Headstart NewsLink March 2022

Volume 28 Issue 3 Mar 2022

Teigan’s story of how the roles were reversed: Pg 5

Mothering Mum We bring you more of

Y ur St ries

Classic Gary Pg 18

All things aqua Water water everywhere... it’s great therapy!

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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 stories or information would you like to see in future NewsLinks?

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 Have you checked us out on Facebook recently?

Catch all the latest news, stories and rec activities.

From the ED’s Desk

A

s I write I think of all those impacted by the terrible floods and as we know from our own experience years ago (which pales in comparison to the devastation of the current floods) it takes years to get back some normality. Our thoughts continue to go out to those impacted by the “one in 500 year” floods!

Also, navigating the COVID situation since the start of the year has been extremely challenging, with many staff becoming unavailable due to either being positive or being exposed so we continue to work our way through this minefield. Thank you for bearing with us!

It was appearing as if the situation has started to slow down however the past few weeks has seen another wave impacting services and available staff. Lets all hope for a much less disruptive time ahead.

In this issue we focus on the kind of water you immerse yourself in for good health. Besides the obvious relaxation of getting out on the ocean or our magnificent Lake, making a regular commitment to hydro therapy or the pool can have huge benefits. This edition of NewsLink takes a closer look at hydro and the results it has helped achieve for some of our consumers.

Of course many more use water for therapy and these people’s stories are just the tip of the iceberg.

If you haven’t been to the pool in a long time, why not challenge yourself and have a go... talk with your CoWorker about whether this is a good option for you.

Coming up in May we have the Hunter Disability Expo so come on in to say hi and it is a great way to see the wide array of disability supports available here in the Hunter.

In this edition we take a close look at the work of Rankin Park Rehabilitation Centre adjacent to John Hunter Hospital. Many of our consumers have passed through Rankin Park’s doors as the service provides inpatient and rehab support to people recovering from brain injury.

We also have a special guest article from consumer Tony (Pg 20) who has an incredible way with words.

Also keep in mind that membership to the Association is due in May/June and we look forward to your continuing support. We are actively looking for people to join as this membership gives you voting rights to choose Board members. Check out page 23 for more information or simply return the application form enclosed here.

As always there are new inspiring consumer stories, including the ups, and the downs and while life can be a real rollercoaster, time and again we find out that an “attitude of gratitude” makes all the difference.

We hope you enjoy the read!

Till next time... Sue

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Pg 5

Mothering Mum

Pg 8

COVID Update

Rankin Park Centre

Pg 10 Just add water Pg 27

Look the part with Headstart Style up with some of our Headstart merch... contact us or pop into the office to buy these items.

Covid Precautions from March 2022 As Headstart support workers can work with a number of people in any one day, there are precautions that staff are required to follow to reduce the risk of catching and passing on Covid to the people we work with, family members and other staff as they travel in the community with consumers.

Coming up soon

14 & 14 May

$10 500ml Thermo drink bottle

Headstart support workers are still required to wear masks when: • Providing personal care • Transporting people • Whilst in the Consumer’s home • When outdoors and may need to provide immediate support to the person they are with eg. walking closely together, pushing a wheelchair • When in enclosed spaces eg. shops Some workers do have the appropriate exemption from wearing a mask, if this is the case, the relevant consumers will be notified, they then will have the choice to continue with that worker or decline.

Rec Group: Lawn Bowls

The free COVID-safe Hunter Disability Expo is coming up at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 May 2022. The Expo brings together everyone in the local disability sector to showcase the latest products, services, technology, aids and equipment. Come and check it out and be sure to pop in to booth 47 to say g’day!

Cap

$12

www.hunterdisabilityexpo.com.au

If there is a change to wearing of masks whilst on shift Headstart will advise consumers, family members and staff as soon as that occurs.

Although masks are no longer mandatory in a lot of community settings, consumers are encouraged when out in the community to ensure they have a mask with them in case it is required.

Headstart encourages everyone to remember to continue with regular handwashing and sanitising of hands.

$7

$6 for 2 or more

If visiting our office it is personal choice as to whether or not you wear a mask, you will not be required to QR code but will be required to complete the attendance book as normal (prior to COVID) on entry and departure. Until further notice we will still check your temperature. CSW’s attending the office whilst supporting a Consumer should please wear a mask.

Headstart’s attractive and durable hessian bads are perfect for all your shopping needs.

Size 35cm H x 40cm W x 20cm D, with double 17 inch handles.

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Meet ‘n greet

Say G’day to Headstart’s newest office team members CoWorker

TeriAnne

Hi everyone!

I live on the beautiful Central Coast with my two fur baby cats.

Reception

Monique I moved to Newcastle from Sydney about 20 years ago and absolutely love it here! I live in Tighes Hill so I’m close to beach, bike paths, the city and to Headstart!

I’m not very good at sitting still unless I’m watching Netflix and I’m a terrible cook. I’ve done admin work most of my life and stopped working when I had a couple of kids. I absolutely loved being at home with them which chewed up quite a few years and was not kind to my Super fund! Working with the team at Headstart is great, and I find many of the consumers so inspiring. If you have to go to work every day then it’s great to do something you enjoy and that’s worthwhile.

Get to know Monique

Favourite food: Thai Favourite movie: I love a foreign film Favourite band/music: Is Spotify a band?

No favourites in particular, but not rap!

Favourite sport/team: Swimming, Ice I love being a co-worker at Headstart. skating, kayaking Looking forward to meeting you all!

Favourite cartoon character: Sponge Bob and Shrek Favourite hobby: yoga, lap swimming Favourite place on earth: If I could travel Favourite place on earth: too hard, no anywhere on earth it would be to Europe, favourite yet! eating pizza in Italy and sailing around If you could be any animal?A seagull the Greek Islands. hang out at the beach, eat chips and fly!!

If you could meet someone famous?

Favourite sport/team: I don’t watch a lot of sports but I like to go to my sisters David Bowie soccer games and support the Roosters Craziest thing you’ve done: I did aerial football team. trapeze when I was 50, then followed up with Zip Lining in Whistler, Canada.

If you could be any animal? I love all animals but my favourites would have Three words to describe you: to be dogs, rabbits, monkeys, horses, Noisy, nutty, but nice. dolphins and penguins.

Describe your first month at Headstart: They warned me it would be busy but Describe your first month at Headstart: I’ve really enjoyed my role as a CoWorker with covid kicking in and people away at Headstart and have been here almost it was pretty crazy! Sink or swim!

3 months. Everyone has been really I dog-paddled and with the support of friendly and helpful! those left still working in the office I I’ve been learning a lot of new things and managed to get on an even keel. It’s still its been fun meeting lots of new people. crazy busy!

I enjoy gardening, bushwalking, painting and relaxing with my family. I also like going out for lunch at a cafe with friends on the weekends.

Get to know Teri-Anne

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CoWorker

Lynette I have grown up in Lake Macquarie and would not want to live anywhere else!

I have a daughter who is 20, a son who is 15 and a 6 year old Cavoodle.

My family and friends are my world however I also love my alone time as well.

I have worked within the disability sector for nearly 10 years and couldn’t imagine myself working in any other industry.

Get to know Lynette Favourite food: Cheese (any kind) – I could eat cheese for every meal Favourite movie: Cocktail

Favourite band/music: I love all types of music but Elvis Presley is my all-time fave

Favourite sport/team: Tennis (I can hit a ball but prefer to watch) Favourite cartoon character: Shrek

Favourite hobby: Reading, craft (especially macrame), gardening, sailing

Favourite place on earth: Anywhere with water for swimming If you could be any animal? An otter. I would happily float around in water all day being fed seafood!

If you could meet someone famous who would it be? Elvis Presley of course

Craziest thing you’ve done?

Ridden on roller coasters for full day with a broken rib! I hate roller coasters but had promised my kids that I would go on them all, I broke my rib on the third ride and couldn’t “chicken out” Three words to describe you: Very honest, loyal and loving

Describe your first month at Headstart: AMAZING!! I have met some wonderful people that I am really enjoying getting to know. I love to chat and to hear peoples stories and everyone has been so happy to share there stories and knowledge. I am learning something new every day which is great! I have loved witnessing the beautiful relationships between CSW’s and consumers and I look forward to building similar relationships.

Teigan’s young life changed dramatically after her mum Carolyn suffered a stroke.

Mothering Mum

“I

was 10 years old and in year five. Mum had a seizure and lay on the ground, not knowing what she was doing. My brother called an ambulance which seemed like it took a long time coming. I’ve learned over the years that the longer strokes are left, the worse the outcome can be. Mum had a pretty bad stroke.

After a while I thought ‘there has to be something better out there for mum than a nursing home’. Mum couldn’t talk anymore. She couldn’t move much.

I honestly didn’t know that mum was in there anymore.

After the stroke I didn’t think it could get any worse, but it did.

had the nurses in the home, but she was just in bed all the time watching TV. One day I took out a children’s puzzle to give her something to do and she concentrated really hard. After a few goes she put every single one in there and that was a massive light bulb moment for me. I knew that Mum could do more. I realised that the nursing home environment is just stagnant.

I slowly started realizing, ‘wait a second, mum is fully there’. She would laugh when I started coming out of my shell She was in hospital for a while and then as I was growing up. I loved to be funny and silly around her, tell her jokes and at Rankin Park for months of rehab where they were doing their best to teach make her laugh. Dirty jokes, anything.

I started to realize she’s fully there when Mum how to speak again and how to she’d laugh at my jokes. move the right side of her body, which was completely paralyzed. Her right But the thing is, arm was extremely stiff and she never she never really regained the use of her right arm at all. had one-on-one Mum’s right leg was much the same. support. Yes, she

A while after her stoke mum had a bad fall and hit her head. She was never the same again and had a major operation for severe internal bleeding in the brain.

It was really confronting seeing mum on life support in an induced coma.

By this time mum was in her forties and I was a teenager and had to move elsewhere to live with my dad so didn’t see much of mum for a period.

Mum was in hospital for a long time.

On release she got put into a nursing home, and I didn’t know any better at the time. I thought it was normal.

I’m not quite sure how the NDIS funding started but all of a sudden mum had support workers. I would go and there’d be someone there with mum and I would build a relationship with them.

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Mum raised me.

She made me who I am today. And now the roles have reversed and it’s my time to look after mum.

Now, the support workers have created an entire new life for mum.

They’ve been through everything with mum because they started when she was in the nursing home.

Teigan got married this month and we were able to help take her mum there.

A very special moment!

Then we got a wheelchair and the Headstart workers would start taking mum out. Before I knew it, mum was going out for walks and the support workers became her family.

Beforehand I would feel like if I wasn’t there then no-one was there. If I didn’t go see mum for a week, then no-one would see her that week. It was a lot of pressure on me. If I ever went away for a week on a holiday in the back of my head I would always be thinking ‘who’s there for mum now that you’re not there?

Who’s talking to mum?’

Until then my grandma was mum’s guardian, and while she was doing her best she was elderly and didn’t know exactly what to do next.

Up until then I couldn’t go and tick off my bucket list goals because mum is always more important than me going away. Now she has more support than I could ever imagine. If I wanted to could even go overseas and not stress about it.

I feel like without Headstart I wouldn’t be doing much now. I wouldn’t be relaxed. I would have anxiety about leaving mum I wouldn’t be going camping or holidays.

While I am mum’s guardian and I do have a huge responsibility it’s not a ‘job’ for me anymore. Now I go and see mum and I’m not doing anything else other than being with mum, because I decided that it didn’t matter everything else is already done. She’s how young I was and so in my already been out for the day. She’s been early twenties I went to court and to the movies, she’s been to the cafe. The became mum’s guardian. support workers have thought ‘I’m going to take bread to work today and go down I know that it should be the other way to the Lake for Carolyn to feed the birds.’ around. People thank or congratulate me like I’m doing such a good job. But She may never really improve the way there’s no way I wouldn’t do it. Not for I wish she would. But I know that she’s a second. It’s not a job. She definitely happy and she has company and she has deserves the world and I want the best people that love her and think about her for her. It’s my time to look after mum, and know her. They know her as well even though it’s very hard sometimes. as I do now. They’re living with mum, I knew that the nursing home was not for more than they are working with mum. mum, but I didn’t know where to look.

I am at peace know that from here until I got a call from a girl I knew at Compass the very end mum is getting everything Housing nearly two years ago and now that she deserves. mum’s in a proper home with two other disabled people and always enough trained staff on, which is awesome.

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Watch a short video of Teigan and Carolyn’s story as they adjust to a new life.

Scan the QR code with your smartphone or go to www.vimeo.com/673017708

These are extraordinary people and the stories tell themselves, we just had to polish them up and make them look beautiful.

- Ben

That’s a wrap At Headstart we believe in the power of personal stories.

Over the past few years, Eluminate have helped us do this.

W

e were approached by Headstart to help them tell authentic stories about life after acquired brain injury. Their focus was to celebrate the people that they work with, but also to identify the benefits of finding specialised support.

Telling stories is the mainstay of our business and every member of our team loves to do it. When the stories are this inspirational and this close to our heart, it’s all the more satisfying.

Not just from the pleasure of doing the work but also the feeling that we are contributing to a greater thing.

Each story was captured by spending time, having a yarn, a few laughs, and the odd tear. These are extraordinary people and the stories tell themselves.

We just had to polish them up and make them look beautiful.

We can only hope that this body of work provides some inspiration and helps to celebrate the extraordinary people and the teams that help them on their way.

In an effort to partner with Headstart and provide the support they deserve, Eluminate provided production services at cost.

- Ben Hayes General Manager Creative, Eluminate

Feeling lost and having no real understanding of what happens next is all too familiar for my family. My brother in law Ben sustained a serious acquired brain injury and in that instant, we began our journey; begging for answers, researching outcomes, hoping for his recovery.

It wasn’t until someone connected us with Headstart that we started to get perspective about ABI and the support that is available.

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Behind the scenes at the filming of Teigan and her mum Carolyn’s stroke story.

Check out some other inspiring stories on our website. We love to champion our consumers!

Rankin Park

Meet Nevenka Bareham, Social Worker Manager at Rankin Park Centre.

Helping brain injury survivors get people back on their feet through longer term inpatient care.

“R

ankin Park Centre is made up of two inpatient wards and a day hospital for outpatients.

Each of the two wards has twenty beds with the North Ward specifically for people with brain injury, stroke or other neurological conditions. This would be the ward that someone would arrive at after coming from John Hunter.

Sometimes people are well enough to leave John Hunter and go home. But if we think the patient is going to benefit from ongoing rehabilitation then they come to us. They would generally come through us before they go to the Hunter Brain Injury Service (HBIS) transitional unit on Darby Street.

So while we are an inpatient service, the HBIS transitional unit is the last step before going home and where they stay Monday to Friday, and go home on weekends.

So being an inpatient hospital, people stay at Rankin Park for anything from two weeks onwards. Some who are fairly well may only stay a couple of weeks. If we need to, we’ll link them with the HBIS transitional unit where they’ll go as inpatients.

For that they need to be assessed and also have a trial discharge allowing them to go home over the weekend. We need to know that they will manage once they go to HBIS. So we’re the stepping stone to the HBIS transitional unit, and they are the stepping stone back to the community. Some will attend the transitional unit for outpatient care.

While we may have 20 beds in the North Ward, there’s no specific number set aside for brain injury patients. It depends on whoever comes from John Hunter for rehab and that might be a stroke patient or an acquired or traumatic brain injury. It could be someone with multiple sclerosis. It just depends - it might be an older person or a younger one. We never have 20 brain injury patients at any one time – though there might be four or five.

Here at Rankin Park we do intense physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

The occupational therapist will have a cognitive group - so people who have problems with their thinking will get a little workbook with exercises and homework to do during the week. They’ll meet with them a couple of times during the week, which is why they stay in hospital. Patients get quite a lot of intensive therapy, like daily physio and almost daily OT depending on what they need.

The nurses are involved in encouraging people to be more independent. Patients must dress each day and they must walk to the bathroom and eat meals in the dining room together. Our nurses support people by trying to keep them active and working on their therapy goals.

The social workers are working with people about mood as they adjust to a brain injury, and particularly working with the family because they are dealing with the trauma as well the change in their loved one.

In terms of therapy, if people have speech problems we have a speech pathology team as well that will be helping with their thinking and their reading and writing or their swallowing.

It depends on what part of the brain is affected and how they’re managing. There’s a resident doctor here on a Friday and they’re oversighted by the medical specialist and the registrar as well, so a good team. We have family meetings as and when we need to.

Some patients may be with us for a few months as they need more time for recovery. The lengthlier stays would be because of the need for intensive walking, talking or cognitive therapy, also working with family and getting them to have trial home leave over a weekend. It’s extensive work and we also help them with access to the NDIS and if they need that for discharge, we take them all the way through until they get their plan approved and all the services are in place - which is where Headstart come in - and then they get discharged.

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While a lot of them do, not all patients go through the HBIS transitional service. We have a clear pathway for those people straight into the transitional unit and we start talking to the patient and family about the unit and further rehab. But not all of them need it and some might go straight home with the right NDIS supports in place.

So from day one we’re anticipating what sort of support this person is likely to need.

We start the NDIS process early and if they’re older we’re looking at My Aged Care for the support services there.

At the planning meetings we would plan based on the assumption that all of our patients will need a Coordinator of Supports (COS), whether they are brain injured or not. We’re keen on getting everyone into the system early and we talk to the patient about that as they usually don’t know what to do.

We’re not allowed to choose the COS, but we have developed a list of people who are more familiar with our clients needs.

Sometimes a COS will even attend the planning meeting from day one and be part of that conversation with the patient straight away.

A patent might choose a COS that’s based in Sydney or someone who specialises in intellectual disability, for example, which is not ideal. We’re aiming for them to connect with someone who understands more about their physical disabilities and their cognitive situation. Headstart are definitely on our list and we know what they do.

- Nevenka Bareham, Rankin Park Centre

Many of our consumers have walked out of Rankin Park’s doors. Meet just are few...

“T

“A

he wonderful care I received from Rankin Park was a little different to the care I received at John Hunter. At John Hunter I had just been in a serious car accident so they wanted to do a lot for me.

fter day two in John Hunter I was begging the staff to send me to the rehab hospital at Rankin Park.

This is where my journey began, and I was so determined at this point I said to the doctor ‘I will be out of here in a week!’

Rehabilitation was so so hard, but I was super keen and even asked if I could have extended periods of rehab. I was in a bubble and that bubble was to get better and get more mobile. It worked and on that particular Friday one week later I had to do a test with the physio which I passed. I then was released on the date I told the doctor and I walked out with a walking stick.” - Tony, stroke survivor

“R

ecovery, as with many things, went in stages. Like when I first started getting physio at Rankin Park, some people you just click with and they’ll help you get that next level pretty well. I’ve had a few great physios and OT’s and also speech pathologists.

Originally it was a social worker at Rankin Park that introduced me to Headstart over ten years ago now.”

- Ray, stroke survivor

But then when I got to Rankin Park they did some things for me - because I was still in a bad way - but I had to do what I could for myself too. They were there to give me the support of trying to do things on my own, trying to get me back on my feet. I was in a bed at the hospital at Rankin park for about three months.

While I was at Rankin Park, I was given permission to go play darts. So I would have someone pick me up and take me the darts at seven o’clock in the evening, and then I’d have to get the door someone to let me back in at 11 o’clock. So I could even go play darts while I was there!

I started playing Euchre (card game) at Rankin Park just to keep my brain active as I had to remember how to play.

Then when I came home I continued playing it and now I host an online game with people in the USA and Canada.”

- Kaley, motor accident survivor Read more of Kaley’s story on Pg 16.

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Just add

Acquired brain injuries can result in physical issues that many of our consumers treat with hydrotherapy.

Here’s a quick summary.

H

ydrotherapy involves the use of water to treat various conditions, such as arthritis, rheumatic complaints and other ailments. Although it resembles swimming, it is different because it requires the individual to undertake different exercises in a warm pool of water. The water temperature in the pool is approximately 33–36ºC, which is much warmer than what you will encounter in a normal swimming pool.

Hydrotherapy treatment is usually conducted in a hospital’s physiotherapy department. A physiotherapist who has specialized training administers the exercises. You’ll often find other movement health practitioners can also administer these specialist treatments.

How does hydrotherapy work?

Hydrotherapy relies on its mechanical and thermal effects, in order to induce healing. It takes advantage of the body’s reaction to cold or hot stimuli, the pressure exerted by water, the protracted application of heat as well as the sensation of the water. These sensations and effects are then carried deeper into the skin by nerves.

When you are submerged in water like a pool or a bath, you experience some kind of weightlessness. During this period, the water relieves the body of gravity’s effects. In addition, water induces a hydrostatic effect, as well as a massage-like feeling, as it kneads your body. Moving water stimulates the skin’s touch receptors. This effect increases blood circulation while releasing tight muscles.

Hydrotherapy is divided into two main categories. These are external hydrotherapy and internal hydrotherapy.

External Hydrotherapy

This is the application of ice or water to the body. It also involves immersion of the body in water. It therefore aims at using temperature based hydrotherapy techniques, such as the effects of hot and cold water on the skin as well as the underlying tissue. When used, hot water causes sweating and relaxes muscles. It is a very effective method of treating poor circulation, arthritis, rheumatism and sore muscles, and is often combined with aromatherapy.

These baths are recommended for treating hemorrhoids, menstrual cramps, prostate swelling and various other genitourinary conditions.

There is also motion-based therapy, where high-pressure water is used to massage the body. This method is used to relieve stress and anxiety.

Internal Hydrotherapy

This form of therapy includes enemas and colonic irrigation. Steam baths are a also good example of internal hydrotherapy. Colonic irrigation involves cleaning the entire bowel. This helps to cure numerous digestive problems and conditions. Douching is another type of internal hydrotherapy. It directs a water stream straight to the vagina to cleanse the area. However, many practitioners do not recommend this form of hydrotherapy.

Benefits of Hydrotherapy

• It is a very effective method of treating long-lasting pain.

• It helps to loosen tense, tight muscles, while encouraging relaxation. It also increases the metabolic rate and the digestion activity. Hydrotherapy hydrates body cells while improving skin and muscle tone.

On the other hand, cold-water hydrotherapy helps to stimulate • Hydrotherapy boosts the immune underlying muscles, as well as blood system, thus enhancing its efficiency. flow to the skin. Some of the common When this happens, these sensations treatments based on water include • It stimulates blood supply to various stimulate the immune system, thus the application of cold and moist heat, organs in the body. influencing the release of stress to various parts of the body. This hormones, while improving digestion, treatment with moist heat is referred as Hydrotherapy has been used circulation and blood flow, as well as fomentation. Fomentation is very useful for many years to treat various reducing the body’s sensitivity to pain. when it comes to treating conditions like health conditions.

In most circumstances, heat is used to soothe and quiet the body, while slowing arthritis, flu and chest cold. down the activity of internal organs.

One of its main advantages is that Ice packs or cold compresses are it is natural and does not have any used to relieve pain associated with On the other hand, cold is used to major negative side effects. Utilising invigorate and stimulate, thus increasing dental surgery, headaches and sprains. hydrotherapy and other aquatic physical Body packs help to calm psychiatric the body’s internal activity. Therefore, therapies means don’t have to swallow patients and detoxification. External if you are suffering from anxiety and pills or go for expensive surgical hydrotherapy is conducted in various tense muscles, you should bathe with procedures. However, if symptoms hot water. If you are feeling stressed out ways. A sitz baths is one of the most common procedures. The patient sits in persist after treatment, it is advisable to and tired, you should shower with hot uniquely made bath where the abdomen seek professional medical care. water, followed by a short cold shower. is fully submerged in water.

This stimulates the mind and body.

Source: livewellrehab.com.au NewsLink Mar 2022 I Page 10

water Renai at Toronto pool with her physio. Renai wants to improve her health and has been working for over a year to get to this point. Renai is really proud of her achievements and has become a pool regular. Special thanks to her great support team!

Hannah’s happy hydro session with CSW’s Myounghee and Paige. Hannah’s had so much relief from her time in the pool: her pain has gone, she has lost weight, and she is so wonderfully happy! Lots of laughs too at Hannah’s CSWs make jokes.

Gary walks in the exercise pool at Charlestown. Read Gary’s story pg 18.

Tony does his regular swimming training Leah at Speers Point Pool with the very at Maitland pool. useful hoist lifter for getting in.

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CSW Taylah helps Tracey

Tracey has been with Headstart for over 13 years now, and her mum Lorraine is a Board Member. Water has always been a big part of their lives and continues to be.

“T

racey joined sailing many, many years ago when it first started and her uncle bought a boat for Sailability, which was really lovely. She’s just loves it, but she did sail beforehand with her father,” shares Lorraine. “She just loves being out there on her own and she said ‘I can get my thoughts together on the water’.”

“Tracey’s swimming, on the other hand, started one day when she said ‘I want to get back into swimming, find someone that can teach me’. So we went to Arnolds in town and found somebody who happened to be a physiotherapist and involved with Australian Swimming, and she put Trace in the water. Tracey fell to the bottom of the pool, but within days she had her swimming. She saw Trace’s potential.

Then it went from swimming to training every day. We’d get up at five o’clock and go in and train. Then she had to compete in events in Sydney every second weekend.

Tracey’s brain tumour in 1991 left her with impaired balance, motor skills and vision. But it takes more than that to keep a good woman down!

World class

In 2002 Tracey was chosen for the Far East South Pacific International Games in South Korea to represent Australia.

She won silver there against a Japanese girl who was such a good swimmer. She is so good she could beat people that are not disabled. So Trace said ‘every time I win silver Mum it’s gold because she’s so good’.

That was a great meet. Previously Tracey also swam in the Australian and British Nationals in 2000.

Tracey’s freestyle was always double arm backstroke, which is allowed in freestyle racing in her category. When Tracey was younger she was a surfer more than a swimmer. She was a nice swimmer but I’d often say to her ‘just as well you’re in a wheelchair as you weren’t that good!’

She went to Argentina for the Parapan Games in 2003 and at that stage she was seventh in the world for her event. She had the times and the position to go to the Olympics in Greece, but they didn’t take a big team then. The Paralympics are a lot different now to what they were back then as they only took walkers because to take someone in a wheelchair meant having a carer, so they didn’t want to pay for that.

Tracey: front centre. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi Oi Oi! NewsLink Mar 2022 I Page 12

So that was it and then she decided not long after that she’d retire, and so I was really happy I didn’t have to get up at 5 o’clock anymore to go to training!

Tracey still swims. The doctor wants her to keep it up because it’s good for her.

So she still swims and she goes to the gym, which she did every week when she was swimming as well. That was part of the program she had to do. So she still does that which is both good for her health and good for her socially.

The support workers get in and walk in the pool with Tracey after she’s done swimming. The walking’s good for Trace because she doesn’t use her legs much otherwise. Even after all these years it’s still something that she looks forward to it. Tracey says to me ‘I can sit at home mum and no-one would care, but if I go out and do something I’m happy!’

The doctor said after one of her bone density scans that Tracey’s bones had definitely thickened in her wrists and arms, which they were really happy about.

Tracey is part of our Community Education Team and extremely gifted at communicating her unique story.

We recently caught up with Tracey after she’d just been to the gym.

I’m feeling good today. All revved up!

My support workers are with me every day. Monday is swimming, Tuesday is gym, Sailing is Fridays. Wednesdays and Thursdays are for appointments and other social things.

At the gym we’ll usually do a stretch class, which is a combination of pilates and stretching. Then I’ll do some resistance work.

Some days I push myself so that I just want to go to bed! It depends on how hard I work. I don’t go to bed though.

I stopped competing in swimming in 2006 and now I’m just swimming to keep my bones and my body intact. With competitive swimming it was hard to get out of bed of course, especially in winter. As anyone does, you love the end of training. And then when you have a meeting if you win you think ‘Oh this feels great, that’s why I train so much!’

Tracey has a bone density about every 18 months. It wasn’t the last one she had, they didn’t comment on that one so there was no change. But that’s why they want her to keep her swimming up For swimming I start by doing ten laps because it’s so good for her conditioning. with the kickboard, just kicking. Then twenty of backstroke, and then if I’m Sailing’s good too as it involves pulling feeling alright breathstroke. I also do on the ropes. It’s all exercise and it’s especially good for anyone in a walking in the pool, how much depends wheelchair. That’s what our neurologist on how my legs feel. in Sydney is absolutely adamant that I love being in the pool! The best thing exercise is the best thing.” about it is the walking. Falling in the pool - Lorraine, Tracey’s mum is like slow motion, and then Taylah is there to help me so there’s no way I can hurt myself when I’m walking.

The thing that keeps me motivated is thinking ‘if they can do it, I can do it’ and basically if something is on TV you think ‘I’m going to give it a try too.’ You feel better yourself knowing that you can do the same or better than anyone else.

I love sailing too. I’ve sailed in competition for doubles but usually I’m by myself. I love the fact that you’re free and not confined to a wheelchair.

Tracey and mum Lorraine

- Tracey

Watch a short video of Tracey’s brain tumour story and her love of sailing.

Scan the QR code with your smartphone or go to www.vimeo.com/416216880 NewsLink Mar 2022 I Page 13

D

arryl is Newcastle born and bred.

With all this water around us he hadn’t kayaked until a few months ago at Headstart’s Rec Group. We caught up with Darryl recently to find out a little more about him.

When did you have your brain injury?

It was a long time ago now, 1969 or 70.

I ran into the back end of a car because I had no brakes on my bike.

Catch me if you can!

Darryl gets his rhythm as Nikki chases him down.

Darryl gets back on his bike (and kayak)

Did you have a helmet on?

No. In those days it wasn’t legalised. I was a young bloke, 15 at the time.

How did life change for you?

I never finished school. I got a job labouring in the steel industry and held that for about 30 years.

I was terminated from my job and I started getting really seriously depressed.

A year or two after that it started to get worse and then I started taking medication. Then I got put into the NDIS and ended up with Headstart.

When did you start getting support with Headstart?

About 2 years now. I had no support before that. I feel much better now.

You attend Rec group a lot - what is it that you enjoy about it?

Just having people around because I live on my own.

How was your day kayaking at Port Stephens?

It was a pretty good day out!

Were you like a duck to water?

Well, I’d never done kayaking before, so I was a bit unsure.

It was ok until I tipped up. I’ve got no balance you see. I got wet and it was bloody cold!

Then as soon as I got back on I went over again. Eventually I got it going for a little bit.

So would you do it again Darryl?

I suppose I’d have another go, yes!

Were you much of water sports person in the past, whether ocean or the Lake?

Not so much the Lake but I like the ocean and baths.

NewsLink Mar 2022 I Page 14

Darryl’s trade mark yellow hat and smiling face are easy to spot at Rec activities!

What are you finding challenging in your life?

I’ve got sleep apnoea which is petty hard to deal with.

These days I’m feeling about 50/50 as I have my ups and downs.

What do you think of your support workers?

They’re pretty good.

What sort of things do you do together?

Doing things like going out and visiting the shops. Today I’m going out to get some parts for my bike. I’ve got four bikes. Some of my bikes are good but one is a wreck. I ride on my own down the old Fernleigh Track.

I used to go to Men’s Shed but now I don’t go to anymore because the one in Waratah is shut. Now my support workers are helping me plan the things I need to do and other activities. I don’t cook, so I get Meals on Wheels or frozen food. Its pretty good!

“A

nxiety is a real issue for so many people, it can make people become isolated and avoid situations. Darryl was very proud of himself after this activity, he had just achieved something he had never done before and managed to overcome is panic attack.

Though his panic attack I calmly asked Darryl to focus on his breath. Breath in for four counts and out for four counts, I held his arms so as he could feel my touch and that I was able to keep him safe, I then asked him to look around him and pointed out objects and landmarks, (while continuing the breathing).

Once Darryl was calm, I asked him if he was still ok to continue and he said “yes, I’m ok now”, I then let go of the boat and he was able to control it himself. He then fell in the water, but managed not to panic and said, I’m good’, and got back in and stayed out for quite some time. It was a beautiful moment!”

- Nikki, Headstart Rec Coordinator

NewsLink Mar 2022 I Page 15

I still have Di coming to support me on Tuesdays and Sundays. On my support free days I’m becoming more independent, being able to do more for myself. I am very grateful for the support, but I’m do enjoy my days to just chill and be myself and then also do girly things with my support workers.

On Sundays we go for nice, big drives to different places.

Di and I go to different shopping centres and walk around.

I like walking. I walk as much as I can, and I do exercises when I’m at home.

At home I’ve learned how to get up off the ground if I fall.

I get myself down on the ground - it’s not a pretty sight - but I manage to get back up. One of my things I worry about is falling and not being able to get back up. But after a few times of trying I know that I am able to do it. I may still hurt myself but at least I won’t be down and out.

I have Nicole who is also a very good support worker and she helps me with rehab in the pool.

On target Kaley loves her darts every Thursday night with CSW Tiffany.

Life may not always be a bed of roses, but Canadian born Kaley manages to keep a big smile on her face much of the time.

“I

believe that I lived because I have a strong heart. The woman that pulled me out of the car gave me CPR until the ambulance came. To keep me breathing on the ground they had to stick a tube down my throat and then when I got to the hospital I ended up having to have a tracheostomy.

The accident happened in 2020 when I was driving on Bucketts Way. I believe I saw an animal and when I slowed down my car went sideways and flipped five or six times. It finished upside down. I was taken by a helicopter and was in a coma for nine days, and then I was in an ICU for 15 days. I had plates and pins in my arms and I broke my femur so I’ve got a big rod and plates and pins in my leg. I’m telling you I had the best, best care from John Hunter hospital, and then I was introduced to icare who introduced me to Headstart. I’m so grateful for the wonderful care I received.

Swimming really helps me with my body strength, working on the different areas just to get my muscles stronger. I’ve seen huge improvements in just 6 months.

I wasn’t able to put my hand up properly before swimming.

Now I’m able to put my hand up all the way. Because I do my freestyle I have to go up and down and I make sure I stretch my arm so that I can get the strength in my arms back. It’s all because of the pool rehab!

Nicole said to me ‘You know when you get back on your feet and you don’t need us anymore, we’ll still be here for you.’ I’m very grateful and I don’t know what I would do without Headstart. I have Beth as coordinator looking after me and she is just wonderful. If I email Beth, she will call me to make sure that I’m okay. So I’m very, very lucky for the wonderful care and I’ve become friends with them too. I’m going through some difficult personal things even aside from my accident, so there are still struggles, but I’m doing better every day. I can overcome my struggles and I like to keep on smiling.

I like to go to Headstart’s barbecues when I can. I really enjoyed the last one we had at Murray’s beach, and it was wonderful to meet so many other people that are A gift from Kaley’s best friend in Canada... yes she is a survivor!

From John Hunter I went to Rankin Park, which is a rehab place. Between the two I was there for nearly six months.

I’ve had Di as a support worker ever since I was in hospital. Di would come pick me up and take me out. We would go to the shops or go for a walk or a drive. She was very good support to me in hospital. Then when I got out of hospital I was taken to a domestic violence shelter. Di would pick me up at the shelter and take me out for a drive or for breakfast and then we would go back. But the shelter just wasn’t suitable for me, so I ended up having to go back to the hospital. Soon after that I managed to get this little unit where I’m living now.

NewsLink Mar 2022 I Page 16

Kaley goes to pool therapy with CSW Nicole twice a week for 1/5 - 2 hrs

struggling like I am. I like being out and about. If there’s an introvert and extrovert I’m pretty sure I’m an extrovert!

My goal is to get through my divorce and to get a job. I want to get back on my feet. I’m a truck driver by trade. I have my heavy rigid but it’s on hold until I do a medical clearance to get my heavy rigid back. It’s only a matter of doing a driving test to show that I can handle a big truck.

I drove in Canada, because I’m Canadian. I drove in Ontario for a dairy product company called Parmalat. I would go and deliver to all the grocery stores and work 10 - 12 hours a day while raising my daughter. She’s an adult now, of course.

I’m from Ontario, which is near Toronto and I’m looking forward to hopefully going back in July when it’s summer over there. July and August are nice and warm.

Watch a short video of Kaley and CSW Nicole at the pool. Scan the QR code with your smartphone or go to www.vimeo com/680638192

Tiffany takes me to my darts at a club on Thursday nights.

She’s also very good with me. If I am a little late in the ladies room, Tiffany will come and make sure that I’m okay. She’ll always check if I need anything or get me a beverage. She’s a wonderful support worker and she’s got the personality to just get along with everybody in my group and everybody in my group enjoys her company as well.

The darts league on a Thursday night is just a fun social night of darts. I used to be a decent player I used to be able to play really good darts but now I have to adjust my throwing technique because of my arm. I keep on trying even though I’m not too good at it, although I have been winning a few games recently.

I’m a believer that you can’t have too many But right now I’ve got my car license, and so I just need a car. friends. But you know who your close friends are. I also just like to think positively that I’m One of my goals is to get a job, but I need to be able to get to the job. I can’t depend on support workers to take me to work going to get over this and do better for myself. and so I’m hoping to get a car. A car is a big goal.

I was only given 5% chance to live. I’m alive!

I’m very grateful to be here in my unit. It’s a lovely little spot and the breeze that flows through just beautifully. I have wonderful neighbors and I’ve started to become friends with some local people and everyone looks out for each other. I’m comfortable. I can go for a walk and I feel safe here.

It doesn’t hurt to be kind and I am the type of person that likes to be kind to people. A compliment never hurts. If somebody is walking down the street and you wave or say hello, it puts a smile on their face and people usually smile back.

I’ve been playing darts since I was in my early 20’s in Canada.

NewsLink Mar 2022 I Page 17

Gary and Janeanne have been married for 47 years.

A real action man before his brain injury, Gary is still a man of action today! Despite a recent setback they are determined to keep improving.

Team effort

“I

t was late on a Sunday afternoon in 2004. I was surfing at Dixon Park with my son and daughter (15 and 17) when I paddled in because I felt tired,” shares Gary. “I walked up the beach and collapsed on the sand.”

Gary’s wife Janeanne recalls: “The lifeguards had packed up then. By the time they got a defibrillator Gary was without oxygen for between six and nine minutes. His brain injury came from lack of oxygen, or hypoxia. It was a real shock because he was so fit and active.”

“Gary was on life support in a coma for several days. The doctors told me they normally maintain life support for five days and that we needed to think about whether to continue as the damage was going to be significant. I said to them I’d check with all the family, telling them, ‘Look, it’s pretty grim. This is what we’re going to have to do’.”

term memories were severely impacted.

Gary was very angry, which was really out of character for him.”

“Once he knew what had happened, Gary said he would have preferred to be left in the surf. ‘When my time is up’ sort of thing and ‘what better place for me to go.’ It was pretty traumatic because we had two teenage children still at school.”

“After hospital Gary was an outpatient at the Hunter Brain Injury Service on Darby Street for over six months. The occupational therapy was really helpful because he’d forgotten how to do basic tasks. He couldn’t write at all. He had to learn how to a lot of things again.

Physically Gary was doing okay, but he was fairly uncoordinated with balance issues. He also struggled with his memory. I was a teacher and I just said ‘Ok let’s just do what we can’ and took a year off then. It was a very wobbly process for quite a while.”

Then the hospital rang me “We had to rebuild Gary’s memory of at four o’clock the next the family year by year with albums of morning saying that Gary photos to rebuild his memory of the had woken up. It was almost passage of time. It was interesting because some of our oldest friends from unbelievable!

“This was a shocking period. For the first Port Macquarie came down to visit.

Gary recognized them from much earlier six months Gary had no recollection of who we were at all. Both short and long in his life but didn’t recognize anyone in NewsLink Mar 2022 I Page 18

the current time. Some of Gary’s regular workmates went to visit and he had no idea who they were. So while there were some old memories still intact, for a period of time he didn’t even remember me. Gary kept saying to me, ‘You’re not Janeanne, it’s not you’. It was very difficult for me, but it did come back to him after some time.“

The photos helped trigger important memories. - Gary

“When you consider the severity of the injury, it was a horrendous experience.

It’s really quite scary to see someone who was very capable, all of a sudden lose all those functions. To get through those years of adversity and just manage as a family and get to where we are now.

It’s huge!”

“In 2005 Headstart came on board. It has been invaluable having support services and people with an understanding of brain injury. It would have been bloody hard without them.”

“The progress of recovery has been slow and is still ongoing and even though there are still memory deficits and Gary’s speech has been affected, he’s slowly been improving all along. Recovery was quicker in the first ten years and has

Gary in the Lake Cathie tennis team 1979.

Gary in 1980 Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie.

been slower in the last six or seven years.

But certainly there has been a lot of ongoing therapy. Gary has always been a quiet, humble sort of a guy who gets on with things with no fuss. ‘If that’s what we need to do, that’s what we’ll do,’ he’d say.

“I lost my ability to drive and haven’t got my licence back yet. I don’t think I will. Now I walk everywhere,” says Gary.

“Ian comes from Headstart and we walk together. He’s good! I enjoy the support to access both the ocean baths and pools to continue swimming and building my strength and mobility. I’m a lot better now than I used to be.”

Janeanne continues: “Many years ago a support worker tried to get Gary back into surfing for a while. Unfortunately he didn’t have the upper body strength anymore to surf safely. There’s still a surfboard in the garage mind you!”

“Through Headstart we’ve been able to get people who are like minded as supports. We’ve tried a lot of things like karate and all the options and found a few things that he’s suited to. Gary grew up with a tennis court in his backyard and was good tennis player in his day.”

“I decided to play again once a week in 2021 in a new program here called ‘Tennis4Life’ with my support worker Ian,” says Gary. “I stepped back to swing for a ball and had a bad fall.”

“It was quite a serious fracture of his left femur,” says Janeanne. “He now has a femoral metal rod attached from his hip to knee. Rehabilitation includes walking in the pool but he’s not yet back to swimming laps. It was a huge setback.

Gary was in hospital for 5 weeks until the next lockdown sent him home for ongoing rehabilitation.”

“Walking the pool it’s a lot easier to walk because of not having weight,” says Gary. “It’s the swimming I’m having trouble with and I’m working on that now.

I lose my direction every now and then so I need help with that.”

My goal is to be off using the walking stick by March. Even now I can walk into the kitchen unaided.

“We also go to hydrotherapy together following the program recommended by his physiotherapists from Lingard,” adds Janeanne. “This involves flexibility exercises and leg strengthening routines. Physiotherapy continues to be twice weekly with the goal of being able to return to lawn bowls”.

Gary is very enthusiastic about Headstart’s Rec group and regularly enjoys the varied activities with this happy group of friends.

“I think that Gary now has a much better understanding of the impact of his brain injury. He is now accepting of the effect this has had on his life,” says Janeanne.

“Gary is to be congratulated for his perseverance. We just keep trying to enjoy life and stay healthy amidst the challenges faced”.

“We’ve just booked a couple weeks up at Noosa in May, which with COVID and the injury we haven’t been able to do over the last couple of years” concludes Janeanne. “I think we’re fortunate to still be able to get in the car and head up the coast. Small adjustments are needed with finding accessible accommodation, but this is minor.

Gary took part in Headstart’s 8 week fitness challenge in 2021, just before his leg injury.

“These days I just like to get down to the beach, lie on the sand and watch the waves,” adds Gary.

Gary loves his Rec activities such as ten pin bowling with support from CSW Ian. NewsLink Mar 2022 I Page 19

My stroke of luck

Where Krusty’s smoke screen nearly hits me for six.

A story by stroke survivor Tony.

Smoking is a slow, ridiculous suicide Like being nibbled to death By a duck

of his uncanny resemblance to the clown in ‘The Simpsons’. I reasoned that by being on his blind side as we passed the nurses’ station, he would probably draw attention to himself, (as he so often did), and I would continue unnoticed. This surprisingly was exactly what happened and my unsuspecting group casually strolled along, until the familiar ’whirrr’ of the glass doors welcomed us into the brilliant sunshine.

We exchanged small talk while the kids played hide and seek in between the gardens and the extensive lawn that framed the entrance to the rehab.

Our discussion eventually focussed on the upcoming cricket season and my possible availability to resume as ‘last drop’, when out of the blue Krusty quietly pulled a single cigarette from his top pocket, turned his back to us and while protecting the poisonous weed from the breeze, sparked up a lighter and set his coffin nail ablaze.

The instant flame and tobacco met; the alluring promise of addictive delights began seducing my senses.

S

aturday was a day free from the regimented therapeutic sessions that seemed to shape my world with impunity. It was a day for visitors and family, exploring and socializing and ultimately recuperating from the rigors of the week past. It was also a day where the change to the weekend roster ensured lots of new faces in and around the hospital.

The ward took on an informal approach to operational procedures and everyone was noticeably more relaxed. My breakfast arrived at the regular time, and I guessed the other meals would follow suit, but apart from the essential routine of feeding, the rest of the day was mine.

The possibilities were endless, and my three pronged wonder stick was just begging for a test run.

Jenny and the kids arrived at 10am.

A short time later friends from my cricket team, (or should that be former cricket team?) came around, so I suggested it would be a marvellous thing if we all embarked upon an excursion into the wilds of the hospital

grounds and enjoy a little sun together.

After assuring everyone that it was ‘definitely OK’. for me to venture out, we headed off as a group, laughing and talking and nonchalantly moving along the hallway towards the double glass doors that led to the big wide world.

As we meandered along, I carefully positioned my wheelchair next to Krusty, one of my more unusual team mates from cricket.

Initially, Krusty’s sudden urge to smoke had plunged me into a state of considerable trepidation, and when the physicality of his filthy act morphed into a wispy, whitish grey fog, I tenaciously prepared for the looming onslaught.

The toxic miasma sought me out like an old faithful dog but as his tobacco transformed into a reckless carcinogenic cocktail something wonderfully unexpected happened. An overwhelming feeling of revulsion welled up inside and without another word I quietly wheeled myself to a more favourable position upwind of the unsuspecting perpetrator.

The once irresistible compulsion to reach for a cigarette had been well and Krusty, or Steve as his wife liked to call truly replaced by a new belief system him, was well over six-foot-tall and had that now recognised and accepted the wavy, almost steel like hair that seemed unshakeable truth that cigarettes were to spring from his head with scant regard a death sentence. The idea of lighting for gravity. His large protruding eyeballs up now seemed so out of character and and grey bushy moustache gave him an offensive that I considered Krusty’s almost permanent look of surprise that I actions abhorrent. suspect was partly caused by a wayward This of course was a very hypercritical full toss to the groin suffered while playing the Windale Warriors in a semi- view to have. Only days before I was as enthusiastic smoker, suspicious of others final that we lost due to an unfortunate who made it their mission to discourage rain delay. me and the many like minded souls We had christened him Krusty because who enjoyed a puff. They argued the NewsLink Mar 2022 I Page 20

case for better health, but I’d convinced myself that enjoying a legally sanctioned product was none of their business; moreover, their self-righteous attitude was impinging on my basic human right to choose.

Callan joins our Community Education Team

But by my Stroke of Luck I had been released from an insidious addiction that had mercilessly consumed me for over thirty years!

So the question was, did the Stroke scramble my brain in such a way that the pleasure receptors that craved nicotine was somehow disabled, or did the mindfulness techniques I practiced faithfully every day have something to do with it?

One could argue either way, but the fact I was no longer held ransom by an uncontrollable urge to smoke was real.

Whether I had arrived at this point through the power of mindfulness or a chance physiological mutation caused

by Stroke wasn’t the issue. I had stopped senselessly harming myself and for this I will always be grateful.

Our little get together on the lawn ended too soon. I was humbled by the fact that I had the sort of friends that would take time to check on my progress. I would never tell them of course, but their visit was a real boost and given I’d apparently made the starting eleven for the new season, despite not being able to walk, gave me yet another reason to smile and get on with my rehabilitation.

The guys in the cricket side were of similar age to me, had families, mortgages and all the responsibilities that went with it. The sudden realization that one of their own could be struck down in the way I had gave them pause to consider their own situation. If nothing else I served as a stark reminder that nothing is ever permanent, and things thought to be normal today can change in an instant. I was the curiosity that had changed, and they all wanted to see what that looked like.

Heastart welcomes Callan as a new member of our amazing CET, who are all about educating people on acquired brain injury and the impact of an ‘invisible injury’. Headstart have supported Cal since his car accident ten years ago.

“I

’ve known about the CET for a few years, but I think I have the most boring story in the world. I didn’t realise anyone would want to hear it.

No, this isn’t a typical CET presentation!

Have heard of the term ‘jailbird’? A couple of years ago Callan made an appearance at Maitland Gaol singing ‘Bound for Botany Bay’. At that stage he had been playing piano for six weeks and singing for two semesters. Top left Callan is with his music teacher, Philip, as he continues his craft.

In the past I’ve always pictured myself as a quitter. But obviously I’m not because I’m still breathing. I see it as my body didn’t give up on me, so I am very fortunate.

My support workers always encourage me to try my best, even though I’m not the most confident person.

Eventually I’d like to become a motivational speaker, using my story to try to encourage other people. To never give up - no matter how crap it gets - to just hang in there.

I met a few of the CET guys a month or two ago at a gathering. We chatted and that was cool. I haven’t done a presentation yet so will be working on that now.

I used to be quite reserved and shy, but now I can talk underwater. I wouldn’t recommend that though!

If I can change one person’s life through my story, then all my pain and suffering has been worth it.

It’s great to have Callan in the CET! Check out our upcoming June edition of NewsLink for more of Cal’s story, including his use of music as therapy.

Want to know more about our CET? Check out the video...

- Tony (Jan 2022)

Scan the QR code with your smartphone to watch our 3 min video

Tony has been a Headstart consumer since 2012.

Or visit www.vimeo.com/556022274 NewsLink Mar 2022 I Page 21

Central Coast Stories

Rachael and Rodney have a yarn with Richard

CSW Rachael shares a couple of stories about what’s been going on down the coast.

R

odney and I have been following the story on Facebook of a Sydney man who left Sydney to kayak to New Zealand, hoping to do this in 3 months.

The man is in his 60’s and has converted a 2 person kayak to include a bed, kitchenette, wine cellar and solar panels.

He has done 2,650kms in 76 days but did not reach New Zealand due to the weight of the kayak being slow, the crazy weather, rough seas. He got to Lord Howe Island. Rodney and I had the surprising privilege to meet our mystery ‘Blue Moon’ kayaker Richard Burners at Terrigal!

Blue Moon had a live tracker on at all times through a website so anyone can check on where he is. So that day Rodney wanted to do a beach drive, him unknowingly knowing Richard was paddling through the Central Coast but we checked on his tracking and were excited to see him arrived in Terrigal so

we had a drive there and behold Richard came out of Blue Moon kayak and dived into the ocean. He came to shore where a few people were waiting and hoping to see him and we were all lucky enough to meet Richard, have a chat, listen to a few of his stories about how he didn’t make it to New Zealand and how his family, friends and work were all worried about him especially with the tsunami warnings.

So his safety crew on land came and got him and brought him back to Nelson Bay than after a few repairs on the kayak he was now paddling back home.

Richard was always smiling and happy to have a chat. He and Rodney were able to encourage and inspire each other.

failed but was a journey of a life time and one he will never forgot and all the people who helped him along the way and all the new people he has encountered too.

Richard is a celebrity in the kayak world It was about realising that when you and we been following his journey put your mind to some you can make it through his post on Facebook for happen. Just because Blue moon didn’t 2months. It was all a bit exciting! make it to New Zealand doesn’t mean he – Rachael (CSW)

What a Rush!

W

e have been following the sculpture Pete Rush for a year now. He makes sculptures around Central Coast, they just appear on Facebook and when they do I take Rodney and Angie to see them, which they love!

Recently we caught the kangaroo in the making with Pete Rush working on it and got to tell him how amazing him and his work are.

This kangaroo is at the back of Mingara recreational club in Tumbi Umi. They say it is 3 times bigger then a normal kangaroo. All made out of local tree and land materials.

According to Pete, this sculpture was inspired by “the 3 year old who, when lost in the bush overnight, asked a kangaroo for a ride home”. – Rachael (CSW) NewsLink Mar 2022 I Page 22

Angela is dwarfed by the amazing kangaroo sculpture

Headstart Association Membership Invitation Becoming a member is simple and costs only $5 annually. We’d love your ongoing support as we continue to support people with ABI. By officially “joining” Headstart as a member you are actively being involved in our organisation at a deeper level.

Membership is open to consumers, family members, Carers, CSW’s, industry professionals and the general public.

You will have the opportunity to attend the yearly AGM and vote on important topics and decisions.

Simply complete the membership form at www.headstart-abi.com.au/membership or contact our office on 4965 4420.

A tribute to the one and only Karl Sadly Karl passed away in February. He was much loved buy many who knew him.

I

remember Karl’s first day at Rec. He talked everyone’s ear off at ten pin and then baked it up at lunch. He was like a kid in a candy shop. So young, so sad. Mum’s are not supposed to outlive their babies!

- Cheryl (CoWorker)

I

’ll never forget my first meeting with Karl at Rec, I was telling a few jokes along with some trivia, soon after Karl called me over and was smirking down at his phone, “watch this, he says”, it was a skit on the Youtube Joke Channel, we then both laughed out loud, and from then on enjoyed sharing our jokes with each other. I think he got a buzz from seeing other people’s reactions of laughter from what he also found very funny.

As well as being fun loving, Karl was also incredibly kind and considerate, one of the first to put his hand up and offer help. At Ten Pin Bowling he would jump up ready to assist fellow mates with their bowls setup. Karl loved Ten All his mates at Rec would tell you what Pin Bowling at Rec. a great guy he was, easy to talk to and Karl also enjoyed Go Karts, going on get along with. He was a lover of life, walks and Archery. He was introduced and eager to give anything a go. to Archery through attending Rec Karl was loved and respected by anyone and absolutely loved it, he was ever he dealt with at Headstart and will be so proud of the times he got what is missed by us all. known as a “Robin Hood” (hitting an arrow directly into the back of another Much love to you Karl, rest in peace. arrow, while it is in the target).

- Nikki (Rec Coordinator) NewsLink Mar 2022 I Page 23

Guardian Angels There are two words to describe myself: very lucky.

I reckon when I was in that coma mum and dad looked down and helped me.

I reckon they would have blessed me.

Because I was in a pretty bad way.

I put it down to above. - Dave Even though he’s more of a landlubber than waterman, Dave certainly gives a lot of things a go and loves his Rec.

“I

went to the beach day yesterday.

We had a group activity and a walk just down at Merewether with Nikki. She’s our coordinator for all that.

Whatever’s on I go and do it!

The social activities are something new in my life. I like the group so I keep going and I just pick whatever I want to attend. At the moment I’ve got all different support workers taking me out.

We go and have fun! The guys from Headstart are good. The support workers become like friends to me. Life would be pretty boring without them, I’d be sitting around doing nothing. My co-worker is Lauren, she’s good.

I haven’t had a drink in four years. When I was in the coma I think they gave me medication to help me get off it. I came out of it and I’ve never had another drink.

I started very young. Most of my family drink. My dad was an alcoholic but he’s passed away now of course. It’s just a Windale thing to have a few beers.

Windale’s where I was born and I lived there for 49 years.

My mum and dad both passed away over 30 years ago. I have five brothers, one of which is adopted. He lives in Melbourne now, another brother lives in Tamworth and the rest are all still local.

When it suits I go and stay with my oldest brother Wayne at Warners Bay sometimes. He was away working in Dubbo when I had my injury so he came back and took two years off work to help I feel good today, because I know exactly me get back on track. Wayne helped me what it does to you. I was a bad alcoholic. get everything into place and made sure I had somewhere to live.

So I don’t smoke, don’t drink, don’t gamble anymore. My health is good now. I had a problem with my heart a while back, so I see a heart specialist once a year, but it’s good now. Improved 100%.

At the time of my injury I wasn’t working but most recently I’d had a job for five years at Awabakal doing lawn mowing.

Before my injury I played darts. I now play ten pin bowling once a week at Rec. Headstart began for me about 2017, not long after my fall. I remember Will I get support four days a week. On My brain injury was caused by a fall four coming out to interview me and then Monday’s I have a long shift and do years ago when I was drunk. The next whatever I want. Thursdays about twice day I went out drinking again at a mates Brett coming to take me out. When I first joined, Cheryl was doing Rec and she was a month we have lawn bowls. Fridays I place and I had another fall. a big help and got me back on track again. go to gym at Wests with Louis. He helps I just remember waking up in John with my balance and everything. Before Headstart have helped me with my life.

Hunter hospital. They operated on my when we first started gym I couldn’t Before, my life was about drinking. Not head and sent me over to Rankin Park. get my balance right, but now it’s good. any more. Now it’s about going out and I stayed there for a while and they got me I do the treadmill and the bike and enjoying myself. better. I used their gym and they have occasionally we’ll do something else. physios too. Then I went to I Am Here, I like going out with the other guys I don’t mind a game of pool or two. I which is a respite house until I could find with brain injuries. It feels good to also used to play darts at the pub nearly a place and then I came here to have my be around the guys. I tell them my every night of the week before I had my own place. story and we have a bit of a joke accident. I’m not into the pub or club and that. scene much anymore.

NewsLink Mar 2022 I Page 24

Since I’ve joined the Headstart group I’ve known two blokes that have passed away. One had the same problem that I had with the drink. That’s the way it is.

I like to get out and take a walk at the beach or something like that, whatever is on. The beach was very packed yesterday, I think I got a bit sunburned.

I don’t go in the water though! I’m not a water person. I just like to go to the beach and sit down and watch everyone else have fun. You can’t be inside a lot because of this virus nowadays.

Headstart have got a lot of barbecues planned which will be nice.

It’s been hard with COVID not being able to do the usual barbecues and Christmas parties and things. I loved the recent one at Murrays Beach!

I’ve got exercises that I do because I’ve got a bad sciatic, so I do my exercises every morning. I get meals on wheels delivered three days a week and they deliver them. It’s good food! I don’t do any cooking myself. It’s not my thing.

On the days I don’t have food delivered I may buy a frozen one and then whack it in the oven.

get old maybe one day I’ll have to help them out. I’m 54 and my eldest brothers are in their 60’s.

Before I had my accident the brothers weren’t real close.

We hadn’t seen each other for years. Then they all got together and helped me out so we’re all a family again. That’s actually a good thing to come out of.

I believe the way you think is important.

I just decided to be positive. I like to be positive. If you’re negative it’s not going to work for you.

Mel (who manages the SIL house) has been a good friend and was a big help.

She got me being more positive thinking.

So if I’m not feeling the best she’ll come and have a talk, ask what’s wrong and we work through it.

These days I’m happy to just to get out of bed and not have a hangover. That’s probably the best thing – to get out of bed and feel good!

I don’t think too far ahead. I take a day at a time. I think that when my brothers

Rec has been a life saver for me.

These people are my friends and keeps me busy with a purpose.

- Dave Dave with his brothers. Photo taken when he found his adopted brother (2 years ago).

NewsLink Mar 2022 I Page 25

Rec Group Highlights

Headstart’s Rec activities keep many of our consumers busy every week!

There isn’t enough space on this page to feature all of them, so be sure to check out Facebook for daily updates of what’s going on. If you’re interested in attending any events get in touch with our office or talk to your CoWorker. Here’s a little snapshot of some of the recent Rec outings.

Need couple womens group photos from Niki

Fighter World

Ten pin bowling

Weekly karate

The Museum of Art and Culture Nobbys Beach

Celebrity Head challenge!

golf... or maybe not Have you checked us out on Regular Facebook recently?

Catch all the latest news, stories and recthe activities. (where’s ball, Ken?) NewsLink Mar 2022 I Page 26

The grass is greener H

eadstart have enjoyed playing lawn bowls together as a recreational activity for many years. If you are looking for something new to do, a bit of exercise or just want some good company, then this is an activity worth trying!

Lawn Bowls is quite a strategic game and makes you think, it gives you some exercise in your day and works on co-ordination.

The only person you’re competing with is yourself. It won’t be long and you will notice improvements in your ability.

Daniel, who is by far our most improved player has only played for a few months and is hooked! He is now one of the players to look out for on the green.

Don’t take my word for it, here is what our Consumers and CSW’s say about what keeps them coming back week after week, year after year...

Nikki Rec Coordinator

“It is such good fun and you’re in good company.”

“Fresh air and sunshine, and great company!”

“I love that we have somewhere to get together, this is great companionship for our consumers.”

“I love to get together with my friends and have a laugh”.

- Daniel (consumer)

- Liam (CSW)

“Bowls takes me back to the days I used to play with my dad.”

- Dave (consumer)

“It is very social, and I love a good chin wag.”

- Barbara (CSW)

- Andy (consumer)

“It gives our consumers the chance to get out of the house, it’s not that easy to find things to do. Anyone can have a go, we are all friends.”

- Joe (CSW)

“This is different to just going out to lunch, when you are out playing - Jett (CSW) everyone has a joke and a banter “Lawn Bowls gives me something to together, it is an opportunity to aim for, like a goal, a challenge.” muck around a bit.”

- Leah (consumer)

- Simone (CSW)

Bowls is played every Thursday. See the Rec Calendar or get in touch with our office on 02 4965 4420 for more information.

NewsLink Mar 2022 I Page 27

Rec Lawn Bowls feature

Congrats Owen Bronze at Tokyo Olympics!

Deja vu “We do like to be beside the seaside!”. Romeo, Shaun and Daniel love to get down to Nobbys Beach whatever the weather. CSW Stefan: “Rain doesn’t stop these boys!!”

Darren sent us these great pics of big waves during one of the stormy weeks.

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.

“It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt

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 Mar 2022 I Page 28