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Connect & Support Young People & Families Impacted by Acquired Brain Injury

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December 2020 Community News

Format QuotePosted on December 10, 2020December 10, 2020Author AdministratorCategories Newsletters

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Of course most of you know this amazing human! Kat Of course most of you know this amazing human! Kate started Heads Together for ABI nearly 20 years ago. But I am wondering if you know these little morsels of information?!? Without further ado, here are our Kate FUN FACTS! Spirit animal? – Dolphin One Food you cant say no to? – nachos fully loaded, heavy topping to chip ratio and spicier the better Song that makes your Hips move? – shameful but I love Sugar by Maroon 5 What are you Excited by? – almost everything! Have been told my enthusiasm levels are unhealthy Why do you love being part of the heads together community? - this community is my rock thru thick and thin and always my wellspring for inspiration, purpose and joy. #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
We are currently looking for new volunteers for ou We are currently looking for new volunteers for our Young adult program Heading Out, and our Families program. You just need to be 18 or older, live in Victoria and be willing to provide a police check and working with children's card (you can easily get them if you don't currently have these). Jump on our website to apply, we can't wait to meet you!!! https://headstogether.org.au/programs/volunteers/ Here is a little video of what it means to be a Vol at HT. https://headstogetherabi.sharepoint.com/:v:/s/HeadsTogether/ERdlDXMpOGNIlctXrsylP6oBgBWIBnr88xWe-rXND2YNrw?e=VIfXsR #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
What vol roles do you play at HT and when did you What vol roles do you play at HT and when did you start? My name is Genevieve. I have been volunteering with HT since about 2017, mostly helping out with parent groups at camp and at parent workshops. Why did you decide to vol at HT? I first heard about HT when I worked with Kate and Cathy at the Melbourne Citymission around 2006. I loved what I heard about the early camps, and could see their importance in filling the big gap in opportunities for families impacted by brain injury to connect with each other. I jumped at the chance when my circumstances changed that I could help out. What do you love about volunteering? I love that I learn so much from listening to and talking with the HT families. In theory I’m meant to be sharing my knowledge and experience as a neuropsychologist, but in truth I usually end up going away with more information and ideas than I contribute, so I sometimes feel I’m there under false pretences! The splendid catering and the occasional chocolate or two are also a bonus of volunteering at HT activities. Has volunteering at HT changed anything about how you think, feel or act? I feel hopeful for the future when I see the young people who volunteer and work at Heads Together, particularly those who have grown up as part of the HT community and the students who are going to be the next generation of clinicians. Whatever they choose to do in the future, the energy, commitment, creativity and good humour that they demonstrate in how contribute to Heads Together can’t help but make the world a better place. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in a volunteer role at HT? It is a very, very long time since I went to school, so staying overnight at camp could very well count as crazy. It has to be said that the YMCA camps are considerably more luxurious than the school camps of my memory, so possibly not too crazy. #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
I am Ebony :) I’m a vol with the teens! I starte I am Ebony :) I’m a vol with the teens! I started around March 2021 so most of my volunteering has been in the online catch ups Why did you decided to volunteer at HT? I just started neuropsychology and was introduced to HT by a neuropsychologist that I was chatting to. I thought it would be a great experience and chance to learn from some amazing people. What do you love about volunteering? I love meeting new, inspiring and awesome people! I like that I can always have a chat with everyone and you never know what you’ll talk about. I’m always looking forward to the events and leave smiling. Has volunteering at HT changed anything about how you think, feel or act? Yes, I think it’s given me a lot of insight into how I will go about my work as a future neuropsychologist. I am very grateful to learn from the HT community :) What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in a volunteer role at HT? Probably building a really cool pillow fort on my bed during the online teen catch ups in lockdown! I’m hoping to come to the next camp so I’m sure I’ll have more stories soon! #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
This is Audrey, she is one of the two teen represe This is Audrey, she is one of the two teen representatives who volunteer on our Round Table Advisory Group. Read on to find out more about this amazing individual. What vol roles do you play at HT? I volunteer at HT in different ways. It started after a couple of camps when I was asked to help plan a Family Camp and the activities that would make it fun. It was great to be able to think about the first camp my family came to and what we really loved. I brought the perspective of a young person to the planning. I now volunteer on the HT Round Table. We have discussions about how we can make life better and easier for all our community with brain injuries. I bring the perspective of a student and teen to share what it is like to struggle and also wish for great things in the future. This helps HT plan for programs and events but also to influence the way we are all understood and heard in the community. Why did you decide to vol at HT? I feel really respected at HT and it makes me want to help in any way I can. When they ask I try to say yes to making a difference or sharing what I have learned. What do you love about volunteering? I love volunteering because I can have a say and speak on behalf of others to help make sure they are understood. I love doing projects and the camp planning is a bit like a great big project. Has volunteering at HT changed anything about how you think, feel or act? I have learned to have confidence in my opinion from volunteering at HT. It has really helped me to talk in front of people and hold my ground with conversations with teachers at school so that they understand what I need and not what they think I need. I love being with the other volunteers as it feels like a great big family. They treat me like an adult and one of their team not just as a little kid. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in a volunteer role at HT? Everything gets pretty crazy at HT! #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
Hello, my name is Sylvia! I started volunteering a Hello, my name is Sylvia! I started volunteering at HT in the beginning of 2021 and have been involved in teens program and families events. I enjoy spending time with young people and have always been interested in neuroscience. Most importantly I love volunteering! Something I miss a lot during lockdowns in 2020 is volunteering. I was excited to see HT was still running events during the lockdown and felt like it was my calling! The ability to genuinely connect with others no matter our background brings me so much joy. Volunteering is also a very humbling experience that gives me perspectives to myself and my relationship with others. I always feel deeply grateful and joyful doing volunteering! Everyone at HT is so lovely, kind, and fun. I am usually a quiet person but HT helps me to explore the silly and wild side of me – it is so much fun! Volunteering at HT also makes me realise how similar we are and how small kindness can really make a huge impact. The craziest thing I have done as a HT Volunteer is probably bawling my eyes out because of love and happiness at HT camp in front of nearly 50 people I have never met! #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
Here is Nick. He started volunteering in 2019 in Here is Nick. He started volunteering in 2019 in our family programs. Why did you decide to vol at HT? I was first told about it on a uni placement, and thought it might be a bit of a fun break from my usual work. What do you love about volunteering? Your whole job is about having fun, creating memories, and trying to make everyone as happy as possible. Has volunteering at HT changed anything about how you think, feel or act? Without a doubt, I have so much more time for others, I try and connect and listen to every person I come across. HT has taught me patience, acceptance, and given me so much gratitude for all that I have but also all of the amazing people around me. What's the craziest thing you've ever done in a volunteer role at HT? We’ve made impenetrable box forts, had beetle and water balloon fights, starred in talent shows and chased kids around for hours. I think the craziness is only limited by your imagination! #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
My name is Didi and I have been a family volunteer My name is Didi and I have been a family volunteer with HT since 2017. At camp, you’re most likely to find me spending time with the children and their family members (especially near the card writing station), and getting involved in all the fun activities that are set up! I decided to start volunteering with HT because I had a friend at uni who volunteered with HT and when she told me about it, I HAD to experience a camp and I asked her to take me with her 😆 The thing I love most about HT camps is that I always have an amazing, fun time and connect with and learn about new people. I love that there is so much joy around at camp and it’s just such an amazing, warm and inclusive community that celebrates everybody there. Oh, and the talent shows are always phenomenal! Since volunteering with HT, I think I am definitely more playful and creative and I try to learn more about all sides of a person and what makes them unique and special rather than just what I can see with my eyes. The craziest thing I’ve done while volunteering at camp is hold a (reaaaaallly big) snake 🐍. Definitely took a ton of courage! #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
We have so many fantastic people who have shared t We have so many fantastic people who have shared their volunteering stories, we are going to share more than one with you each day this week! Lets get to know more about Lottie. What vol roles do you play at HT and when did you start? I primarily volunteer with the Heading Out group with adults from the Heads Together community. I have also volunteered with the younger kids and teens too! I started volunteering with HT at the beginning of 2020, so have done quite a few zooms :) Why did you decide to vol at HT? I got into conversation with a family friend about their role volunteering at HT - and how much they loved it! I had just begun working as a paediatric speech pathologist. I wanted to be involved with children, families and adults with lived experiences of disability in a non-clinical way - to both give back but also learn from the wonderful HT community. What do you love about volunteering? I love meeting new people and getting to know them. HT is such a welcoming environment and it's so lovely to get to know everyone - both online and in real life! Has volunteering at HT changed anything about how you think, feel or act? I think it has absolutely changed how I feel. I always come away from being with HT buzzing - there is such a warm atmosphere that is so understanding and filled with great humour too. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in a volunteer role at HT? Honestly this is a bit lame, but learning to play Among Us over Zoom in lockdown with the teen group. I am hopeless at gaming but learnt so much from the very patient HT kids. #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
Let me introduce the wonderful Tarlia. What vol r Let me introduce the wonderful Tarlia. What vol roles do you play at HT? I’ve been a teens and families vol as well as a GC and GAL at camps. Why did you decide to vol at HT? I started volunteering for HT in 2019. I got roped in by my best friend Issy, but I loved hearing about HT events before I started volunteering. What do you love about volunteering? I love volunteering at HT because there are so many amazing people to talk to and learn from and because who wouldn’t love to have so much fun with great people! Has volunteering at HT changed anything about how you think, feel or act? HT has made me feel more confident in groups of all these lovely people. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in a volunteer role at HT? For sure the giant swing is the craziest thing I have ever done at HT!! #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
Throughout this week, we are going to introduce yo Throughout this week, we are going to introduce you to some of our amazing volunteers, who give so much time and energy to Heads Together. This week is by no means an exhaustive list, merely the tip of the iceberg of our awesome volunteer community. So without further ado, meet the delightful Mel Tozer :) 1. What vol roles do you play at HT and when did you start? I'm an ABILiTy vol coach, family camp vol and member of the Round Table. And I have been involved since 2014. 2. Why did you decide to vol at HT? I was initially introduced to the family camps by some physio colleagues and superstar vollies (Tanja Spencer and Danielle Archibald), and thought it looked like a lot of fun (I'll take any excuse to dress up!) 3. What do you love about volunteering? By far the best part is meeting so many inspiring, unique and wonderful individuals. I've never been part of a more welcoming or accepting community. 4. Has volunteering at HT changed anything about how you think, feel or act? So many things! It has certainly informed the way I go about my work as a physio and given me a much more holistic perspective. In life more broadly, I'm constantly learning from members of the HT community and hoping I can implement even a tiny bit of their wisdom. 5. What's the craziest thing you've ever done in a volunteer role at HT? Never in a million years would I have thought you'd get me up on stage with a microphone leading a camp. The quantity of coffee and lollies consumed probably counts as crazy too... #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
We know how important education is to the Heads To We know how important education is to the Heads Together community which is why we want to share our voices to drive change in building more inclusive learning spaces for our young people. Check out this great opportunity for kids to share their views and help the grown ups to understand what inclusive education feels and looks like. For more information jump on this link and get in touch. https://headstogetherabi.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HeadsTogether/ESpBWvEwmGxAmj_6QFWr5VIB8myTgxy7YzmGxzWzUFT5oA?e=WwwL5q #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
This week we are getting to know Luke. Luke is our This week we are getting to know Luke. Luke is our chief Trivia Master at our Young Adults Friday Nights In, amongst other talents. Here are you Luke FUN FACTS! Spirit Animal: Magpie One food you cannot say no to: Donuts Song that makes your hips move: David Bowie - Heroes Excited by: Possibility Why do you love being part of the heads together community: I love all the imaginative, inspiring and dynamic individuals who make this community so great to be a part of! #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
To all the people who take on the mum role, today To all the people who take on the mum role, today is your day! Thank you for your love, support, care and kindness. #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
Michael Smith representing for brain injury on a N Michael Smith representing for brain injury on a National stage!! Last month, Michael competed at the Australian Track and Field Championships and took out a silver medal in the seated shot put event, after taking up shot put only 6 months ago!! Michael has been connected with the Heads Together community since 2007, attending our family camps, and we couldn't be more proud of his incredible accomplishments. Michael is such a great example of the power of determination, self belief and hard work, demonstrating that progress after brain injury is lifelong. Michael's story gives hope to so many kids and families out there still navigating their recovery, and we wish him all the very best, and will continue to follow his progress as he chases his new dream of becoming a Paralympic athlete. #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee Article and Image Credit: Gisborne Gazette #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience
This week we are going to get to know Lachie a bit This week we are going to get to know Lachie a bit. Lachie has been working for the Young Adults program for a little over 1 year now, and was employed as our first Lived Experience Young Adult staff member. So without further ado, here are our Lachie FUN FACTS. Spirit Animal - Has to be a doggy, wouldn't go anywhere without my Teddy! One food you cannot say no to - American style BBQ pork ribs. Song that makes your hips move - Haddaway - What Is Love Excited by - Food (seeing friends too 😜) Why do you love being part of the heads together community? The community is so phenomenally welcoming. Doesn't matter how I'm feeling going into an event, I always leave happy and with a brighter outlook on life. #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
Heading Out Lunches are back!! On Saturday we cel Heading Out Lunches are back!! On Saturday we celebrated our first Lunch back in person in over a year... it was also our biggest lunch yet! So many wonderful to see so many friends having the chance to connect again. With many more happy hours and Lunches planned for the year, Watch This Space. #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
Project HOPE reached an important milestone last w Project HOPE reached an important milestone last week, getting our first new family participant on board. The dream hatched by our amazing community, more than 10 years ago, of reaching out to families who are only just beginning their journey with childhood brain injury is finally happening. Over the coming months we are excited to bring this new peer resource to lots more new families through our partnership with the Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service and The Royal Children's Hospital. #ProjectHOPE #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
Today was all about inclusion which couldn't be a Today was all about inclusion which couldn't be a more important topic for our community, so we thought we'd share this great visual which beautifully sums up this complex idea. And today we had the opportunity to be part of an information gathering forum run by LEaRN: Learning Environments Applied Research Network, a great initiative through Melbourne University. This particular research project is focused on building more inclusive learning environments. Colleen Murphy, our General Manager, and Kate Heine, our Founder, attended the first forum to discuss the all important question: What is inclusive education? What does it look like, have you seen it work well and how can we design more inclusive education spaces for our young people. Much great discussion was had around young people and families having the right to feel belonging, the right to choose and have agency in how they participate in their education, and the need to build understanding in our schools, that to be truly inclusive, both people and places must proactively provide environments where the supports required to create inclusion are subtle and if possible invisible because when young people feel that others are "trying" to include them it is inherently excluding them. Looking forward to more discussion in the coming weeks.... https://sites.research.unimelb.edu.au/learn-network #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
If you are stuck for an idea for a Mothers Day gif If you are stuck for an idea for a Mothers Day gift, look no further than an Entertainment Card. You even get a bonus additional voucher for mum to spend! T&C apply. Not only will your mum have lots of discounts for the year ahead, but we will get the benefit of funds towards our fundraising goal. Win Win! Just go to https://au.entdigital.net/orderbooks/9r67151 to purchase now! #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee #Fundraising #entertainment
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