Stories & Achievements: James’s Story
James’s story: a taste for life
James is affected by what’s described as an ‘invisible’ or hidden disability. He is not alone. Many of our consumers have had brain injuries resulting in disabilities that are not physical or immediately apparent.
What caused your brain injury?
It was from loss of oxygen to my brain and I have no memory of any of that time. I was in the John Hunter for two weeks and RPA for a while. It is pretty much a mind wipe of about two years. That was a couple of years before I started coming to Headstart.
What changed after your injury?
Well I can’t remember a lot of the stuff that was really getting me down. That’s actually a positive thing. So I was happier and more carefree afterwards. Now I’m not as stressed out as I was before, or so I’m told.
What's been your biggest challenge since your brain injury?
Remembering is a challenge. I lost independence to start off with, but I have regained a lot of it.
How do you feel about not being able to remember much from your life before ABI?
Well, from what my mum has said some of the stuff I probably don't want to remember. Yeah, so it's probably a good thing as it was a negative time for me.
Have you got any physical challenges or limitations?
Not knowing when I should go to bed (ha ha). No I'm pretty good with sleep actually. I can do everything physically really.
What do you want to achieve in the future?
One of the goals for the future is to go back to Movie World. This was in my goals for the NDIS.
How is Headstart helping you to achieve goals in general?
Being there to support me which is good. I was nervous to start off, because I'm not really a social butterfly. But it's been very good.
What have you done that you're most proud of?
I got my licence back, it hasn't really impacted me that much because I don't have a car, but it's been good. Because when we've been driving when mum drives, I'm able to drive if she gets tired and even drive home from bowling.
What do your support workers mean to you?
They give me someone to talk to, help me out with cleaning the house up a fair bit. Also food shopping on Thursdays.
Without them I probably would struggling a little bit. I find it hard to motivate myself because I’m quite happy to sit at home and get tied up doing but watching TV. It helps to get out and socialize.
You’ve been a regular at Headstart Rec. What’s your favourite activity?
Yes I do enjoy rec. I would say the movies but that's just because I like movies, but I do enjoy coffee club, bowling and all the rest. There have been a few favourite outings, the reptile park was a favourite outing.
“I really enjoy the social side of it and being able to talk to people. ”
Tell us about your feline friend
My cat Lara is very annoying at the moment because she’s flat old! She’s continuously wanting food. She’s very sociable at the moment and still inquisitive like a kitten. She’s been in our family since she was a kitten, when my brother bought her. When we were living down in Richmond he moved out one day and left his cats with me.
I used to have a few cats but I’ve just got Lara now. She’s about eighteen years old now. I like cats because they don’t need much attention and you can just let them be... as long as they get their food! She’s pretty low maintenance. She also doesn’t mind cuddles and she realises she can’t escape them now.
What three words would you use to describe yourself James?
Kind, caring and compassionate.
Did you know that despite formerly being a chef, James’ favourite food is hot chips! James has occasionally made some delicious sweet treats for the Headstart office staff for special occasions. Being a bit of an adventurer James regularly joins in our rec activities, including kayaking at Murray’s Beach and and abseiling at Glenrock.
