’s really good. Besides all the creativity we’re also writing a memoir of Sue’s life, which is ongoing.” - Tanya, support worker (pictured above)
After my aneurism, I was in Westmead hospital and I then with friends in Blacktown. Then I moved up to Newcastle. I’m now in Hamilton at a hostel. I have an easel at home in my room. It’s quite a large room but it’s very full. I’ve got all my paintings across the easel and I grab people and say ‘come and have a look at my paintings!’ I went on a jewellery binge for a while, making jewellery for all the ladies in the house.
Every week I still go to mosaics. We used to go to mosaics at Wallsend and there was a sign that said ‘Disability is not inability.’ So I took it off the wall and got the lady to photocopy it for me.
I love that sign because it’s just so true.
Then I went over to South Hamilton that particular afternoon and Sue McHattie was still at Headstart. So I knocked on the door and asked Sue to have a look at this. She said ‘Ah, that’s brilliant. Would you do us a mosaic sign?’ So I did! The lady from my mosaic class provided all the tiles and everything for me to make it so that was nice of her.
Well, I do believe that disability is not inability. Until I had my aneurism it never occurred to me that there were people out there that had problems. OK, I knew people had problems, but how they actually overcame them - or learned to live with them or deal with them. It was something that had never occurred to me before. Right now I’m painting a peacock. Why a peacock? Because they’re beautiful birds. I bought the card and I’ve got the colours. This one’s a printed one, but I have previously pre-drawn and painted peacock’s that Tanya photographed here at Blackbutt. I love it here! NewsLink Jun 2022 I Page 20
Sue’s adventures
A snapshot of the things Sue loves, usually accompanied by CSW Tanya: from hair pamper day to mosaics, from cafe’s to lots more painting in the park!
“I had my first swim in years at Bar Beach earlier in the year. It was exhilarating because it was bloody cold!” - Sue
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Man on a mission Gary is a man with a cause after surviving an impossible car accident. In his words “I broke the unbreakable car, a Hilux.” A vocal and valued member of Headstart’s Community Education team, Gary is now making a positive difference in the lives of others.
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f we can save one person’s life we’ve done a good job”, says Gary, a key member of our Community Education Team (CET). “More is a bonus, but just one person, out of a class of 30. I want to make people more aware of head injury because for the last 16 years it has been a living hell for me. I wouldn’t wish this upon my worst enemy let alone my best friend. Fatigue is a big one for me. Memory problems. Not being able to remember what I did yesterday or this morning. I have to concentrate so much more to do just one simple task and that makes me so much more tired than most people. My goal is to be as close to normal as possible. I want to get up, go to work and come home, but my relationship’s fallen over. I’m separated from my wife and have lost my two children that we had together. I get on well with a lot of people in the CET, and have become friends with a couple of guys outside of the presentations. I kind of adopted or was volunteered for the role of CET presentation leader and I can use the computer better than most of the support workers. I begin and tell the audience how the night is going to run and all the rest of it. I’ve memorised a lot of speeches while doing them!
Watch a short video of Gary’s story. Scan the QR code with your smartphone or go to www. vimeo.com/708019318
I would have been connected to Headstart for at least fourteen or fifteen years. I’m often doing the CET talks, whether it’s schools, the driver offenders program, training program. I have done recreational events in the past, I have been to a few barbecues in the past, but primarily I just talk at the events. My mother found out that Headstart speak at events and then introduced me to Headstart probably eight or ten months after my car accident in 2005. I wanted to talk to people about my car accident and make them aware - head injury is bad and does terrible things to a human body. In my presentation I show a photo of my totalled car. When I had my accident I was the only one in the car, but I wasn’t driving. The reason why I say I wasn’t driving is because you can’t sleep and drive at the same time. I died at the scene, I died in the helicopter and also died the hospital at least once. I may died have even more times than that. My car accident shattered my skull, nose, jaw, ribs, femur, punctured a lung, knocked out three teeth and caused facial lacerations requiring 150 stitches NewsLink Jun 2022 I Page 22
and damaged my olfactory nerve, though I can smell some things and not others. Apparently is was a bad accident. I don’t remember it. I was in post traumatic amnesia (PTA) for three months. The first memory I have was being at Rankin Park. The most rapid recovery for me was the first two years, and like many head injuries it’s the first two years that are most rapid. I reckon I’ve made as much recovery over the last the last five years as I did in the first two. This is basically the story I share with the CET. I talk about the difficulties I’ve had in hospital, with recovery, with changing career paths and the troubles I’ve faced in my workplaces. I’ve spoken to a few of people well after the fact (school event or traffic education program) and I reckon every person I’ve spoken to has been in a bar of some sort! The first question I ask ‘you’re not driving, are you?’ Thank God everyone said no, they’ve got a designated driver, so that’s good.
They’ve all commented on my presentation and how much they took away from it. So hopefully we are getting the point across and saving lives.
I’ve got to say thank you, because without an organization like Headstart, there would be a lot of people lost in the community. Headstart do a remarkable job of helping people get back into society.
It’s a lovely quiet area. The scenery is great. I love my fire pit. It’s been pretty rainy lately though so that makes the wood wet some days. It’s been cold too, so I’ve got a little 2400 watt heater which heats up the caravan pretty quick. I watch a bit of Netflix. I reckon I’ve seen every show I enjoy on Netflix at least twice!
If I do go for a ride, I go around the Newcastle beaches, stop for coffee and then come home.
It’s a feeling of being free on the road, although it is dangerous riding bikes because car drivers don’t know how to interact with bikes. It’s the sense exhilaration it Right now I’m 36 and I own my own gives you. I love it. I think it‘s great house outright. OK so I live in a caravan, I like where I live and I can’t really although the only reason I go inside is You only live once and to be quite frank, complain. No sirens, no people to sleep. I pretty well live in the annex all really although the neighbours life’s short. When you consider the fact the time and I cook, eat, watch TV and that I died when I was a 18. I might have are great. It’s like living on an everything else like that in the annex. been revived but I still died after only island up here. My parents own four acres out at Seaham and that’s where it’s parked.
While my caravan is a tiny confined area, it’s still a roof over my head. I pull up at the ex-wife’s house and as soon as I’m knocking you can hear the kids behind the door. ‘Dad’s here! Mum, Dad’s here!’. They get all excited when they see me and I get excited when I see them too! I can have my kids here and they love coming to see me. Out here they’ve got room to run around. I’ve had plenty of different bikes over the years. Right now I’ve got a Honda CBR 1000 Fireblade. I generally don’t ride far anyway because the price of petrol is so high these days.
18 short years of being on this planet. When you look at life as a whole, from when the earth was created to where the earth is now, think about how many millions of years that’s been. Let’s just say hypothetically if I was to live to 80 I’d still be a speck on the timeline of how long the earth been here. When you consider that, it’s like everyone is living on borrowed time, and if I’ve died well I must have borrowed time from borrowed time to be alive.
So it makes me realize how short life is and how much you should value it. I might not wake up tomorrow. You might not. It’s the luck of a draw, but when your time’s up your time’s up. So while you’re here make the most of life.
While I love my fire pit, but if I didn’t have CET I’d be sitting here going insane. I’ll be going to Scone later this month to do another presentation. NewsLink Jun 2022 I Page 23
Rec Road Trip
A different kind of winter wonderland
Blue Mountains Spectacular!
May’s outing to the Blue Mountains was the biggest day trip I’ve done so far for Rec. Many of our consumers where just as excited for the road trip as they were for the destination. It’s bit of a drive and a big day but so worth it! Our convoy consisted of four Headstart vehicles and two privates, 21 people in total. There’s nothing like the crisp, fresh, cold air of the Blue Mountains, the cold ads to the overall atmosphere. Such spectacular views! I’ve been there before many times, and it can often be foggy, but this time it was crystal clear so you could see for miles. A fantastic day! Be sure to let me know where you would like to venture next. - Nikki, Rec Coordinator
“It was a long drive but I had a really great time down in the Blue Mountains with everyone. We went for a bush walk and saw lots of birds and wildlife and the Three Sisters rock formation. The best bit was the snags and chips I got for lunch!” - Pete
“It’s outstanding, as big as anything. Gigantic! I’ve seen the Grand Canyon on TV but here we’ve got this a hundred miles away, in our back pocket. I hadn’t been before, just never had the chance. I had a car accident at 22 and that sort of held me back.” - Wayne
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“The trip was good and I enjoyed it. It was sunny!” - Leah
“The drive was good. The view was spectacular! The weather was a bit cool so I rugged up.”- Darryl
“It was really good. I’ve never seen the Three Sisters before and just to get together with the other peers from Headstart was great.” - Kaley
“A beautiful autumn day. The sun was shining, the scenery magnificent! No wonder they call it the Blue Mountains. You look at the valley below and you see a tinge of blue everywhere. Going for a walk near the Three Sisters and having a look at the scenery down there, it’s just breathtaking. It really is! I hadn’t been there in 40 years. Definitely worth taking the trip, and I enjoyed the scenery down on the road even. Good company too. A fantastic day!” - Ken
“Nikki was great, she organised everything. It was a great trip! It’s been a long time since I went, it was good to see the Three Sisters again. Everyone was having a good time, easy to get along with. I don’t normally go to Rec so I might start going a bit more.” - Paul
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Rec Road Trip “The view was quite something, I really enjoyed the scenery. Looked a bit like Canada!”- Jeff (who was born in Canada)
“I was walking down a path and out of the corner of my eye saw this lizard, almost scared the hell out of me! It made me swear, I thought it was a real one. There were two of three of these statues on the sandstone wall. I used to live not far away in Blacktown but hadn’t been here in five or six years.” - Peter
A tribute to Georgean O
n the morning of Friday 10th June 2022, we received the sad news that our friend, and Headstart consumer, Georgean Baker passed away unexpectedly. George was 60 years old and has been with Headstart since April 2009. Our thoughts are with her friends and family at this time.
RSPCA, assisting with fundraising. She was passionate about helping the animals, and she would proudly tell you how she raised more money selling the raffle tickets at the movie night, than they did with the movie night itself.
George loved to play games like “Sequence” or “Rummikub”, which she would play for hours on end. She was a good sport, especially when she won. And she liked to spend time with her When I think of George, I start to smile, friends at the Mayfield Hotel, where she’d have a wine and a chat. I can’t help it. She was so warm and George found life to be challenging encouraging, so cheeky and earnest, at times. And as we got to know each and sometimes blunt, sometimes stubborn. I always knew where I stood other, she would tell me about some of her frustrations. What was remarkable with George. She cared deeply about animals; looking about George though, was how she would always come back to the positive after them and the environment. - she was an irrepressible spirit. She didn’t like phones, computers or the internet, mostly because of how technology impacts the animals. Except crocodiles, she had no time for crocodiles. George volunteered with the NewsLink Jun 2022 I Page 26
All in all, George was, as she would put it, “a lovely female person” and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her. - Mark, CoWorker
Rec Roundup
Rec has had a busy few months! Besides our amazing Blue Mountains day trip here are some of things we’ve done: Ten Pin Bowling • Mortels Tour • Toboggan Park • Aqua Golf • Train Sheds BBQ • Fishing Trips • Jesmond Park Frisbee • Grannies Pool • Lawn Bowls • Fernleigh Track • Blackbutt • Cricket • Seated Yoga • Lunch • Karate
Seated yoga is great for the mind and body. Instructor Charlie works on breathing techniques to help calm and clear the mind.
Peter and Wayne get into their routine.
Lyn and CSW Kristy enjoying an Easter themed bbq at the Train Sheds!
Ten pin bowling is a crowd favourite and we always have a good turnout.
Touring Mortels Sheep Skin Factory where they make 1000 pairs of Ugg Boots per week.
James feels the need for toboggan speed!
Annette & CSW Simone, Bathhouse Gardens. Aqua golf appears to make a difficult game harder, but still lots of fun. Look out ducks! NewsLink Jun 2022 I Page 27
A close call for Dave! Dave proves that you’ve got to be in it to win it... just not in the loo!
Karate Exercises for Balance Part 2 Peter, our karate class Sensei has some additional balance enhancing exercises for you... ask your CSW or carer to help! Scan the QR code with your phone camera for video (or go to www.vimeo.com/710314832
“I once won the members draw at Gateshead Windale bowling club, and when my name was called I was in the toilet. Everyone was looking for me and I was in there doing a number two. When your name’s called out you’ve got three calls, so everyone was trying to find me. When I wandered out they said ‘you’ve only got 20 seconds, you’d better get there!’. So I went right up and won twelve grand. My shout!” - Dave
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.
“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” – Dolly Parton
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
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.
Traditional Owners
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. 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 NewsLink Jun 2022 I Page 28