Brain Injury Awareness Week 2020 is from August 17 - 23. In previous years we have gathered together socially for a bbq to encourage each other in life’s journey. So with COVID-19 preventing social activities during 2020 we instead decided to focus on a media campaign to help promote awareness of ABI in the community. With no two injuries being alike, no two stories are either.
The week kicked off with this Newcastle Herald’s Weekender Feature: "Brotherly Love", a touching story about soccer legend Craig Johnston as he shares his emotions over his sister Faye's brain injury, and how Headstart has helped over the years.
Our awareness campaign included social media activity, with a number of short videos:
Craig Johnston for Brain Injury Awareness Week 2020. In this heartfelt video Craig shares about what this week means to him after a serious brain injury to his dear sister, Faye.
Friend of Headstart Marny Cringle really shouldn’t be alive. She was hit by a London tube train: leg torn off, head smashed like an egg shell, brain exposed, eyes came out of their sockets, five broken discs in her back and more. But she overcame all the odds to become an Australian wheelchair tennis champion and is now working as a nurse in Maitland.
Brenden says he is lucky to be alive after dying twice following his motorcycle accident. For Brain Injury Awareness Week, Brenden shares candidly about his approach to life after being given a second chance.
David sustained a serious brain injury after he “broke a car in three” (his words). 17 years later and using a wheelchair, David shares a little of his experiences, his hopes and how by keeping a positive attitude - and a sense of humour - life is still good. David is also a brand new member of Headstart's Community Education Team.
Besides participating and promoting Brain Injury Awareness Week 2020, Headstart are passionate about ABI awareness and education. We do this throughout the year across our media channels and with Headstart’s Community Education Team (CET). Just in the past two weeks our CET have delivered powerful presentations at Traffic Offenders Intervention Program’s at Muswellbrook, Maitland, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens PCYC’s.
Our ongoing sharing of stories - whether they are struggles or celebrations - is part of our continued efforts to bring greater awareness and understanding of brain injury. Follow us on Facebook for more regular stories or subscribe to our eNewsletter.
