Headstart NewsLink Sept 2022

Volume 29 Issue 1 Sep 2022

Family focus

Jonni’s amazing recovery, Pg 8

We bring you more of

Y ur St ries

Be scam smart Pg 20

A new rehab referral pathway

Meet Kayla Osinski, Clinical Orthotist, Pg 6

NewsLink Sep 2022 I Page 1

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 Katherine Fitzgerald Bronwyn Doherty Kathy Provost Andy Meier

Now you can read NewsLink online with Issuu! If you aren’t on our email list then let us know.

What kind of stories or information would you like to see in NewsLink?

Do you have some great stories or photos? We’d love to hear from you!

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

Nominate a staff member for outstanding achievement

From the ED’s Desk

T

he theme of Brain Injury Awareness Week this year was “Life is bigger than a brain injury” and how true it is! Held from 15-21 August, this was the opportunity to tell more stories of achievements and gains of those who are living meaningful and enriched lives after having a brain injury. We also celebrated their families, carers, and the communities who continue to embrace those affected and provide valuable support.

Having a brain injury doesn’t define who you are, decide the life you live, or the dreams you dream. While life may not be the same after ABI, with the right support people can live a life they enjoy.

With Carers Week coming up I want to acknowledge all of our wonderful carers - those family members and friends who keep going above and beyond. Thank you!

We have some great news on page 6 about a rehab pathway for Aids and Equipment which will assist our Coordinators link consumers with these needs to the appropriate clinical intervention. Kayla Osinski (Orthotist at John Hunter Hospital) has kindly offered her service to Headstart as a contact to advise our consumers.

It has been a very sad year in the passing of a number of consumers and sadly we pay tribute to three consumers who passed away very recently: John Grayson and the most incredible gift to humanity and the research of brain cancer – the gift of himself, Sharon Selvage (aka Shaz), and Mark Fraser (see page 26 & 27). Shaz’s beautiful smile and “thumbs up” is forever etched in our memories as is Mark’s gentle and thoughtful manner.

On a brighter note we say “Happy Retirement” to Ray Marks who has been with us as a CSW for 10 years (see pg 28).

Our sector is currently experiencing many difficulties in securing new support workers so we apologise if you have been impacted by this resource issue. Please know we are doing our best to ensure shifts are filled and you receive the supports you need. We are trying all manner of avenues to gain more CSWs to ensure the uninterruption and continuation of services.

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.

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You will also notice a few new voices on the phone - Tiffany our new Roster Coordinator and Jane our new receptionist.

This is another power packed edition full of great stories and helpful information - our thanks to Andy for pulling it all together as he does for each quarterly edition of NewsLink.

Till next time... keep smiling. It can make all the difference!!

- Sue

Pg 6

A new rehab referral pathway

Your stories

From Pg 8

Pg 20 Scam alert

Pg 24

Rec group roundup

Carers make all the difference Free support We recognise and celebrate carers across Australia from 16-22 Oct for carers

D

id you know that more than half of Headstart’s consumers have a carer, with around two thirds of carers being female? We’re taking this opportunity to say a big ‘thank you!’

National Carers Week is a time to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution that carers make to so many lives across our country. Anyone at any time can become a carer, and National Carers Week is an opportunity to raise community awareness among all Australians about the diversity of carers and their caring roles.

This year’s theme of Millions of Reasons to Care aims to broaden the awareness for the 2.65 million Australians currently caring for a family member or friend.

Every carer is unique and has their own caring story and circumstances. We appreciate and value each person.

Caring for a person with an ABI can be stressful at times, and if you are a carer this can affect your health. So carers need to remember to take time out for themselves and take the opportunity to talk with people who understand.

Checklist for successful caring: • ask for help when you need it • take time out for yourself • exercise, eat well and rest • keep up social contacts • relax regularly

Carer Gateway is free to access if you are looking after a family member or friend living with a disability or long term medical condition. Services include:

1. Carer support planning: helping you identify the areas affecting your wellbeing.

2. Peer support: providing you with an opportunity to meet other carers to share experiences and knowledge.

3. Counselling: one-to-one sessions with a professional counsellor.

4. Carer directed support packages one off amounts for a range of practical supports eg. cleaning, respite, cooking.

5. Emergency respite care: in case something unplanned arises.

• attend carers groups for support.

For more information about National Carers Week visit www.carersweek.com.au

For more information call 1800 422 737 or visit www.carergateway.gov.au

A personalised card to assist people with brain injury in the community.

The National Assistance Card is available for all people in Australia living with brain injury. The Card has key information about the cardholder, their brain injury related difficulties and ways they can be assisted.

Applications for the National Assistance Card are now available online through the secure application portal.

Apply at www.nationalassistancecard.com.au Visit website for FAQ’s Card cost $44

Interested in joining the Hunter Stroke Research Register?

The Hunter Medical Research Institute needs people who have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) to help researchers make new discoveries. You can help them to find new ways to prevent strokes, and to advance stroke and TIA rehabilitation and recovery. By registering you will join a list of people with stroke or TIA who will be contacted when researchers need people to participate in important research.

Scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit the website: www.hmri.org.au/stroke-register NewsLink Sep 2022 I Page 3

Meet ‘n greet

Say G’day to Headstart’s newest team members Roster Coordinator

Tiffany I grew up in North Queensland and moved to Newcastle in 2017.

Absolutely loving being here!

I like to spend most weekends camping, catching up with friends or spending time with my dog.

I started off working within the aged care sector before going into Disability in 2018. Love working in this industry, previously was a support worker before moving positions and finding my passion with rostering.

Get to know Tiffany

Receptionist/ Admin

Jane

I moved to Australia from the UK with my husband about 10 years ago and have lived in Newy for 3 years. I love it here! It’s been my favourite place to live in Australia so far.

I have worked in administration for almost 2 years now and have enjoyed it thoroughly! I love to be organised and to help others. I have spent the last few years doing short courses and I am currently doing the Open Foundations Headstart Talks is also a great way for course at the University of Newcastle, consumers who are interested in joining which has been excellent. the team to see what CET is all about

Get to know Jane Favourite food: Hot chips Favourite movie: Murder Mystery Favourite band/music: I like a bit of everything!

Favourite movie: Dirty Dancing

Favourite cartoon character: Louise Belcher

Favourite cartoon character: Mulan Favourite hobby: Camping and being at the beach with my dog

Favourite hobby: Watching scary movie Favourite place on earth: Blue Mountains If you could be any animal? Cat

Favourite place on earth: Anywhere with good weather and a good drink

If you could meet someone famous?

David Attenborough (again!)

If you could be any animal? Dolphin – I love swimming

Craziest/silliest thing you’ve done: Moving to Australia

If you could meet someone famous?

Elton John, I suppose. Seeing him in concert next year Craziest/silliest thing you’ve done: Sky diving – twice in one day!

Describe your first week at Headstart: My first week has been great, everyone is so lovely.

just want to say a massive thank you to all the CET presenters that have been helping Headstart grow and develop our CET project recently.

travelling, my favourite places that I’ve visited have been Thailand and Scotland.

Favourite sport/team: Yoga

Favourite sport/team: Soccer

I

We have now delivered 2 x Headstart Talks events and I have received great feedback so far! Headstart Talks events aim to increase awareness within our organisation by giving our CoWorkers a chance to hear some of our CET stories and ask questions.

It also gives us a great opportunity to I have spent most of my time working develop our skills by learning how to use new technologies like Zoom and practise in hospitality and doing some our presentations.

Favourite food: Hot chips, ice cream Favourite band/music: Almost everything except heavy metal

Community Education Team (CET) Update

Three words to describe you: Fun, kind and organised What brought you to Headstart?

My mum had a brain haemorrhage when I was a baby and lost a significant part of her memory, so it felt like fate when I saw the job ad online.

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and even get up tell their story in a comfortable, judgement free atmosphere.

Mark M did his first CET talk this month and inspired us all with his story – Welcome to the CET team Mark! CET presenters are also helping to promote the CET project and find new events for the future.

In July Shaun and I attended the Lake Macquarie Youth Interagency meeting to talk to local youth service providers about the CET project. We explained how we can work together in aiming to prevent future instances of ABI in the community by sharing our stories and providing insight to young people about the consequences of risky behaviour. We had loads of fun and Shaun’s story really hit home.

We also had plenty of people come and talk to us about new opportunities.

- Jon, CET Coordinator

Watch our video for more about the CET: Scan the QR code with your smartphone to watch our 3 min video Or visit www.vimeo.com/556022274

Homelessness and brain injury: connecting the dots

A

t first, homelessness and acquired brain injury may not seem like an obvious match. This was our first year at Hunter Homeless Connect Day, held on 10 August. It’s an annual event that links people to vital services and provides general support to people who are experiencing homelessness (or simply be at risk of homelessness) and others doing it tough.

People who experience traumatic brain injury are at risk of homelessness where one or all of the following factors exist: • alcohol and drug misuse • psychiatric disability • social isolation

• family breakdown.

Our goal was to help our community be more aware of the risk factors linking ABI with homelessness and also assist people to find supports and services they may not be aware of.

For more information: www.braininjuryaustralia.org.au/ homelessness-brain-injury/

Need Support?

There are many people in our community who are experiencing difficult times, are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Hunter Homeless Connect is committed to providing links to essential services, facilities and advice to those people, although they are unable to provide accommodation or housing services themselves.

Did you know that 116,000+ people were experiencing homelessness in Australia on Census night?

Only 7% of people experiencing homelessness sleep rough, many more are couch surfing, or in refuges, boarding houses and emergency accommodation.

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Hunter Homeless Connect Community Directory

Find community and government services, accommodation providers, food banks, emergency relief, financial assistance and more in this awesome Directory.

Download the directory at: www.hunterhomelessconnect.org.au

A new rehab referral pathway Have you ever felt that once you leave rehab you don't have the pathways to the correct specialists to assist you ongoing? We are now linked to Kayla Osinski, a wonderful member of the Orthotics and Prosthetics team at John Hunter Hospital.

Kayla What’s your role at John Hunter, Kayla?

I

am a Clinical Orthotist at Hunter Prosthetics & Orthotics Service (HPOS), located at The Limb Centre, on the John Hunter Hospital campus. Not many people (including health professionals) know what an orthotist is, as we are small specialised profession with approximately 500 orthotists/prosthetists Australia wide.

Our orthotists can recommend a wide range of orthoses that vary from prefabricated to custom, and can be made from either soft foams, thermoplastics or carbon fibre resins. In addition, we specialise in customised orthopaedic footwear to help accommodate splits and size differences.

We work closely with the rehabilitation (Rankin Park Unit) and orthopaedic medical Orthotists are allied healthcare professionals specialists at John Hunter Hospital to ensure our patients are receiving holistic who prescribe, cast for, make and fit medical and allied health care. We are orthoses (splints) for patients who need privileged to work for NSW Health, so we added support for upper or lower limbs. treat both inpatients and outpatients in the Our usual clientele are patients who have Hunter New England Local Health District. neuromuscular or orthopaedic conditions.

We also work closely with a multiSimilar to physiotherapists, orthotists disciplinary team (MDT) including a perform muscle strength and range of Rehabilitation Consultant (senior medical motion assessments, but the speciality specialist), Orthopaedic Surgeons (senior of our role is in understanding and manipulating biomechanical forces through medical specialist), physiotherapists, occupational therapists and podiatrists. orthoses (splint/s).

Referral pathways have changed over In doing so, we are able to help recent years, what gap have you seen?

increase our patients balance and stability, improve walking speed and symmetry as well as decrease the risk of falls by providing adequate ground clearance.

What services do you provide for people with acquired brain injury (ABI)?

Ten years ago, most patients who required Aids and Equipment (Orthoses) post ABI were usually admitted as hospital inpatient, and then referred to the Rehabilitation Unit for ongoing medical care/treatment.

The hospital funded MDT and rehabilitation consultants would work closely with We offer a large range of orthoses for upper patients for approximately six months and lower limbs that can help with weakened before discharging them back to their community therapists, such as muscles as well as high tone/spastic muscles, which are common in patients who physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist etc. The rehabilitation have sustained an ABI. NewsLink Sep 2022 I Page 6

consultant would usually follow up with the patient in the Tone and Function Clinic for (Botulinum Toxin) Botox® injections (high tone/high spasticity) or in annual or biannual consultation in the consultant’s outpatient clinic at the John Hunter Hospital Royal Newcastle Centre.

I noticed the gap most recently in the last five years where transitioning from state funded schemes to commonwealth schemes such as the NDIS has been challenging for some people. Learning to work in a new way with new providers comes with its challenges and this is where we’ve noticed some people may not have adequate funds to support their long-term care.

Lockdown restrictions during COVID-19 made it harder for patients to access the necessary services. During this time, I observed a reduction in the number of patients with ABI accessing our service, reduced number accessing physiotherapy and other allied health services in the community.

At HPOS, we have a number of referral pathways for patients. We take referrals from patients who are in receipt of: • National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIS) • Australian Government Home Care Package (HCP) • Insurance (iCare) • EnableNSW patients 65 years and over • Local Health District (Hunter New England) • Privately funded referrals.

How do you work with the NDIS?

HPOS receives referrals from NDIS Support Coordinators, Physiotherapists (most common referral pathway) or some patients self-refer to our service.

Once the referral has been received, our admin staff then reach out to either the patient, NDIS Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator to either set up an assessment with our orthotists to discuss the provision of orthotic management.

• decreased feelings of safely and confidence (poor muscular control) • increased fatigue when performing Activities of Daily Living (ADL).

In order to strengthen, support or stretch/ release the misbehaving muscles and to improve on the aforementioned, patients will usually require assistance from: • Rehabilitation Consultant medical team (oral medication or local Botox® injections) • Physiotherapist (ongoing treatment program to ensure muscles balance is in equilibrium) • Occupational Therapist (assist with the repetition of task focused activities) • Orthotist (to assist with passive support for either weak or high tone/spastic muscles.

The rehabilitation consultant will often provide the treatment that will release high/ spastic muscles, which will then facilitate the physiotherapy exercise program and the use/toleration of orthoses.

Please explain what neurplasticity is?

The best definition that I’ve heard to date is ‘neuroplasticity post stroke (ABI) is the rewiring and reorganizing process which allows the healthy areas surrounding damaged brain tissues to compensate and develop new functions.’

In layman’s terms it’s saying that our brain has the ability to ‘regenerate itself’. Our brain uses trillions of neural connections from our brain in the Central Nervous System (CNS) down to our Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) that controls our upper and lower limbs.

Orthotists work closely with the NDIS participant, the physiotherapist and occupational therapists to ensure the assistive technology (orthoses) works as part of an overall MDT approach to help the After an ABI, the pathways that would participant achieve their stated NDIS goals. normally send the signal from our CNS to our PNS can get disrupted. Although the How are you able to assist Headstart? part of the brain that sustained damaged, In addition to providing orthoses cannot be reversed; through the process of neuroplasticity, our brain can re-wire to patients post ABI, our service functions through healthy areas of the brain is in a unique position to assist by creating new neural pathways.

Headstart consumers and CoWorkers in accessing treatment through the Local Health District/ John Hunter Hospital and bridging the gap between the hospital system and the outpatient community therapist supports.

Are there any common problems for people with acquired brain injury?

Most patients who have ABI will either experience weakness or tightness (high tone/spasticity) on one side of their body, this can in turn create issues with: • decreased balance • increased falls risk • decreased walking speed

Where exactly the ABI has occurred in the brain is very important, as it helps us to understand the secondary effects.

Neuroplasticity is how a patient post ABI may regain lost skills and regain their independence.

movement will be. The brain will become more efficient in recognising tones, sounds, and the motor finger memory that comes with cord combinations. This is how the brain becomes efficient at interpreting and playing music.

Neuroplasticity can be applied any time one wants to improve on a skill such as moving your arm or memorising music. It takes practice, practice and practice (repetition of a task).

In clinical practice, I have observed the window of opportunity for the brain to re-wire and create new pathways usually remains open for approximately six months post ABI. Evidence suggests that after the six month neuroplasticity window, pathways can still be formed, however to a much less extent.

Most patients post ABI will have the rehabilitation consultant issue a group of allied health therapies to activate the neuroplasticity process as soon as possible; to maximise the amount of recovery possible during the window of opportunity.

Physiotherapists will often provide physical exercises to improve strength and mobility.

It is vital these exercises be practiced repeatedly to help the brain recruit health brain tissue to initiate the movement.

Occupational therapists will also work closely with patients and teach them how to use exercises that the physiotherapist has taught them in a more task focused setting, such as their ADLs. Through encouragement of the occupational therapist’s targeted program of set repeated tasks and steps, many start to feel a greater sense of independence, often for the first time.

As an orthotist, I can assist the medical and allied health team by the prescription of orthoses to help support weakened muscles or stretch tight muscles. Some patients will only have to wear orthoses for a short period of time (as they go through the neuroplastic process). Others may need orthoses long term to assist the efforts of the medical and allied health teams.

In my clinical experience, I have observed that patients post ABI who have the right combination To activate neuroplasticity, the patient of medical and allied health MDT must have an experience that is learning involvement, often have the best dependent. That’s one way of saying what long-term results, and have much we experience repeatedly will determine better quality of life and are able how our brain tissue can re-wire itself. to achieve their ADL well.

Similarly to a person who is learning to play

the piano, the more one practices, the more - Kayla Osinski surface area of the grey matter in the brain BMedSc; BHSc/M Clin Prosthetics & Orthotics, MAOPA, responsible for the processing of music and CPO. Orthotist | Hunter Prosthetics and Orthotics

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Service. The Limb Centre, John Hunter Hospital

A growing family

Born and bred in South Africa, Johanna (or Jonni as she prefers) has been living here since her parents moved to Australia when she was 17 years old. Now, she has a family of own. “I’m very lucky,” says Jonni.

“D

riving about 120k’s an hour across Stockton Bridge, I reached that 90 degree bend at Kooragang. I was running late for work and I hit another car after losing control. It had been raining.

I don’t remember anything. Fortunately no-one in the car I hit was hurt.

After my accident there were things I would still try and do but my body would just shut down. I wasn’t able to function beyond a certain point, and then I would sleep because of exhaustion. I would think to myself ‘Why am I exhausted?’ and then get exhausted from thinking about why I was exhausted, and then sleep When the ambulance arrived I was 3 on the more. And so the depression cycle starts Glasgow Coma Scale, which is the lowest. with me thinking, ‘Oh I can’t do anything.

Almost dead. They brought me up to a 7 I’m useless’. All these bad thoughts just when I got to hospital where I kept pulling started creeping in and that’s not healthy. the cords out so they induced a coma.

Mental health issues have been in my My partner Zac and I have been together family. Prior to my brain injury I’d found since 2010, and my accident happened in ways to manage around it and cope with 2015, when I was 21. It was a big shock for depression when it came. I wasn’t always him to receive that phone call. a depressed person. I was very happy at I came out of the coma after 6 days and times, always out, super busy working was in post-traumatic amnesia for 13 three jobs, playing touch footy and so on. days. It was a severe brain injury but they When I got my brain injury it really hit me decided not to operate because it would that I couldn’t do all that I was once able likely have made the brain injury worse. to do. That still gets me. I was a very The accident broke my cheekbone in independent person. I wanted to make three places and I shattered my pelvis something of myself. Suddenly I also had in five places. I got through it all with no to deal with major fatigue. surgery, remarkably.

Zac and I moved in together in 2017 and in 2018 I got a job as an office assistant I had a really good doctor. The surgeon took into consideration my through Castle Employment. While at that age and potential for motherhood office job we reached a mutual decision that I wasn’t improving in my recovery and made a decision not to operate. and what I had to offer wasn’t what the Bones take about 8 weeks to heal, but company needed. So they said, ‘How about then I had to regain the muscle mass that you focus on just trying to live your best life I’d lost because of being bedridden. I was and do what you need to do?’ on crutches for a while.

Then in 2018 I attempted Uni and TAFE. NewsLink Sep 2022 I Page 8

I tried to become a support worker and quickly realized that’s this was the sort of support that I needed. I wasn’t getting any support prior to that, because I was still living at my parents when the accident happened. They looked after me initially.

My case manager at Lifetime Care took a looked at the state at my own house and said ‘How would you feel about some support to help you through the day.’ I just burst into tears, I was so happy! Finally someone realised that I needed help. In 2019 I began support with Headstart.

Benson was born in March 2021 and we had been planning for him. I can’t imagine life without him. He has opened our eyes to a lot of things and tested a lot of our patience. So much patience!

Benson is 16 months old now and he’s great. His latest word is ‘purple’! He has tested us a lot and he’s also had food allergies from a very young age. He can’t have mother’s milk, dairy milk, soy milk or oat milk. Only rice milk and even on a vegan diet many things contain soy. It’s surprising because Zac and I don’t have any issues, but we’re working through it.

They love him at school and he’s going to be a good big brother.

I’m eight weeks pregnant with no.2! Right now my goal is to take it easy and not put too much pressure on myself.

It’s been exhausting and I don’t remember it being this tiring first time round - it’s probably because I already have a child.

My involvement with Headstart’s Community Education Team has also taken a backseat now because I’ve got a child, and he’s my priority.

I would start a task and get distracted, then start a different one. I’d forget that I was doing something or get distracted.

Then by the end of the day I was just overwhelmed by all of it, and not wanting to do anything.

I was on a lot of medication a while ago, and being the person that I am I wasn’t happy with taking 13 tablets a day. I So at the moment if some things can’t get got to a point where I didn’t know which done right away it doesn’t matter. They’ll medications were working for me because I’ve been on them for so long. I also wasn’t still be there to be done later. I just need in that much pain anymore so I decided to look after myself. My top priority is to to start reducing the medication. My GP eat, because I forget to eat. didn’t seem to agree but I was adamant My support workers help with things and I believe that it’s my body, my choice. couldn’t help very much and I also started around the house and assist with getting arthritis, so that makes it harder So I cold turkeyed and it was two weeks organising finances and unpaid bills to multi-task and feed my son. I’m doing of hell. I had the biggest migraine and I among other things. One of my first support workers was very good at those couldn’t get out of bed. But I got through OK now. I really need to make sure that I’m firstly looking after me, and then I can look it and I am happier for it. sorts of things. Every time I would get after Benson. distracted she’d say. ‘OK come, let’s do this now.’ A good support worker knows the different ways that people’s brains work and is able to adapt to it.

People in the community look at my appearance and say ‘Oh, what’s wrong with you? What do you mean you have a disability?’

That’s what I’ve refocussed my energy on. My partner Zac is great and in the background supporting us too. There’s been a couple of times where I’ve had a I desperately needed help in this area.

When I’d come to a task that I didn’t know They don’t understand very much about PTSD trigger and I’ve not coped well at all. where to begin, my CSW would say ‘Okay, brain injury. The mental fog comes back, I’ve snapped, and I’ve had to take time out we’re going to start slowly’, and she’d break and it comes back daily. Being a new mum and Zac’s taken over things. it down. I’ve now made so many changes doesn’t make it any easier. I do actually One of the impacts of my brain and improvements to the different rooms think it’s been harder being a mother than injury is that I need in depth it would’ve without a brain injury. in the house, it’s been super helpful.

For my mental health I see a psychologist monthly, but am now thinking about getting a life coach that I can touch base with for 10 minutes every morning to help set me up for the day. We’re working on getting that funded.

Motivation for the day is important for me, because I think young parents struggle to just keep up with tasks in the early years.

Finances were a big struggle for us. That was massive because the insurance money stopped. For a while we didn’t know that Centrelink help was available to me. I’m grateful for that because there’s no government support in other countries like my country of birth, South Africa.

Since Benson was born there have been days where support workers would come in and they would just start cleaning the kitchen. I’d start to feel guilty because I

explanation of things.

Right now I’m engaged and on the road to get married. I hired a wedding planner and when she sends me emails my reaction is, ‘Whoa, that’s a bit much for me to take in right now! Can we make a phone call to discuss it maybe next week?’

I don’t think the wedding planner really understands. Before I moved out of home I was very upfront and open and honest about my struggles. I’d say to people ‘Look, I’ve got a brain injury and you’re going to have to explain everything to me like I’m a two year old.’

At the same time I can’t keep using the brain injury as an excuse. So I’ve stopped doing that. But it’s very much still there and I think it’ll be a lifelong thing.

I may never fully completely recover but I’ll find ways of managing it, even if sometimes after a bad day I feel like I’m back to square one. I’ll keep on moving forward a step at a time.”

Zac, Jonni and Benson NewsLink Sep 2022 I Page 9

I was born in Newcastle and I’ve lived in my house in Edgeworth for over 30 years.

- Wayne

“I

’ve just had a full a bathroom renovation done. As I never used the bathtub I had that removed to make it a bigger room. Now there’s a big new shower with curtains and railings all around. It’s great to have more room to get around. It was paid for by NDIS after waiting a few years.

Wayne’s new bathroom.

of mine was having trouble with his Volkswagen. We were pushing it down a hill at West Wallsend. I can’t remember exactly what happened but the car went around a corner and I went up in the air and landed on my head.

Surgery involved removing part of the skull which was replaced by hardened plastic. I was in Newcastle hospital for a number of weeks. Physically I had epileptic fits after my accident and I still take medication. I’ve lost my memory of the incident and have had a head injury My parents have passed away, and my brother Darren is just up the hill and sister ever since. One thing I do remember is a Darlene is in Edgeworth. I never married. nurse coming to the ward and asking me to say the alphabet.

As a young man I played rugby league, soccer, golf and tennis - I liked a bit of I said “A, B, C...” That’s all the sport. I was into motorbikes. I had a 250 letters I could remember.

Suzuki Hustler then I went up to a 750 Triumph Bonneville which wasn’t great, From then on they signed me up to then I traded it in for a Honda 4 cylinder go into speech therapy. I had to learn how to read and write again. I watched which was a lot better. I also had a Bultaco speed bike and bikes for the bush different movies and my task was to write down what the story was all about. like a 500 Yamaha single cylinder.

I did a lot more speech therapy over the I was riding bikes up until I years and got there in the end. Some of my memory has come back but a lot of had the accident. things I still can’t remember.

Before my injury I worked at BHP then Before the accident I was living at my I moved to Philips Leonora Glassworks in Wallsend, blowing small glass balls for parents house, and they helped care for coloured glass lamp shades: greens, blues, me afterwards. yellows, oranges. I quite enjoyed that!

The guy present when I had my accident I was about 22 years old and I was on holidays from BHP. It was the Queen’s Birthday long weekend and a mate NewsLink Sep 2022 I Page 10

left the State and I never spoke to him after that. He didn’t want anything to do with it. That was really tough for me.

With the payment money I collected through court I bought this house flat out. I didn’t work again after my injury.

I was on social security for a year and then moved onto a pension.

I get sleep apnoea and I have a CPAP machine for that at night. It goes over my nose to help me sleep without snoring. I just have to put water in it every day.

I’ve got tons of DVD’s here at home and I like watching movies. I’m going to get Netflix soon. I enjoy music too, like Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac - just all sorts of different kinds of music. In recent times I’ve collected coins and stamps before that.

I get frozen meals delivered. I may cook something plain or fry an egg but I don’t do much cooking really. I don’t drink much now, even though I used to drink a lot before my injury.

Because of my injury I’ve been limited with travel. Since my injury I’ve been up I’ve been with Headstart for many years. to Queensland with my uncle, and over to Victoria with a friend from down the Every Wednesday I like to go out to road to visit his son.

Recreation group. It’s really good to go around to different places.

In the future I want to do more social activities, I like the variety. For Rec I I’ve got to know a lot of the think we go up to Anna Bay this week, people through Headstart. but the weather’s been all over the place.

One of this year’s highlights was going down on the Blue Mountains trip with the Rec group.

My support worker comes in the morning for showers, another around midday for help about the house or go shopping, paying bills or whatever.

I’ve got fluid in the legs which swell up. I get compression bandages done every day by my support workers. The bandages get the water to move higher up towards the bladder to help get rid of the fluid. I wear the bandages most of the day but remove them at night.

On Wednesday’s a nurse comes round to check my compression wraps and my legs. My medications are mostly brought up by my chemists, a Webster pack every two weeks.

Life would be quite different and difficult without the supports I receive.

My support workers are all good now, some I get on with better than others.

Besides assisting me with showering and helping me get around it’s also good just to have some company every day.

I’ve never know rain like we’ve been having recently – it’s all upside down.

Over in Europe, in Portugal, the Mediterranean and England it’s all getting hot with fires. While in Australia it’s nothing but rain. I think it could be climate change, I’ve just never seen it like this. I’m looking forward to the warmer weather. I’d rather summer than winter time, it’s just too cold now in winter.

I’d also like to do some work to the house like re-paint my tiles and some other maintenance. I have a gardener come every so often to do mowing and trimming.

As far as COVID goes, it’s stopped me going out a bit but it’s eased off now.

I’ve been lucky and haven’t had it yet, even though I’ve been close to some people with it.

Right now I need to do some walking to lose weight.

I walk up and down the street, or in shopping centres. I use a walker.

It’s good to keep moving.

Occasionally I need to go and get things from the chemist. I take cream for my arthritis and my support workers help to apply that to my shoulders and legs.

I have my good days and my bad days.

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The Blue Mountains are outstanding. Gigantic! I’ve seen the Grand Canyon on TV, but here we’ve got this just a hundred miles away. I hadn’t been before as my accident at age 22 held me back.

Men’s Football: FIFA World Cup Preview

Can Graham Arnold’s Socceroos deliver on the biggest stage?

World Cup fever

Qatar will be Australia’s sixth world cup in what is know as “the world game.”

Many say that even one win would be an achievement, and to get through the group stages would mean causing a huge upset in beating France or Denmark.

With pundits saying Australis’s best chance is against Tunisia, at prime time viewing here it promises be one game not to miss!

The first Australian soccer team playing New Zealand in 1922 (100 years ago!)

Since the advent of the World Cup in 1930, two trophies have been used: the Jules Rimet Trophy from 1930 to 1970, and the gold FIFA World Cup Trophy from 1974 to the present day.

Tim Cahill is Australia’s top scorer with 50 goals for his country in 108 appearances.

Queen Elizabeth II presenting the Jules Rimet trophy to 1966 World Cup winning England captain Bobby Moore.

Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is the most capped player in the history of Australia with 109 caps.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup (founded in 1991) will take place in Australia & New Zealand from 20 July - 20 August 2023.

The 2023 tournament will expand from 24 to 32 teams.

The United States are the defending champions, having won the previous two tournaments in 2015 and 2019.

The Matildas, captained by the classy Sam Kerr are always in with a chance!

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The current World Cup trophy (held by France forward Ousmane Dembélé in 2018) has been presented since 1974. France are current champions.

“A boy from Lake Macquarie scored at Wembley.

That, in itself, might inspire others with seemingly unattainable dreams to reach their own goals.”

- Craig Johnston

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 21 November to 18 December

GROUP STAGE

Australia v France

Weds 23 Nov, 6am (AEST)

Australia v Tunisia Sat 26 Nov, 9pm (AEST)

Australia v Denmark Thur 1 Dec, 2am (AEST)

FIFA World Cup Trivia It was founded in 1930; 92 years ago Number of teams 32 (finals) Current Champions: France

Most successful teams: Brazil (5 titles) Due to Qatar’s intense summer heat, this World Cup will be held from lateNovember to mid-December, making it the first tournament not to be held in May, June, or July; it will be played in a reduced timeframe of around 28 days. The final is due to be held on 18 December 2022, which is also Qatar’s National Day.

Headstart Ambassador, Liverpool FC Legend and Aussie icon Craig Johnston never played for Australia but that hasn’t stopped him from remaining one of our countries biggest soccer stars.

“B

ack when I was playing in the UK, soccer wasn’t what it was today.

I was an Aussie bloke playing overseas, who was battling at times, I was often homesick, and I was cast aside by the Australian Soccer administration. I’m very sorry I didn’t play for Australia, but I have had to move on from that.

“One of my life dreams has been to do more than I could have done as a player for Australia and help to bring the World Cup to our country, and to help develop a generation of kids and effect a structural and cultural change in Australia to develop a team that could win a World Cup.”

Many of Australia’s big name soccer players - Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell, Mark Schwarzer and Paul Okon watched Craig as kids, saying to him in more recent The issues at the time weren’t specific to times, ‘Craig, you made us realise that we Australian football. The Scottish, English could go to that level and achieve’. and Irish football administrations all get Craig says:”I didn’t realise the extent up in arms when their players go abroad. of that legacy and it was definitely hard Australian’s just happen to have to travel work because there was not much 20 or 30 times further and struggle with structure at the time that I played and jetlag. It’s just so much tougher for us I was pioneering in every sense. I was but what it speaks volumes of is the alone and it was a pretty tough at times. regard that Aussie players are held in To know that I’ve inspired footballers of esteem by their management. Back in the calibre of Timmy, Harry and Mark is my day, I had no choice. The manager actually quite humbling. I’ve hear that said, ‘You go to Australia, and you’re not in some of them have read my book Walk the team’. One of the reasons was that Alone and were inspired too.”

I wasn’t so good where I could just say, ‘Bugger you!’

While some people believe that I rejected the opportunity to play for Australia, that’s not true.

Craig was approached by Jock Stein in the early 1980s with a view to him playing for Scotland as he was eligible through his father. Craig declined and instead decided to represent England at under-21 and ‘B’ team level. Craig could also have chosen to represent South Africa, his country of birth.

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Find out why Craig is a proud Headstart Ambassador

Watch Craig’s video on our website as he shares about sister Faye’s brain injury www.headstart-abi.com.au

Pete enjoys the variety of Rec activities on offer (above and right).

Pictured here with trainer Milan at One Tribe gym (left).

A fresh start

“I

have a tumour in my head. It was discovered in 2018 after I was attacked with a metal bar on New Years day. Since then my world has been turned upside down,” shares Pete.

“The head injury caused by my assault meant that I needed to have CAT scans. That’s when they said, ‘Oh, hang on. You got some lesion on your head.’ I lived in Sydney at the time and they took me from Blacktown Hospital to Westmead where I had an MRI and they confirmed I had a tumour the size of a man’s fist. It was at the part of my head where the spinal cord and the nerves meet.

Thankfully it was a non cancerous tumour and was actually outside of my brain.

Strangely I didn’t have a lump or anything.

I went through the surgery of removing the tumour, but they could only take out about 70% and they left the rest in my head. I was in the hospital for around two months and I had to go through all the rehabilitation of learning how to walk, eat and swallow. It was like being a newborn kid again.

The outcome of all the operation is that I’ve lost my balance and muscle mass on my body, including my face. So it’s been a bit of a rough journey but I’ve just had to come to terms with it all.

I’ve pretty much hit most of my goals.

I wanted to get back to driving and I wanted to get back to work.

I achieved both of those goals by the end of 2019.

- Peter

My parents are deceased. That’s a walk in life that we all have to do at some point. After living in Sydney my whole life, at 31 years of age I decided to move to Newcastle because I wanted to get away from my past and make some good life choices. My wild life back in the day meant I couldn’t live in that scene anymore, so I had to make a move. I had a real bad scenario with drugs and alcohol.

I’ve been living here since 2018, first staying with my aunty for a few months and then on my own. I do also have a brother who is nearby.

Before Headstart I was with another support agency but if I’m honest they weren’t really doing a great job. Now I enjoy the support I’m getting because they know the role of the job, and they know Newcastle.

I enjoy the Rec group outings every Monday. I really do love the social side of things. I hadn’t been to the Blue Mountains since I was a young kid. It was very cold the day we all went on that trip, but it was good to go!

I like a variety of activities. If something comes up I just go ask the gym to change my days and work around me.

Rec is about making friends and I also enjoy the activities, especially bowling. I love that! It’s just a really good vibe with everyone there. It’s great to have such a line-up of different things to go and do with people.

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I got my job at the gym through Emily, my OT who works next door to them. She spoke to the gym owner who was paying these cleaners a lot to do half the job. It just wasn’t being done properly. So Emily asked if I could come and be the gym’s cleaner. I’d already done some training and certificates to prove that I had a cleaning role behind me.

Simone at the gym said yes and they pay me a proper wage.

I started doing two days a week and that turned into three days a week. Because I’m on Disability I can only work so many hours a fortnight.

My job involves wiping down, sanitizing, mopping, cleaning bathrooms and showers.

and oily food. I want to try to cut down on that and get more nutrition so I can tone up a bit.

I said to myself at the beginning of the year that I want to get down to 100 kilos, so that’s still a goal. One of my long term goals is also to purchase a house. That might be a ten year goal, and you’ve got to have the motivation for something.

I do gym independently, and so with Daniel, my Headstart support worker, I go to the Monday Rec group getaways and I also have support on a Saturday. On the weekend Daniel will say ‘So what do you want to do?’ We might go to the movies or something. I really enjoy the companionship because, if I’m honest, I don’t know anyone but my neighbour in Newcastle.

I enjoy it. It’s a really good atmosphere. Everyone’s always asking these questions about what happened to me. When I tell them my story, some say ‘Yeah, I have a family member or know some one with a similar issue.’ I’m always having a good chat with them and it’s great. I get invited to different things Four years after my surgery my balance is still affected, I’m like a Wine Festival this past weekend but unfortunately I got deaf in the right ear, and my facial muscles aren’t very tight.

Balance is a long-term thing I’ll be working on, and with my COVID so I couldn’t go. face there’s nothing I can really do unless I go under the knife The first night I had COVID, I really felt like my body was again or get botox or a face lift. But because it’s not really a starting to shut down. My body felt so cold. I woke up next major issue they’re not going to do it unless I really want it. morning and my throat was gone, my nose was runny, all Basically I’m unable to smile and I can’t blink my right eye. my joints were aching. I lay in bed for about three days and When I‘m sleeping I’m supposed to put a patch on and three then began to feel allright. It’s a week later now and I’ve just times a day I’m supposed to lubricate it. When it’s windy my tested negative, though my nose still feels a bit congested. eye gets really irritated, but my vision is fine.

Thankfully I did all my shopping just before it happened. I My life hasn’t been easy and I’ve had some issues, but I’m normally buy everything for two weeks, so I was allright just making amends with it and want to stay on the right there. I’m ready to go out again now though! path for the rest of my journey. The path I should have done Besides cleaning I get trained at the gym twice a week. It’s years ago. covered by NDIS which helps me out. I’ve done a variety of exercises, but at the moment I’m just really sticking to cardio It’s just about the next day now. Everything can really excite me now. For example, I’m meeting new people all the time at so I can burn excess weight off. the gym and also through Headstart.

When I started with the gym, I was 137 kilos and now I’m down to around 120 kilos. So I’m losing the kilos. But you have to put the hard yards in to it make an effort to change your eating regime too.

I’m getting to know all these great people, and even though we have all these little issues with ourselves, we can always have a laugh together.

Diet-wise I’ve cut out a lot of sugar from what I eat and drink. My dietician is going to write me up a list of things that I should cook because I have been eating too much fatty NewsLink Sep 2022 I Page 15

Pete impresses We’re helping him with his goals for better functional movement. Because his brain has been damaged he wants to be able to perform the movements that he was doing before. So he’s doing squats and deadlifts as part of his training.

“W

hile I’m technically Peter’s supervisor, he doesn’t need supervision. He is fantastic! He’s been working for me for about three months and he is the best worker anybody will ever have.

Pete is always punctual and gets the job done to an amazing standard. I had to make a change from my old cleaner because he is just too good.

The man is impeccable!

I wish my other contractors had the same work ethic.

I see a big improvement with fatigue.

When Pete first came in he was tired after working just two hours and now not only can he work longer but he trains every time he comes to work.

That’s impressive because fatigue is major thing after a stroke. Pete even recovered from COVID in a few days.

I am learning about brain injury and I listen a lot to Kate (Headstart CoWorker) and Emily (Sakura Allied Health) and now I can follow the things Consistency is the key to your that they’re talking about. Pete’s no longer dragging his leg, whether it’s success in the gym. because he’s training or feeling better, - Simone it’s likely a congruence of factors.

One Tribe Health & Fitness, Wickham

Pete has improved so much!

The weight loss is just a plus.

Apart from the fitness he is making some very good Now when Pete’s finished his work he’s lifestyle choices with his diet.

When he first came in he was getting paid $2 an hour somewhere and so I offered him a couple of shifts here and he was great. The place is immaculate.

working out in the gym with personal trainers Milan, Jack and Harry. I don’t think he’s ever done anything like this before. I think that what we’ve done is help get him into gear. He’s doing a lot better than when he first came here - physically, mentally and with his diet too. He is motivated to keep improving.

We train people from a young age to literally their 80’s, with disability or without. Instead of calling it rehab which sounds bad because it suggests that you have something wrong with you - we just call it training.

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Persistence pays off!

We have supported Romeo for 27 years after he was injured in a car accident. He is a current board member and important part of Headstart.

A better size!

CoWorker Lynette was the lucky recipient of two of Romeo’s fish.

“I

Too small.

A little too small Romeo!

can’t eat anything at the moment. I’ve had a stomach tube since the start of the year because of two strokes I had in October last year. This has affected my swallowing.

Lynette: I don’t follow recipes, I freestyle! For each fish I used: • 1 clove of garlic • 1 Lemon • Olive oil • Parsley

Place the fish on some baking paper and foil large enough to wrap around the fish.

I love fishing! Weather dependent I try to go every week with my support workers. I catch plenty of little ones, but the bigger ones I caught recently were off the wharf at Newcastle Harbour. As I couldn’t eat these I put them in my freezer for when next I saw Lynette (Headstart CoWorker). Hopefully I’ll be able to eat again next year, but that’s up to the doctors.

Put the remaining slices of lemon on top of the fish (making sure to cover the eye so that it couldn’t look at you) sprinkle with parsley and then drizzled with olive oil.

Fishing is very relaxing and I enjoy spending time with the support workers. It gives me something to do.” - Romeo

Wrap the fish in the parcel and bake at 180 degrees for 30 minutes or until the fish is cooked. Yum!

Slice the garlic and the lemons. Place the garlic and one slice of lemon inside the fish.

Romeo’s fish found their way into my belly!

- Lynette, CoWorker

Do you have a favourite dish to share? Get in touch!

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Described by her husband Dick as ‘a former workaholic’, accounting whiz and now bookworm Sharon has a real sense of humour, as we discovered.

Step by step with a smile “I

can remember walking into the hospital, but not much after that”, shares Sharon. We caught up with her and husband Dick recently.

Dick recounts, “It was April 2021 and we were in bed watching TV when Sharon said ‘I can’t lift my left arm’. It just flopped down. She was walking wobbly too and it was straight to emergency. Sharon was in a coma state after they took the bone from the side of her head to manage swelling.

She’d had a brain bleed and was in the acute stroke ward for about five weeks and then four months of rehab at Rankin Park.”

“I was in a coma for about three weeks where I had vivid dreams about working, buying things and having a lovely time,” recalls Sharon. “Arriving home I asked Dick, ‘Where is this thing that I bought?’.

So there was this section of my life that wasn’t real after I came out of the coma. I remember people shouting at me, ‘Wake up! Why won’t you wake up!’ as they were weaning me off the sedation drugs.”

‘The wheelchair photo is a shocking photo to show anyone. But it puts it in perspective and shows how far I have come.’ - Sharon

My brain was like a kids toy with one of the batteries missing.

When you put that last battery in everything sort of kicks into place and works, says Sharon.

“Other than giving birth this was my first hospital visit ever. I just wanted to get home. I don’t think you’ll get better until you go home. I was ready to break out and I had a bad reputation in hospital where independence is frowned upon!”

“I’ve become used to people following me around in case of a fall. I’ll be trying to do something and not be able to - that’s when I get cheesed of off. The little things like tearing a toilet paper or blowing your nose with one hand. It’s annoying, but I’m alive!”

I don’t have a hangup about being disabled, I actually don’t view myself as being disabled. For me it’s mostly an inconvenience.

“At the beginning, support worker (CSW) Kara asked me what I wanted her to do.

Dick continues, “Rankin Park gave us a list I’ve never had anybody come to clean the of providers to choose from. Our friends house or anything. I don’t have a house had Headstart look after them and we also hangup, so don’t mind having people wanted a local company. Dianne was our around even though I’m almost OCD and first Headstart contact and she got involved I do like things done a set way. Even the in the initial NDIS talks before even leaving cutlery drawer is organised!”

Rankin Park, because initially they thought Sharon would be wheelchair bound. Once “Independence is important to me. I they put the bone back into her skull it was actually found that the more the CSW’s help me with more I can do. One day my almost instantly that she improved, from challenge might be to get my arm up and laying to one side drooling to sitting up touch the light switch. So CSW’s will help straight and walking in a matter of days.

Sharon came home on 5th October 2021.” me with grip exercises and using the TENS NewsLink Sep 2022 I Page 18

machine in different positions on my arm and hand. I use it daily for electrical stimulation of the nerves to try and make new pathways. It zaps me and helps work the muscles and improve blood supply to slowly build the muscles back up.”

things she can do, but she can’t prepare meals or things like that.”

“Not if I want to keep my fingertips!” agrees Sharon. “Apart from in the kitchen I get general help around the house.

I don’t think I could manage without It feels like somebody’s giving me Headstart. The girls have come up with a massage - apparently nobody a list of things to do each day which hangs on the fridge. They just check off else likes the TENS machine as what they’ve done. The vacuuming, the much as I do! washing, and so on.”

“I’ve ordered a thing called an iron man “I like to go shopping. Tuesday is coffee glove to help spread my fingers as my group which I’ve started with Headstart hand has closed fingers. Sometimes it once a month. It was good! The last one locks onto something like the back of a I left without noticing that anyone had a door handle or coat hook and I can’t let disability. Simone wants us older ladies to go. I keep all the windows open if I’m all join lawn bowls so we’ll see.” inside so I can call for help so that I’m not left hanging on the door.”

I like to walk but not to the point “I worked as an accounting software trainer with Xero, Quickbooks and Reckon, teaching people the tools to do their own tax. It was going very well. I can basically train the software now and set it up to look for keywords, because most of what you need to do is routine.

But I’ve stopped now. If I can get my own annual accounts done - and it’s not too stressful - I’ll think about working again but probably more on a consulting level.

I can use the mouse pretty quick now but typing with one hand is very frustrating.”

of counting my steps. I don’t do hills, just things like treadmills, shopping centres or concrete.

“Sharon can walk around the shops, but how much just depends on how big a day it is,” says Dick. “We’ve got a electric wheelchair in the car for big days but if it’s just for an hour she’s fine without it. As she gets stronger, she’ll need it less.”

CSW Kara adds, “Sharon likes to grab the shopping trolley and off she goes.

She’s improved so much since last year it’s amazing!”

and I’m exercising muscles I didn’t know I had. I’ve got body parts that hurt that I’ve never had hurt before.”

I’m probably fitter and stronger and better than I was before.

“I’m a big reader. I’ll read anything that I can lay my hands on and I prefer e-books to the library. Although it’s more expensive to drop an e-book in the bathtub. Lots of cracked screens from dropping phones and things too. It’s very expensive having a stroke!”

“I’m reading more now than I did before my stroke, mainly because I’m not working. I put on my TENS machine and just zone out. They’ve put all the old classic books online for free, but the new Indie writers are what I enjoy so I have to find books that are not more than 99 cents. I’ve got Prime video and that gives you free books too. I also love crosswords Wordle, that type of thing.”

“I take each day as it comes. Independence is my big goal, and driving another. When you wake up in hospital and you don’t have your drivers licence anymore or your credit cards, you feel like your whole identity has been robbed from you.”

“I am a real homebody but one thing I will do is go out and watch Dick play in his rock cover band Anthology. Except “In the past I’ve tended to work a lot you’ve got to get dressed and go through “I see the Physio weekly and OT and it was always on my mind. Even in all that hullabaloo with makeup and fortnightly,” says Sharon. “A big shout hospital I was begging the doctors to let getting ready to go out. On a Saturday out to Dianne who found them for me. me out because I didn’t want to be fined night, all I really want to do was wrap in thousands by the tax office because I was Dianne asked me ‘What do you want in a dressing gown and stay warm. Some an OT?’ and all I said was ‘They have to late with my accounts GST and BAS!” nights he leaves me home until late and be a nice person.’ The one’s I have aren’t I have a support worker come and stay Dick adds, “The girls will go up with hung up with her own ego, and a lot of the over. But the nights we do go out I like Sharon to the back office just to make sure others are. They have a good gym too.” watching him perform and I don’t mind she’s allright. It only take about half an pub food either!”

“I go to the gym every week for rehab. hour before she needs a break. Sharon can OT is usually fortnightly. I’ve been on also shower herself, mostly, but needs a little help at times and with drying. Most machines I don’t even know the names of,

CSW Kara helping with a crossword

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Scam alert Some of you may already have been scammed.

If there’s one thing that can be guaranteed: you will be the target of a scammer at some stage.

Most scams follow the same pattern and once you understand this, the tricks of the scammer become easier to spot.

Being scammed can make you feel violated and be very upsetting, as well as financially devastating.

It pays to be vigilant and double check if in doubt.

Keep an eye out for:

O

ne of the many impacts of the global COVID pandemic was the shift to spending significantly more time online.

Criminals unfortunately seized on this period of change, with Scamwatch reporting a 70 per cent increase in scams between 2019 and 2021.

You can protect yourself too by knowing what to be wary of.

• Being contacted out of the blue • Being told to keep it a secret

• Poor spelling and/or grammar

• Being asked for personal or banking information

• Requests to take urgent action, make a payment or claim a prize.

With these threats on the rise and to help you stay one step A communication doesn’t need to tick all the boxes ahead, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to be a scam. Remember, if it sounds too good to be have released the Little Black Book of Scams.

Email is not the only way scammers can catch you off guard.

Scammers can also target you by phone, internet, post, and door-to-door. From dating and romance scams to identity theft, this helpful guide book reveals the secrets and tactics scammers don’t want you to know.

true, it probably is.

Many scammers lurk within the anonymous environment of the internet. Scammers call and SMS too.

Be aware – some scammers will come right to your door.

If you give them a chance to talk to you, they will start using tricks in their scammers’ toolbox to convince you to part Scammers are often career criminals who invest a lot of time and energy into honing their skills to steal your information and with your money. money. Their methods are clever, and they can be hard to spot. If you have any inkling you may be being scammed, the best Banks regularly monitor accounts for suspicious activity and advice is to stop and think. If you are being asked to move are constantly innovating features to secure your banking. money, make an unexpected payment or send personal information to someone, stop and ask for help.

Don’t open suspicious texts, pop-up windows or emails – delete them. If unsure, verify the identity of the contact through an independent source such as a phone book or online search. Don’t use the contact details provided in the message sent to you.

If you are being asked to provide information or take some action, contact the organisation involved using a number you already have (bank statement, credit card etc) or find the number yourself.

NewsLink Sep 2022 I Page 20

We are all vulnerable to scams so everyone needs information about how to identify and avoid scams. Some people think that only the gullible and greedy fall victim to scams. The truth is scammers are clever and if you don’t know what to look out for, anyone can fall victim to a scam.

Have you received an offer that seems too good to be true?

Perhaps a phone call to help fix your computer or a threat to pay money you do not owe, an alert from your bank or telecommunications provider about a problem with your account or even an invitation to ‘befriend’ or connect online?

Threat and penalty scams: fear tactics pressuring you to ‘pay up’, or be arrested. eg. an unpaid bill, speeding fine or debt.

Unexpected money scams: you’re told that you are entitled to money or an inheritance but you need an upfront payment first.

Prize and lottery scams: you’re told that you’ve won a prize in a lottery but need to pay fees and taxes to release the prize.

Online shopping, classifieds and auction scams: fake ads on legitimate websites or false retailer websites that seem real.

Scammers know how to press your buttons to get what they want.

Scams targeting computers and mobile devices: remote access software or malware used to spy on your personal information.

They are getting smarter, moving with the times to take advantage of new technology, new products or services and major events to create believable stories that will convince you to part with your money or personal details.

Job and employment scams: work from home ‘business opportunities’ or jobs can be used for money laundering.

However, thanks to the tens of thousands of scam reports received every year, the ACCC has prepared a list of common scams to reveal the secrets and tactics that scammers don’t want you to know.

The top types of scams to avoid are:

Identity theft: more than tricking you out of money, this involves stealing your personal information for fraud or profit.

Charity scams: people collecting money for a fictitious nonexistent charity that may seem real.

Medical scams: offering a range of alternative medicines, miracle cures or counterfeit drugs, eg. weight loss.

Business scams: where you get sent false bills or domain Dating and romance scams: can lead to financial requests after name fees, or a bill for business a directory that you never signed up for. many months from people who are often overseas.

Investment scams: such as investments or cryptocurrency ‘opportunities’ from what may look like reputable companies.

Plenty more info in the Black book. If you are unsure how to handle a potential scam please contact you CoWorker.

The Little Black Book of Scams Every year, scams cost Australians, businesses and the economy hundreds of millions of dollars and cause emotional harm to victims and their families.

The best way to protect yourself is through awareness and education. This new edition of The Little Black Book of Scams is brought to you by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the national consumer protection agency. The Little Black Book of Scams is recognised internationally as an important tool for consumers and small businesses to learn about scams including: • the most common scams to watch out for

• the different ways scammers can contact you • the tools scammers use to trick you • the warning signs

• how to protect yourself

• where you can find help

• where to report a scam.

The book includes: • Identity theft

• Charity scams

• Medical scams

• Business scams

• Investment scams

• Prize and lottery scams

• Unexpected money scams

• Dating and romance scams • Threat and penalty scams

• Job and employment scams

• Online shopping, classifieds and auction scams

• Scams targeting computers and mobile devices.

This helpful guide to the most common scams and how you can spot and avoid them.

Accessible version available incl. audio

The Little Black Book of Scams is available online at: www.accc.gov.au/littleblackbookofscams NewsLink Sep 2022 I Page 21

Colour-Phil We brought you Phil’s art therapy story in our December edition of NewsLink. Once we caught a glimpse of his latest works we just had to show you Phil’s latest!

“M

y art tutor Sophie Mill is working to help me get my art skills back and have fun at the same time.

After completing my first major work she encouraged me to think about what else I wanted to paint. So we discussed subjects to paint and what I liked in terms of colours. With the flowers in a vase we changed the colours several times.

I really just wanted a nice simple three dimensional picture without too much complexity.

Phil is still working on his Rubik’s cube painting.

Sophie then discovered my mathematical interest - which is part of my make-up - and I told her how I used to love Rubik’s cubes. And so we thought about that and developed a painting of a Rubik’s cube on a table, sitting in the sun.

The Rubik’s cube is actually melting because it’s been sitting there for so long. It’s really something a bit unusual and it’s fun.

Art is also part of my background. I previously enjoyed it but wasn’t doing very much anymore. So Sophie helped me get access to the skills for painting and bring the ideas in my head out from the shadows. That’s where the art is really helpful for me my personality and my thinking. It just really opens up a part of my brain that’s been sitting there doing nothing for so long.

Apparently, that’s what happens for a lot of head injured people - there are parts of the brain they don’t touch anymore. And the longer they don’t touch things the more they loose them, and may not get it back. So that’s where a brain injury can become even worse, because it’s like the brain is injuring itself almost.

Sophie’s really such a nice person as she helped me to rediscover the art skills inside me. It’s magic!

Phil’s second major work, finished a few months ago.

The art itself is fun for me, but it’s also great just talking with a person that’s got such amazing art skills.” - Phil

NewsLink Sep 2022 I Page 22

Rec Special

Chair yoga Apart from the physical benefits, a yoga class simply makes us feel better.

Nikki, Rec Coordinator

I

t’s as if you’ve just taken time out to rest and clear your mind of everything. If we can stop our thoughts going into overdrive, it helps to settle and relax us. This is one of the elements of mindfulness meditation, and why we do seated or chair yoga.

Coming along to the monthly Headstart class also gives you a chance to be out and about. We are there as a group to focus on doing yoga together. For some people this can be quite social, and for others they can focus just on the class and still have a sense of belonging.

We are very fortunate to have a fully qualified Yoga instructor come into Headstart to conduct these monthly classes. Here is what Charlie has to say.

So, Charlie what is chair yoga?

With chair yoga you simply replace the yoga mat with your chair. Sitting on the chair replaces any work sitting or lying on the floor. While some of the poses may look very different to traditional poses, they still capture the “essence” of what that pose wants to do. We meditate and do simple breath exercises sitting in the chair instead of sitting in complicated cross leg poses on the floor.

What are the benefits of doing chair yoga?

Chair yoga is accessible for so many people. There is no need to get down on the floor and the chair provides a stable support so you can improve flexibility and mobility, increase strength, and improve balance safely. Proper technique in chair yoga can also help your posture.

Can anyone join in, is it for all abilities?

Can’t make it to class? Here are some of Charlie’s simple exercise routines that you can do at home (some in a wheelchair).

All you need is a sturdy stable chair.

Short breathing practice video

Upper body routine video

Lower body routine video

Increased spinal mobility video

Chair yoga can be adapted to suit most people. In a mixed class of say five people, there could be five quite different adaptations of a single pose, so everyone can get some form of benefit. Classes for the public may be suitable for some people with brain injury, but for some people smaller classes may work better. Therefore, the classes on offer at Headstart are so good - they give you the opportunity to try yoga in a safe, supported environment.

What can I take home from chair yoga/what will I learn?

You can learn some new ways to improve your strength, flexibility, and balance. But more importantly you can learn techniques to help you relax and meditate. People often find after a class that they feel good - more settled and calmer.

Try it out for only $5

(Normally $10)

Not sure if Chair Yoga is for you? 1/2 price Offer for the 24th October Class. Chair yoga is on at Headstart the second last week of each month. Get in touch with our office on 02 4965 4420 for more information.

NewsLink Sep 2022 I Page 23

Rec group highlights Need couple womens group photos from Niki

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 the more recent Rec adventures.

Laser clay shooting

There will be ice skating on the Rec calendar in November: accessible to everyone, even wheelchairs. Look out for it!

The three amigos at one of our train sheds BBQ’s

Laser Clay Shooting is like a real-life computer game! There are no bullets so it’s completely safe. The clay disc is thrown into the air and with rifle in hand it’s aim and shoot. If you hit the target, you hear the bang then must reload your rifle for the next target. The rifles are quite heavy! Dave and James got the best scores then had the last round stand off against each other.

Mini golf at Beresfield James at the ice hockey

Day out for Rec with a walk along the Belmont foreshore and baths

Regular golf... or maybe not (where’s the ball, Ken?) NewsLink Sep 2022 I Page 24

A day at the Races in Wyong. Dale wore his new suit and looked very smart!

The Central Coast group had a lovely time, and the warm winter sun was great.

Central Coast Rec

A visit to Terrigal Marine Discovery Centre.

The Central Coast group learned lots through a tour and video about warship HMAS Adelaide that was blown up at Avoca Beach to sink as an artificial reef for fish to breed in and for a great experience for wreck diving.

Have you checked us out on Facebook recently?

Catch all the latest news, stories and rec activities.

NewsLink Sep 2022 I Page 25

Sad farewells John: courageous, caring and creative

We remember much-loved Consumers who departed us recently

Beautiful Shaz

M O

n 1 September we received the sad news of our consumer John Grayson’s passing. John had been battling Brain cancer for 7.5yrs and fought hard. He lost his battle on the first day of spring, at home with his mother by his side, as were his wishes.

John was a strong, caring, intelligent and determined man, who loved building amazing constructions with Lego and completing difficult puzzles. John had been working towards securing a grant to upgrade the TV’s at The Mater Hospice, after spending a short time there and wanting to do something to improve the experience of others who are cared for in the unit.

John was a selfless and motivated advocate for others and has donated his brain for research, which he was very passionate about, to contribute to research into Brain Cancer.

y deepest sympathies to Sharon’s family and all others who are affected by this very sad loss of a lovely lady.

Shaz was the very first consumer I met when I started with Headstart and will always remember the BBQ’s in particular we held here for Easter, Brain Injury Awareness and Christmas every year… Shaz was always here with the brightest of smiles, looking a fashionista and loved to sing.

This is favourite photo of Shaz at Headstart Xmas BBQ 2019 – she had the biggest grin when she won a gift card. I hear she had fun spending that! Shaz will very missed by all.

- Therese (Finance Manager)

S

uch a beautiful woman and so sad to hear this news.

I remember when I was Shaz’s coworker and would always look forward to Shaz and Fusayo sending through pics like this on a Friday afternoon. Always smiling and friendly to all. If only we could all be that positive and happy.

- Kellie (CoWorker)

John enjoyed spending time with his Headstart supports working on his creations, which he then displays in his mother’s home, where he has resided under the care and love of his wonderful mother Helen for the past 3yrs. Helen has been a tower of strength and support for John and our thoughts go out to her and the family at this very hard time.

- Kate (CoWorker)

John’s mother Helen has asked Headstart to assist in selling the equipment (that John had required) to someone who could use it.

This includes a King Single Hi Low bed with Roho mattress and bed table, as well as a commode and walker which are both Bariatric size. Helen is kindly offering this equipment for sale to anyone needing it and unable to access via NDIS. If you are interested, please get in touch with Headstart.

NewsLink Sep 2022 I Page 26

“Shaz always brought her thumbs up and infectious smile.

We will miss this ray of sunshine!”

- Cheryl, CoWorker (pictured)

Mark’s heart of gold Sadly Mark Fraser passed away in July. We asked two of his regular support workers for some words to share.

“I was with Mark at the beach, having our sneaky chips. I went to the car to get Mark’s water and he got up to follow me. The seagulls saw the chips and went in for a feed but weren’t worried about Mark when I turned around it looked like he was getting attacked by them. Omg I couldn’t stop laughing! One of those moments you had to be there at the time.

I had to get a photo!” - Kylie

W

here do I start? What a beautiful man. Such a gentle giant. I worked with Mark for almost 2 years.

M

ark wore a coat of many talents, exhibiting many attributes, kindness, patience, loyalty and good humour. Mark had a Heart of Gold with an admirable warm, caring nature.

Mark enjoyed and participated in many activities (some activities were pre covid) swimming, walking along the breakwall, going to the library (reading about animals, Mark loved all animals but had a fascination and love for gorillas), attending museums (Mark was thrilled when we had the opportunity to attend the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit). Mark was amazed by the animals captured and the talents of so many different photographers of all ages and gender, art galleries, bowling, ping pong, pool, playing board games (Mark loved his time playing chess with CSW Jett).

Mark would say ‘he is improving’, find a word activity and attend the rec groups.

Mark was a very creative artist with his own unique qualities and very proficient at all his talents, loves and passions.

His Imagination, enthusiastic attitude towards his beautifully produced mosaics, skillful and colourful pictures of animals that Mark was able to bring to life with burst of colour and Imagination was to be admired.

Mark’s craft bought him joy and comfort.

While doing personal care on Marks feet and legs, he said 'If only you had a dollar for every time you done this you would be rich!’

I responded to saying 'what makes me feel rich and privileged is supporting you and spending our time together'. Reminding Mark we at Headstart care about him and we wouldn't have it any other way. Mark smiled.

Mark was so happy when getting his new shoes (with orthotic inserts) a picture

was taken with Mark kicking his leg up with excitement. Mark was assigned to a wonderful Podiatrist who spent quality time with Mark to ensure he had the correct footwear and Mark responded to his caring and supportive professionalism.

Mark and I would sometimes have a sneaky thick shake and sit back and look up at the clouds together, see what we wanted to see... an escapism from pain and regret.

Like all of us, Mark had dreams and hopes for a quality of life, free of pain and for increased independence in his decision making. Mark would share 'I love our time looking at the clouds, it reminds me of my childhood' and with that I placed my hand on his shoulder and whispered, ' memories are precious'.

I had the highest respect and admiration for Mark's continued bravery he displayed during very difficult and painful periods when he experienced infections with the cellulitis in his feet that would eventually consume him.

Mark's pain was my pain, finding it hard at times to watch Mark in pain... I suffered in silence not wanting to show my anguish during painful periods.

It has both been a privilege and honour being part of Mark's life and I am grateful every day to have been chosen by Headstart to be in Mark’s world.

I also say thank you to Mark's family for inviting me into their home and to part of their lives.

Mark was than a consumer to me and was my dearest friend.

Rest in Peace Markie.

- Barbara (CSW)

NewsLink Sep 2022 I Page 27

Mark loved doing anything that got him out and about and out of the house. We would go to the beach for walks, drive over to Stockton to watch the ships come in or just sit and watch the waves and chat. Mark was a great story teller, I could sit and listen to him for hours.

Can’t forget our sneaky hot chips or a nice thick shake. Loved a cuppa too. Mark loved his food.

Mark loved playing drafts, he was so patient with me as I had no idea what I was doing he would sit and teach me no complaining, most of the time he would let me win.

Mark would also thank me after every shift I always felt appreciated.

I will miss Mark dearly, I have some great memories with him that I will never forget he will be forever in my heart, forever my friend. RIP SANTA. - Kylie (CSW)

Ray calls it a day “I

It’s great to see people pick themselves up and not feel sorry for themself. It’s very, very rewarding work, especially when you work closely with people.

I’ve worked regularly with them over the years.

Mark has come a long way! When I first started, he was totally bedridden and we had to lift him in and out of bed. Mark’s progress is due to the determination of his wife Tracey to keep things moving and not let these lie which has been really good. I used to read Tracey’s literature on brain injury and enjoyed learning about the subject.

What I’ve really valued and enjoyed at Headstart is the equality. It’s a pleasure to go into the into an office where everyone’s talking to you. I really enjoyed that. Also, no matter what Sue was doing, she always dropped something to call out to say hello. I enjoyed that and being made you felt like you’re part of a team. The whole feeling it was just one big team working together. - Ray

’ve worked with Headstart for over 10 years We bid fond farewell and it’s finally time to finish up. Age has to a dedicated support caught up with me and I have some health issues. worker who made an

impression on many.

Over time I have worked with other consumers and also had to limit my hours because of the pension.

Originally I was working with Catholic Care, and supporting Mark Laverick. They switched over to another company and then to Headstart and I moved along with Mark and Tracey.

People with a brain injury don’t want to be talked down to or mollycoddled. They just want to be treated normally and as equals. The like to have laugh and give and take a joke.

Making a Complaint

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

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

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

Step 1. Talk with the person concerned

Step 2: Talk with Co-worker/staff member Step 3: Talk with Director

Step 4: Talk with Chairperson Step 5: Talk with Committee

Step 6: Talk with an outside service

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.

“The darkest hour comes just before the dawn.”

– Proverb

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 Sep 2022 I Page 28