Headstart NewsLink Mar 2023

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

95 Turnbull Street, Hamilton NSW 2303

P 02 4965 4420

F 02 4965 4424

E info@headstart-abi.com.au

W www.headstart-abi.com.au

ABN 75057986026 I CFN 13046

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

Our Vision

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

Our Purpose

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

Leadership Executive Director: Sue McHattie

Manager Service and Supports: Kesley Skippen

Finance Manager: Therese Paksi

HR Lead: Katherine Fitzgerald

Quality Lead: Simone Bartrop

Learning and Development Lead Olga Ford

Office Administration: Kathy Provost

Marketing Lead: Andy Meier

Now you can read NewsLink online with Issuu! If you aren’t on our email list then let us know. What kind of stories or information would you like to see in NewsLink? Do you have some great stories or photos? We’d love to hear from you!

Email Andy at our office: comms@headstart-abi.com.au

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

All good stories start with “once upon a time...”. Headstart’s origin story is no different, with this issue covering some of the early years.

Back in 1987 the first Simpsons episode went to air and 19-year-old Neighbours star Kylie Minogue entered the charts with her first single “I Should Be So Lucky”, which was best selling song of the year. Bob Hawke was in the middle of his nine year prime ministership. Feel like a long time ago? They say time flies when you’re having fun, and it has been a lot of fun, as well as plenty of hard work.

We’ve come a long way since then and so many people deserve a mention and a thank you. We won’t be able to name everyone, but a massive THANK YOU to all who played a part in making Headstart what it is today. Being a swimmer back in the day I’m aware of the benefits of hydrotherapy. It’s not the first time (and won’t be the last time) we’ve featured hydro in NewsLink. Some of the main benefits are listed on pg 17. Having a physio provide you with a plan is a great way to maximise the impact of your efforts, and always take appropriate care when around water.

Otherwise there’s plenty happening, with new staff coming on board. We are able to deliver our service because of our dedicated staff and we always aim to be flexible and go ‘above and beyond’. One example of this initiative happened on Australia day this year when CSW Shane helped Tony to enjoy a spontaneous golf session at a local park. With a home made flag and a bucket of sand they made their own golf green. A great example of Aussie initiative and shows how “where there’s a will there’s a way.” Congrats to Tony for beating Shane 3-1!

Bye for now, take care

Don’t miss the Hunter Disability Expo

The free Hunter Disability Expo is on at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 May 2023. The Expo brings together everyone in the local disability sector to showcase the latest products, services, technology, aids and equipment. Check it out and pop round to our booth 84 to say g’day!

www.hunterdisabilityexpo.com.au

Making the invisible visible

The sunflower is a discreet way to indicate that you have a hidden disability.

The Hidden Disability Sunflower first started in the UK and then spread across Europe. It’s now recognized in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA. Many people with an ABI have an invisible disability. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower enables people with non-visible disabilities to access the support they need.

Be visible when you choose to be. Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower discreetly indicates to people around you including staff, colleagues and health professionals

that you have a non-visible disability and you may need additional support, help or more time.

You can opt to wear the Sunflower to discreetly be seen in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces. Online shopping makes it easy to source lanyards, ID cards, wristbands and badges. For more info visit: www.hiddendisabilitiesshop.com.au

To connect with others and be part of an online community, search for: Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Australia & New Zealand on Facebook and follow.

Say G’day to Headstart’s newest team members

Olga Learning & Development Lead

I grew up in Newcastle but spent 10 years in Sydney where I had access to courses in Fashion. I studied dressmaking, pattern drafting and a whole lot of other creative stuff. I started teaching at the Hunter Institute of Technology where some of my students were visual and hearingimpaired. I then worked in a range of corporate organisations where I broadened my skills in training and management. My brother had an acquired brain injury. For me to be able to do my bit for Headstart is rewarding and energising.

Get to know Olga

Favourite food: Cheese and bikkies.

Favourite movie: The Joy Luck Club.

Favourite music: Depends on my mood. I love a broad, eclectic range of music.

Favourite sport/team: Swimming.

Favourite hobby: Reading.

Favourite place on earth: Paris.

If you could be any animal? MagpieI love their intelligence, playfulness, and curiosity.

If you could meet someone famous?

Keanu Reeves. I’ve had a crush on him forever!

Craziest thing you’ve done: Getting lost in France, on my own, in a little Smart Car and finding my way back to a very worried husband hours later.

Three words to describe you: Kind and empathetic.

James

I am married with 2 teenage children and one very spoilt staffy dog. I grew up in north-west NSW and then spent about 13 years in Sydney before relocating to the Hunter where we have lived for the past 16 years. I try and travel when I can, either domestically or overseas. I love spending time with my family and taking the dog for a walk. Over the past 25 years I have worked in most areas of the disability sector, as well as having worked in Aged Care as a Diversional Therapist. I enjoy a role where I can learn every day and have variety in what I do.

I enjoy modified cars but don’t like working on them. I ride a motorbike occasionally and have a tinny for when we want to go fishing. I enjoy following the rugby and help out with my son’s team when needed.

Get to know James

Favourite food: Roast Lamb.

Favourite movie: Running on Empty (Australian ‘80’s cult car movie).

Favourite band/music: Country (Aussie, US, Hick Hop, traditional, Country rock etc.)

Favourite sport/team: Wallabies.

Favourite cartoon character: Droopy.

Favourite hobby: Fishing.

Favourite place on earth: Hawaii, Great Barrier Reef.

If you could be any animal? Dolphin. If you could meet someone famous? Bruce Springsteen.

Craziest/silliest thing you’ve done: Too many dumb things over the years! Three words to describe you: Friendly, trustworthy, dependable. What brought you to Headstart?

I have had contact with Headstart in previous roles and appreciated the values of the organisation.

Brandi

I was born and raised in Dubbo and moved to Newcastle in 2019. I’ve never looked back!

I have a beautiful staffy named Alfie. He is my absolute world and I will do anything to bring him up in a conversation and share photos. My spare time is mainly spent with him, playing sport, going to the gym or with my friends.

I have been studying to become a high school teacher and have almost finished my degree, however, stumbled across Headstart 11 months ago, starting as a CSW and only wanted to be more involved.

As Headstart’s new CET coordinator, I aim to continue to support consumers to have the opportunity to educate the community about their brain injuries in the hope to change one life.

Get to know Brandi

Favourite food: Spaghetti Bolognaise.

Favourite movie: Jurassic Park.

Favourite band/music: Almost anything.

Favourite sport/team: Soccer & netball.

Favourite cartoon character: Tweety Bird.

Favourite hobby: Spending time with my dog, sport, going to the gym or art.

Favourite place on earth: The beach/ anywhere overseas.

If you could be any animal? Owl. If you could meet someone famous? Meryl Streep.

Craziest/silliest thing you’ve done: I have a tendency to make impulse decisions and end up anywhere!

Three words to describe you: Caring, adventurous and appreciative. Describe your first week at Headstart: I had a friend who raved about working here. I applied and have loved it since.

A blast from the past: our very first edition of NewsLink featured an interview with our CEO Sue McHattie when we were called Headstart Community Access Program (C.A.P.)

“They say time flies when you’re having fun. A lot has changed at Headstart, but much has stayed the same: we do have fun, we still focus on and are committed to acquired brain injury and we continue to see people and their potential, before the brain injury.

I trained as a social worker and worked in a variety of hospitals, at St Vincents in Sydney, in the hospice, in cardiac care, the burns unit. After a few years working I decided to venture overseas and was there for quite a few years. I was born and bred in Newcastle and I decided to come back for a short while to touch base with my parents before going back overseas again, but that didn’t ever eventuate.

In 1987 I decided to settle down in Newcastle again so started looking for a job. There was an advert in the paper to work with people with a brain injury at Rankin Park in the Hunter Regional Rehabilitation Service (HRRS).

Part of my job was to look at how we could support people to manage barriers and hurdles after injury and support families as well. One of the biggest barriers for people after brain injury is relationshipslife issues such as changes in personality after injury and grief and for families who

struggle to deal with those changes. Times have changed, but to understand the context we have to think back to the mid 80’s when there was very little recognition of brain injury. Someone with a brain injury had to fit into other kinds of services: such as for people with an intellectual disability or spinal cord injury. This wasn’t a good fit, but there was nothing else to support in the long term. So the issue was: what do we do, and what do people need and want? The previous page of this edition (pg 6-7) is a copy of a1994 interview I did that briefly covers those early years. My goal was to generate people’s interest by offering more than just something to do… it should be meaningful, while at the same time supporting people to work out how to manage changes in their life and rethink how they wanted a future to be. It was also vital to support families who were trying to do their best in a situation that was at best a challenge and at worst, devastating.

So we started with only one day at a week at what was known as the DOCS building in Darby Street (now the Hunter Brain Injury Rehab Service), which was a huge unused building with great yard and a pool! We then had to move to Bean Street Wallsend, then to Karoola Rd Lambton then to a Scout Hall in Georgetown then to Elder St Lambton etc etc. There were so many addresses early on, with lots of

moving from place to place as we had no funds and Health was unable to dedicate funds for premises. I think we’ve been in all the streets in Newcastle! But this also taught us resilience and to never give up, and long with wonderful volunteers Pat and Ann, we kept on ensuring we built the model of support close to what we have today.

We are also very grateful for the enormous support from Dr Geoff Booth who was the Brain Injury Rehab Specialist at Rankin Park (aka Dr Geoff in a surfing mag) and leading our team at HRRS. Headstart, we hoped would provide a bridge back to community after hospitalisation and rehabilitation. At that stage there was nothing to offer people in the long term to support their progress and tackle the roadblocks.

Two year funding commenced in 1992 through the Motor Accidents Authority (MAA). In 1995 we received limited block funding through ADHC (Dept of Ageing Disability and Home Care) where you had to stretch funding to meet as many needs as possible.

Its always been about individual needs, independence, new skills, positive interactions and dreams for a future.

Right from the beginning we wanted to ensure people revived their dreams and goals in life, and that they also had a ‘place’ and a common understanding with others in the same boat. People needed a community that understood what they were going through because brain injury is very different from any other disability. And a lot of those initial members of the group came from very different types of backgrounds and there was value in an amazing understanding of each other’s experiences, and to feel supported and the reciprocal nature of support. Families also had some time out, and saw their family member creating new friendships. It was also around reframing behaviour, challenges and interactions in a supported environment whether that be in a group or one to one. We need to understand that people can get stuck. We are all often at our worst with the people who love us unconditionally and over the years the pressure cooker can lead to relationship break down. If we can do more to maintain those relationships we’re actually

helping people feel more connected to their family and included as part of the wider community.

Our early days were full of activity –gardening, some crafty things, movies, BBQs etc. It was about creating vegetable gardens in the backyard, and giving the produce away to their families and neighbours. It was about finding different activities and sharing responsibility to organise on behalf of the group. We had no vehicle available until 1995, so we walked or used public transport – and never lost anyone : )

In the early days, about 1992 I set up the karate class with Peter Oberekar at his dojo in Hamilton - we still have the classes today and Peter’s commitment over all these years is amazing. We had predominantly young men with colourful backgrounds and interactions with others, who needed to be able to channel their physical energy and frustration into a focused activity where self discipline and respect was primary.

Karate was important to build upon strengths, self discipline and co-ordination.

We went regularly sailing on NS14s on Belmont Bay with the gentleman who introduced Sailability to Newcastle. It was all about trialing different activities and locating people in the community to support our pursuits.

Now-a-days we think nothing of undertaking these activities but back then, over 35 years ago, it was considered to be risky and left field.

So in 1992 we received 2 year funding from the Motor Accidents Authority. Things were starting to progress and we made some really strong connections with ADHC and with two supportive project officers (Sandy and Gay) who recognised the fact that people with brain injuries were too often overlooked. This began a whole change in the system in the move away from block funding towards individualised funding. This was all a precursor to NDIS. Then in 2013 the NDIS initiative offered people more choices, and far better funding options. Despite continuing problems with the NDIS decision making processes this remains a true positive.

a specialist services and the feedback from consumers and family, about just how vital this is, rings as true today as it did over 30 years ago. Throughout this journey there have been so many dedicated volunteers and staff who contributed to shaping our service delivery of today. I thank them all. As organisations grow and develop you have to question: does the quality of our services change as you get bigger? We have always placed the consumer and their family at the centre - the focus of everything our service does. We need to keep asking the person what it is they need to be more independent and to have a terrific life (not just an ordinary one!). We need to embrace that everyone does the best they can in the situations they find themselves in.

But we have remained true to our original purpose and we’ve always had a Board of Management that was always committed to people with brain injury. The need for

As we continue to grow, we commit that the journey with consumers and their families will be firmly entrenched in ensuring the best quality services and this focus will always remain our true north. - Sue.

Its not all been plain sailing, and there have been many challenges to our existence and specialisation and so many battles along the way.

4 May 2018 - the day we launched a new logo for Headstart ABI Services and we also launched the "Sue Mc" at Belmont Sailability. A great day for all involved!

Staff goodbye for CSW Trevor circa 1997, a mix of whoever came to say goodbye incl. consumers and staff. Headstart have always and continue to value our committed team.

NewsLink from just 5 years ago! Times change.

We’re not about growing big, we’re about growing with quality.

- Sue McHattie.

Dr Geoff Booth article excerpt, 1994

The story of the Johnstons

Liverpool and

Aussie

soccer icon Craig Johnston became a Headstart Ambassador many years after his sister Faye’s brain injury prompted his early retirement from football. Sue McHattie recalls some of the early moments.

“Ireceived a call from Dorothy Johnston in 1987. I didn’t really know Craig because I wasn’t into soccer, but I could hear the desperation in Dorothy’s voice after their experience. She was exhausted. Her daughter Faye had sustained a severe brain injury and at that stage they had no supports whatsoever.

Dorothy was trying to piece everything together because back then it was very hard to get packages for people with ABI. I then rang my contacts at ADHC and they were absolutely terrific. They didn’t know about the connection to Craig and him being a soccer great.

By talking and combining forces we were able to get a very small package together to employ someone to support Dorothy and do some overnights to give her a break. Our contact with the family continued on until 2013 when NDIS came in, and Faye was one of the ones who transitioned across to NDIS, and Dorothy was still doing a Herculean job of caring for Faye.

Craig retired at just 27 and he then came back to Australia.

I thought ‘I remember you with the long curly hair and watching you play for Liverpool!’ My grandfather was English and a soccer fanatic. Craig was really supportive to his mum and sister Faye, to the point if giving up his illustrious soccer career in England.

No matter the situation, an ABI takes an enormous toll on families, whether it’s a severe situation like the Johnston’s or one less visible. We just continued supporting Faye and the family over the years before Craig became a Headstart ambassador. The Johnston’s are such a determined, strong, and resilient family. Craig’s effort to make the Liverpool first team for so many years was testament to this determination to succeed.

Brain injury in a family is often a very private thing, and some families suffer terribly. Faye’s injury was severe, and when people see Faye they see a woman physically challenged by her injury, unable to communicate in the usual ways.

But if one takes the time to get to know Faye and look past the immediate picture, you see the glimmer in her eyes for the people she likes, the smiles and the love for those close to her.

For many years Craig hadn’t really mentioned much publicly about Faye’s injury.

I’d asked Dorothy previously whether Craig might consider becoming an ambassador. When Craig moved back from America a few years ago he was ready and came to us, so it was like ‘here we go!’

Craig is understandably very emotional and continues to have hope for Faye as the years pass.

We’re excited that Craig is a Headstart ambassador, and at the same time our support for Faye continues. Today Faye has some really great mainstay workers who she loves almost as much as she loves Elvis!”

- Sue McHattie, Headstart CEO

Island style

Tracey had a fabulous Fiji holiday last year with her Mum Lorraine and support worker Simone.

“I like Fiji because it’s relaxing and there’s heaps to do. It was lots of fun! The people are very friendly and I must say that the men are quite something, so the eye candy was pretty good!”

“I went on this ten day trip with Mum and Simone (CSW), and this time we flew over. We have been on some cruises with Dad and we’re going on another one at the end of March.”

“We stayed at the amazing Doubletree by Hilton. We did lots of swimming in the pool which had it’s own mini beach area.”

Lorraine says, “We booked with Luxury Escapes who were really great. Good wheelchair accessibility at the resort and rooms there. One of the activities we enjoyed was riding electric bikes on the old sugar cane track.”

“Mum and Simone had to pedal and I could just sit in the seat!” says Tracey.

Simone and I left Mum one time and went horse riding along the beach to see the sunset. We enjoyed champagne and nibblies at the end of it.

“We did basket weaving, which I have done before while in hospital after my brain tumour. Part of the OT after my radiotherapy involved basket weaving, so I’m OK at it. Unfortunately I couldn’t bring the basket home because of Australian customs regulations. But I really enjoyed it.”

Simone helps me with anything that needs to be done, just like the support workers do at home.

Lorraine adds: “Simone helped with everything from the usual showering and dressing to getting in and out of cars, as well as providing great company. She gives me a bit of a break too, which I appreciate.”

“One evening I wondered where we were going and we ended up at this show, which was amazing!” says Tracey.

“There’s a permanent big top tent on a little island called Bau and anyone going to Fiji and staying on that side of the island should go and see it,” says Lorraine. “It was one of the highlights. The performance tells the story of a chief’s daughter who decides that she doesn’t really like the customs and goes against them, and then the torment she goes through until she finds her way back. Absolutely brilliant! They really are the most beautiful people.”

It was a great holiday and I highly recommend going to Fiji.

“The next trip I’m going with both Mum and Dad is a cruise and will have Nicole to support me. That way Nicole and I can go off to do things and leave Mum and Dad to relax.”

Wayne’s room has a sign saying at the door: “Welcome to the jungle.” A big Tigers fan!

Just do it

Wayne is a rec group regular and attends as many of our activities as possible. We met up with Wayne and one of his regular support workers, Adam, at our Australia Day BBQ.

Wayne is a big West Tigers fan, dating back to when they were called Balmain Tigers. “Tigers are the best. Wayne Pearce is number one! He played in ’89.”

Not having ever lived in Balmain, Wayne was born in West Wyalong in Central NSW and then moving to Dubbo. “The bush is the best place,” says Wayne who loves country music. “Slim Dusty is the best.”

Support Worker Adam prompts Wayne, “What do we play in the car every time we get in?” Wayne responds, “Take me home, country roads.”

“Wayne loves John Denver, and he loves to sing it too!” says Adam.

“I had a car prang at 28, head on with a truck. It nearly killed me,” remarks Wayne, who used some unprintable words to describe what he thought of the truck driver. Life changed for him in an instant. “It broke mum’s heart. I love my mum. She’s so good.”

Wayne’s mum and younger brother Michael visit him regularly at the aged care facility that he calls home. “I go out to lunch with my mum. I’m also an uncle to baby Joshua.”

“Headstart take me to where the girls are,” jokes Wayne, as he loves to get out and about. CSW Adam adds, “Wayne loves to go out to all the events and be social. Everyone loves him at the aged care and he also has some good friends there.”

“Adam is an ace guy. A cool dude!” says Wayne, to which Adam responds, “Thanks Wayne, you’re a cool dude too… when you’re behaving!”

They clearly have good banter going on and this makes their regular shifts together fun. Wayne has similarly good relationships with other support workers across the week.

Asked what his goals for the future are, Wayne says “To get a blonde wife, with long, long hair.” Wayne’s sense of humour keeps the Rec group amused.

As a people person, Wayne places high value on being social, and Rec gives him this opportunity several times a week.

“Bowling is the best. I love ten pin and lawn bowls. I like the beach,” says Wayne. “ I like to go out and socialise. I like the girls. I love the food, the sausages are the best.”

“Curried sausages are actually his favourite, but he’ll put up with barbecue snag,” says Adam at the Australia Day BBQ they were attending at the time of this interview. “Wayne and I mainly go to the Rec BBQ’s and things like the museum on Wednesdays. He loves chatting.”

Wayne has some difficulty communicating but that doesn’t stop him making every effort to be social.

“The OT comes to see Wayne quite regularly to help keep him comfortable. They’re constantly adjusting his chair and straps and things,” says Adam. “Wayne is very excited as soon as I see him for the shift, he’s very keen to get going. But then he’s always excited when he gets home at the end of it. So he’s a very positive person I would say. Positive about everything. He loves all the nurses and he loves all the people he lives with. He likes to talk to everyone.”

“I support the Knights and Wayne’s always giving me a hard time. I remind him that the Tigers were wooden spooners last year!” laughs Adam.

Some of Wayne’s rec adventures follow...

“Wayne’s a nice bloke with a big heart, a general all round good guy! He’ll do as much as he can within his abilities and he has a great sense of humour. I always go and chat to him and I also don’t care that he’s a Tigers fan!” - Ken F

“Wayne has a big heart. It’s always a joy to see Wayne at Rec on Wednesdays. The first time I went bowling he and I both tied on the two highest scores! Wayne’s always a pleasure to be around and he doesn’t let the wheelchair stop him doing things.” - Kaley S

Connecting with the community

NFP Connect are doing a wonderful job connecting not for profits with one another and with corporates. We were invited to participate in the February breakfast event with special guest speakers Lawson Rankin and his dad Phillip. You could have heard a pin drop, with over 60 in the room listening to the

CET make an impact at schools

The Headstart Community Education Team recently went out to Kurri Kurri High School for ‘Road Awareness Week’ to educate Year 7 students on the importance of making good decisions when on the road.

CET members Romeo, Ray, Shaun and Scott spoke to the students about the support Headstart provides, their life experiences before and after their acquired brain injuries and shared important videos in hope to ‘change one individual life’.

The high school students were highly engaged throughout the presentation; asking valuable questions to help develop further understanding around ABI and how to make safer decisions on the road.

“The talk was very engaging; the video was insightful and humorous, and the speeches were powerful. I wouldn’t have changed anything.”

- Teachers at Kurri Kirri High School

Brandi, our new CET coordinator, witnessed the wonderful engagement between Headstart’s consumers and the young students in year 7. “It is my mission to work towards getting our CET members out to as many community events as possible to share their experiences and support their goal to ‘change one life’.”

In the next upcoming months, we are looking forward to present at other community events such as RYDA, Wheelskills and the ‘Careseekers’ organization. “My focus is to support the CET to educate the community for a variety of events about all forms of acquired brain injuries as no two are the same,” said Brandi. Meet Brandi on pg 4 of this edition of NewsLink.

father and son talking about their journey as a family after Lawson’s accident and acquired brain injury in Bali a few years ago. Our own Lynette did a great job on the panel for Headstart as we continue to spread awareness about ABI along with Headstart’s specialisation in the area. More info: www.nfpconnect.com.au

Look the part with Headstart

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

Cap

$12

$10 $7 $6 for 2 or more

500ml Thermo stainless drink bottle

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.

Double dipping

“Alan swims most days at the Merewether Ocean Baths. Support workers have been telling me how this is an amazing energy boost for him and a great opportunity for him to connect socially with people in his community.”

Why hydro?

Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy, is a type of rehabilitation that utilizes the physical properties of water to improve physical function, decrease pain, and promote overall wellness. Here are some of the benefits of hydrotherapy for rehabilitation:

1. Less stress on your joints: The buoyancy of water helps take the weight off your joints, making it a great option for people with conditions like arthritis, joint pain, or injuries.

2. More flexibility and movement: The resistance of water can help you stretch and move better, making exercises that might be tough on land feel a lot easier.

3. Better blood flow: The buoyancy of water helps your blood circulate better and reduces swelling, especially helpful for people with circulatory problems or swelling in their legs.

4. Pain relief: The warm water (if available) can help relieve pain and calm you down, making physical therapy and exercise more manageable.

5. Better balance: Hydrotherapy is a fun way to work on your balance, as the water resistance will challenge you in new ways.

6. Good for your heart: Aqua aerobics and other waterbased exercises are great for getting your heart pumping and improving your overall health.

Hydrotherapy is a fantastic way to help you recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and feel better overall. Whether you’re just starting out on your rehabilitation journey or you’re looking for new ways to stay active, hydrotherapy is a great option. The next few pages feature stories of two consumers who are having great results from this aquatic therapy.

– Cheryl, CoWorker

Watch a short video of Alan and support worker Barry at Merewether pool. Alan talks about why he loves his weekly pool sessions. Scan

Lapping it up

“Inthe mid 1980’s I was swimming, riding, playing squash and doing fun runs. My wife and I were raising four children and I was an operations supervisor at Port Waratah Coal Services. I was doing a house renovation in Merewether when the brain tumour turned up. Fortunately the job was near completion although I needed to get help to finish it off.”

The tumour is one that I was apparently born with, called a Craniopharyngioma which occurs near the pituitary gland. Fortunately it was a non-cancerous. I’ve had five operations between 1989 and 2008 with four different neurosurgeons, the last one being the famous Charlie Teo. I now have frequent MRI’s to check that everything is ok.

The result is that I’m basically blind in my left eye and have about 60% vision in my right eye.

One of the effects was mood swings and changes which was difficult for my wife and the kids. My marriage came under lots of pressure and we no longer live together. Before the tumour I was a fairly placid sort of a person, and afterwards I became a bit more aggressive. Not physically but more a case of yelling and bad moods.

I went back to work briefly, but my memory was the thing that let me down. Being a shift supervisor I’d have lots of different information coming in. I would forget some things and that began to cause issues. Fortunately nothing major happened. For the company, safety was the main thing, and they were concerned because I was the person responsible for safety on site. So they offered me a redundancy package which I took. I now take a lot of medication because the tumour affected the part of my brain that controls hormones. I take about 30 pills along with a daily injection with the help of my support workers. This helps to manage all the hormonal things that would normally happen.

I began with Headstart in 2012. Before that I didn’t have any support. My doctor said “I’veheardofthisrehabplaceonthe street where I live.” A few phone calls later I was invited to go down to Headstart and take a look. I came back saying to myself “Give yourself an uppercut you stupid clot, you’ve got nothing to whinge or complain about compared to some of their clients.” It was good for me and gave me kick up the butt.

Instead of sitting in the corner, saying “woe is me” it was good to see other people in similar sorts of situations and how they cope with things.

Initially, a big issue for me was losing my license because of my loss of eyesight. I love my cars! To have my car taken from me was a big blow. Twelve years on and I’m mostly over it by now. I actually thought I’d be more devastated being unable to drive again, but the journey I was on made that blow easier to take. Soon after beginning with Headstart I started helping with sessions an orthopaedic school teaching kids to swim because I love the water. I taught - or tried to teach – this one kid who was about 15 and had cerebral palsy really bad. I managed to teach him to breathe and to get his arms going.

This boy thought he was Ian Thorpe. He thrashed and splashed and drank most of the water in the pool but in his mind he could swim. When I saw that I just melted.

I think the fact that I saw people far worse than myself who seemed happy made me think “well why can’t I be like that?” My condition was mainly eyesight related with some metabolic issues and energy and stuff like that. Just trying to teach that kid to swim was a wonderful thing and it helped put my own problems in perspective.

Teaching the swimming I could feel that my old supervisory skills were coming back. I’ve had a lot of training in management. People management theories apply whether you’re dealing with a labourer or a disabled person. If you have the right training tailored to that person you’ll see remarkable improvements.

Once a week I go to nearby Merewether Ocean Baths for a pool session with Barry who is a very good motivator. He’s great at pepping me up, because some days I’m not feeling up to it and I often get distracted from the task at hand. We’ll do some swimming laps and walking cross the pool. Besides the aerobic fitness it’s much easier on the body than thumping along a path running. It’s refreshing and a super way to start the day! Then after our swim Barry and I head up to the café for a catch up with some friends, some of which are Headstart people.

CSW Barry (left) and Alan are regulars at Merewether Ocean Baths. See previous pg 17 for link to video clip of their weekly hydro routine.

I’ve done some archery which was something I really enjoyed. I’ve also done woodturning but I had to give that up because of my eyesight as it was potentially dangerous to myself and others should I lose control of a chisel or lathe.

I’ve always loved photography and enjoyed Eddie Cross’s photographic courses that we do at Headstart. We all jump into one of the mini buses and go to a specific location. Eddie coaches everyone as they photograph a scene or some objects on manual focus. We might spend an hour or two taking the photos, then the following weeks Eddie goes through everybody’s shots and talks us through the different elements. Eddie does some sorting, cropping and adjusting and in the end there are some wonderful shots! Eddie makes a big deal and helps people feel good. We’ve even had public exhibitions and acknowledge the photographer’s various disabilities. Eddie deserves a medal for what he’s done here!

Besides being a great photographer Eddie is probably one of the best teachers of a subject I’ve ever seen, considering the different disabilities of his students.

My goal is mainly to get back to where I was before my tumour. I know that I’ll probably never get there, but I can get closer and closer. Somebody said to me the other day ‘your memory

is a bit better’, and I was only thinking the same thing myself. I’m not necessarily saying that Headstart is responsible for this, but I’m sure it helps that I’m thinking about things all the time and not sitting at home in a room. If you’re out there, thinking about your timetable and talking to people then your memory has got to get better. That’s what I believe.

I spend a lot of time doing crosswords with the help of my magnifier. It’s very helpful as I don’t have any short vision. I do crosswords with the arrow word clues and that makes it a lot easier particulary with my short memory loss. I enjoy doing at least one crossword a week and I find it very uplifting. Exercising my mind is just as important as exercising my body. Something I have my name down at Headstart for is sailing at Sailability. I used to do a fair bit of sailing I in my teenage years, so I thought I might have a go at that.

If you’re a person sitting at home there twiddling your thumbs thinking ‘I’ve got a disability and I can’t do anything.’ Get out there. If you need help get out there with Headstart for sure. They help with all sorts of all levels of ability and disability.”

Watch a short video of Alan demonstrating his screen magnifier, which helps with his weekly crosswords. Scan the QR code with your smartphone or go to www.vimeo.com/804156838

Alan loves his Headstart photography classes

Hannah’s happy hydro

“I love being in the water! Makes me feel free. Helps me move around and do something with my body. Perfect in the water to move. Keeps me fit. It’s the best.” - Hannah

“W

hat is a fly without wings?” asks Hannah. “A walk.”

A sense of humour goes a long way in a person’s enjoyment of life, and Hannah is no exception. Aphasia and dyspraxia of speech makes it difficult for Hannah to communicate with others and for others to understand her. This doesn’t stop Hannah having a quip or two every day.

Hannah’s ABI is from Hydrocephalus (the buildup of fluid in the cavities or ventricles deep within the brain) at an early age. She currently resides at an Aged Care facility. “It’s good here. Everyone’s nice.” Hannah says,“Everyone’s my friend.” While she is content at her home, Hannah loves her hydro sessions several times a week.

Paige is one of Hannah’s regular support workers. “Hannah is now a lot more energetic and it’s good to see her able to move without restriction.”

“These days we are doing a lot of hydro with Hannah, but when we aren’t we have a nice day in her room listening to music and painting nails. We might go for a drive, or for a coffee. Hannah just enjoys the company.”

“Hannah’s goals are to meet more people, lose weight and walk better without support. Hannah wasn’t able to walk at all before starting hydro. When leaving the pool now we’ll usually help her to walk to the car rather than use her wheelchair. It’s just to give her a bit more practice. Hannah walked the entire length of the big pool last week with just her walking stick! It’s been a big change and her strength has definitely improved.”

Paige asked Hannah how we are helping. “You me do things on my own,” responds Hannah. “I like being with other people.” When asked what’s good about Headstart, Hannah says, “You’re working my brain.”

Support workers Paige and Julia help Hannah each week with her hydro.

I’ve worked with Hannah for around five years or more, so quite a long time,” says Katrina. “Hannah is really bubbly and always keen to hear a joke or tell a joke!”

“As a CSW I do hydro with Hannah every Friday. When I first started working with Hannah I supported her to visit a Physio once a week. The first time we went swimming I was a little nervous because I didn't know how long it had been since Hannah last swam. Working with the Physio we had to trial the wheelchair lifter and work out what sort of feet to use with it, and how we were going to support Hannah in the pool.”

“I'd never done anything like this, but then as soon as the wheelchair lift went into the pool Hannah just jumped off and swam so freely and independently by herself. There’s two CSW’s on each hydro shift. Hannah’s pool exercises involve walking up and down the pool, arm exercises particularly with her weak hand, stretching, floating around and then finishing off in the spa. It’s a two person job helping Hannah with all of this, as well as getting her safely in and out of the pool.”

“Hannah has seen great improvements in the area of pain. I've noticed how even her walking in the pool has got so much better

over time. She's now a lot stronger and can walk and do the exercises without holding onto me.”

“Besides the physical benefits she's getting, Hannah is really social at the pool. She may bump into other Headstart consumers who also do hydro and she's made a lot of friends that see each other regularly because they're there on the same days. They all encourage Hannah to do the exercises and it’s just a really great little community.”

It’s great that Hannah can move freely and independently in the water which is something that she can't do on land. It's a form of exercise because usually she’s sitting in a wheelchair at her nursing home.

I would just say that despite all her challenges Hannah is always optimistic and very positive. She always says to me ‘just chill lady!’ Her motto about life is just chill.”

- Katrina (CSW)

“During COVID Hannah lost much of her mobility and was wheelchair bound. Over lockdown her mood was really low. Living in a nursing home she was really isolated and we struggled to find things for Hannah to do. Hannah’s quality of life was really suffering and she put on some weight.

Hannah mentioned that she loved swimming as a little girl and one of her goals was to do hydrotherapy. We did a plan review with her father Bruce and her COS and soon Hannah was doing hydro three days a week!

Two support staff assist her and she absolutely loves it.

Initially Hannah struggled getting out of the wheelchair and transferring in and out of vehicles as she was in a lot of pain. The improvement has been just astounding and now Hannah really is so mobile that she walks from her bedroom out to reception with a big smile on her face to greet support staff!

So over the last year her mobility has improved so much after being wheelchair bound.”

-

Beth, CoWorker

Hannah with Friday support worker Katrina.

“I like reggae. Bob Marley is the best. Buffalo soldier my favourite.” - Hannah

Just as three decades of commitment in marriage is traditionally symbolised by a pearl… we chose to honour our 30th anniversary of support through Headstart with an Amethyst. It is long regarded for its healing and protective properties; promoting serenity, understanding, trust and grace. It also happens to be the birthstone for February.

This all makes sense when I re/introduce you to my Dad – Norm Stevens. One week after he celebrated his 50th birthday on 5th February 1993, he suffered a cardiac arrest in his sleep, which would change the course of his and our lives forever. We were to later learn that Dad was born with a congenital heart issue (hypercardio myopathy without obstruction).

Living in Sydney at the time I supported both of my parents as we all had to navigate an intensely frightening time. As a result of the cardiac arrest and his brain hypoxia, Dad was left with an acquired brain injury most prominently and severely affecting his short term memory, initiative and motivation.

Soon after, Dad was linked into the Brain

Our 30th anniversary with Headstart

Injury Rehab Centre in Darby Street and then with Headstart. I believe he was the 77th consumer to join the Service. Hunter B.I.R.O also entered our lives then.

To know my Dad was to know strength, support, dependability, leadership, activity, a strive for excellence and the deepest love.

Dad was a very active and successful sportsman, competing to the highest level in every sport he adopted – cycling/ road racing, super modified speedcar racing, catamaran sailing and kayaking. He won the Goulburn to Liverpool cycling road race – 189km in 1976 as well as countless club meets.

He built and raced his own super modified speedcar at Tralee Speedway, Canberra in the late 60’s early 70’s. He sailed many club, state and national championships on his several Hobie and Gemini catamarans – namely called “abNORMal 1,2,3” etc. and up to the time of his cardiac arrest paddled in 3 day Murray River and overnight Hawkesbury River marathons.

Dad was a self employed plumber all his working life and had joined JML Constructions when he and Mum moved to Newcastle in 1990.

Life changed dramatically for Dad and for us as his family/ caregivers. It changed financially, physically and emotionally.

As Dad could no longer work, he and Mum had to begin receiving a Disability Support/ Carers Pension. Thankfully they owned their house but Mum became the primary carer, house manager and keeper. In the early years, Dad needed so much assistance. He was mobile, but had lost the ability to initiate everything, including personal care. Mum had limited support at the time as both of their extended families lived quite a long way away and a lot of their friends/ social connections had waned with people not understanding ABI. Dad had one very loyal friend who kept up contact with them for many many more years.

My husband and I relocated to Newcastle in 1998 and took on respite support for Mum and Dad a few days a week, until he came to live with us permanently in 2000, just prior to the birth of our first child (following Mum’s emotional breakdown).

Headstart became a lifeline for Dad and for our family. Dad attended the Rec group where he participated in a plethora of activities and recreational pursuits over the decades – many

Norm’s daughter Sandy writes about their experience.

of which gave him challenge and a sliver of that ambition he had lost. He enjoyed Men’s groups, short holidays, social gatherings and weekly recreational opportunities. Among his favourites were abseiling, archery, AFL games, woodworking, ceramics, dart competitions, fishing, day trips, boat rides, Sailability… the list goes on. Through Headstart Dad found friendship, acceptance, purpose, self worth, fun, responsibility, social connection and activity. As his family we found carer support, advice, quality of life, friendship, stability and understanding.

Severe ST Memory Loss means Dad can’t look forward to an event or remember joy in what happened. So we have learnt through the years to make the moments count, because that’s all we really have. Its been a lesson and a practice that I am continually grateful to be shown through loving my Dad as he is.

Our family unit has experienced its fair share of struggle, over and above caring for Dad with a brain injury. We’ve had relationships break down, death, births, incarcerations, health scares, aged residential care for both Mum and Dad and Mum’s journey to final stages

of Alzheimers Disease… but through it all, Headstart have continued to offer flexibility, non-judgemental presence and support.

We have been richly blessed through an array of co-workers (beginning with Kesley and currently with Mark) and support workers (Pat being our longest serving), always with Sue at the helm. Over the decades, Headstart have been instrumental in educating the community about brain injury, which when Dad’s was acquired, was really in infancy as far as social acceptance and understanding. I am so proud that we have lived to witness this remarkable shift.

I can honestly say, without a moment’s hesitation that it’s this co-ordination of support that has ensured our family unit has stayed together… we haven’t just survived brain injury, but we have thrived.

So as we celebrate Dad’s 80th birthday and this 30 year anniversary comes around on 14th February 2023, I am so honoured to be able to say with the most heartfelt sincerity… “thank you Headstart”.

Sandy Thank you for this kind gift, which now stands at our Hamilton office reception desk.

A favourite quote on our wall at home from Ralph Waldo Emerson aptly describes success, which I believe resonates intimately with Headstart’s involvement in the life of my father and his family.

“To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

- Sandy

Ed Note: to Sandy and Norm: it has truly been our pleasure and thank you for inviting us into your lives.

Following page (pg 24) features a short comment from Pat, one of Norm’s regular support workers for over three decades.

“The Amethyst is long regarded for its healing and protective properties; promoting serenity, understanding, trust and grace.” -

Norms 30th anniversary

Continued from previous page.

Return plates

A plate to recognise drivers returning to the road

Anew type of car plate has been introduced on Australian roads to help encourage extra consideration for drivers recovering from trauma. Australian service and repair company mycar Tyre & Auto, formerly Kmart Tyre & Auto, has launched “R Plates”, also known as “Return Plates”, to identify drivers returning to the road.

The idea is the plates will encourage empathy from other road users, so the returning drivers feel less pressure as they adapt to being back behind the wheel.

The plates have been introduced after a survey of 1000 Aussie drivers in August found 73 per cent had been affected by a road incident.

The psychological impact of accidents on the road is often overlooked, according to Dr Jason Thompson, an Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne and an expert in transportation and post-injury rehabilitation.

“People talk about the physical injuries associated with car accidents, but we often overlook the psychological impact associated with the experience,” he said.

“I have worked many and varied shifts with Norm over the years. He has been a source of interesting information and we have had a lot of laughs along the way! When I walk into his room on my shift he always remembers my name. I think this is great.”

“Norm really loves to go out to have morning tea especially beside the lake (weather permitting) and he has lots of stories to tell.”

- Pat

Pat is our first volunteer and has supported Norm since the late 80’s. Thank you Pat!

Two-thirds of drivers also said they felt safer on the road having a visible P plate or L plate on their car when learning to drive, according to the survey done by Pureprofile.

Dr Thompson said he supported the use of R Plates. “Returning to the road can be a scary and a nerve-wracking experience, so even just having those feelings recognised could help people in their recovery.”

The plates also include a QR code which links to support services.

The mycar Tyre & Auto initiative is not yet backed by a government regulator, with the company asking drivers to petition for this to happen.

One in five of the drivers said they continued to feel vulnerable since returning to the driver’s seat following a hiatus off the road.

“The journey through to recovery, and a return to confidence, is unique to each individual and often takes time.”

“I like going out with Pat to see the sights”

- Norm

Rec 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 frequent updates. 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 our consumer’s wins at the more recent activities.

Ben at weekly karate

Ben (on left) has been attending karate for 12 months, with a goal to increase muscular strength in his legs to assist with balance. During the first 4 months Ben could only do these exercises seated, now he does them standing. Ben says he likes karate as it has helped with walking again. He has progressed from wheelchair to walker and now a walking stick. Ben believes that using his brain is helping to retrain his muscles to fire again and spark new pathways for movement.

Alfred at lawn bowls

Alfred received his walker in the past month. Wow what a difference it's made for him! Now Alfred is bowling steady on the green, whereas before Alfred was a high falls risk. This has really given him so many more opportunities to get out and about and stay active.

What Are your health and fitness goals?

Karate is on every Thursday and caters to people of all abilities. It’s a wonderful way to stay active and build new skills. Participants have set new goals for 2023, how about joining us and we'll help you set your own goals? Get in touch.

Imelda at Ten Pin Bowling

Imelda has improved so much in her bowling skills. In fact she won first place with this game. She says it keeps her fit and encourages her to think about how to try and improve her technique.

“I like coming to Rec group for good company and hanging around good people. It’s always a fun group. I get some exercise, fresh air and sunshine.”

- Dan at lawn bowls

Rec group adventures

Australia Day BBQ at Charlestown Swim Centre

Strzelecki Scenic Lookout

Newcastle museum

A lovely day at Port Stephens

While our Central Coast Rec group have locally based activities we make an effort to connect with our Newcastle based crew fairly frequently. A BBQ at Pelican made for a great spot!

Have you checked us out on Facebook recently? Catch all the latest news, stories and rec activities.

Wet weather plan B at Charlestown Square

Lawn bowls

karate

Seated yoga

Train shed BBQ

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.

Sharing the joy

CSW Myounghee Kim has been working with consumer Lisa for a few years now. Lisa refers to Myounghee as Kim and describes her as a kind soul. Myounghee takes Lisa to a lot of her appointments and is always happy to help with short notice. Lisa can become overwhelmed with all the appointments she needs to attend and Kim keeps her calm and passes on to the Coworker the information from these appointments and any follow up required. After yet another day of appointments, Myounghee stopped to pose at some statues in town and this helped put a smile on Lisa’s face. Lisa sent these photos she took of Myounghee and stated she was “spreading joy”! This is something we all need more of in our lives and can make a big difference to someone’s day.

- Kate, CoWorker

Making a Complaint

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

Step 1. Talk with the person concerned

Step 2: Talk with Co-worker/staff member

Step 3: Talk with Director

Step 4: Talk with Chairperson

Step 5: Talk with Committee

Step 6: Talk with an outside service

Traditional Owners

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

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

NewsLink is produced by many people at Headstart ABI Services. We welcome contributions from everyone: an article, letter, photograph, poetry, etc. We also welcome suggestions as to articles that we could write about for future issues - so please get on touch!

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

HAVE YOUR SAY on these, or any other issues by writing to us at: Headstart ABI Services

95 Turnbull Street HAMILTON NSW 2303 or email: comms@headstart-abi.com.au

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

-Theodore Roosevelt