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Think about your brain - Brain Awareness Week
While motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Australia, violent assaults are rated in the top three.
Results from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey found one in 20 people had suffered from some form of physical assault.
Violence on the streets and domestic violence in the home can lead to a TBI – and Brain Injury Awareness Week will focus on the issues victims of violence face.
Social Worker from the New England Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service (NEBIRS), Paul Whiting said a brain injury can be catastrophic. It can reduce a person’s state of consciousness, their cognitive (thinking) abilities, or their physical functioning.
“Injury to the brain may also cause a change in personality or a disturbance to behavioural or emotional functioning. For many people who sustain a brain injury these changes may gradually improve. However, at the time of their injury it is impossible to predict how they will recover or how long it will take,” Mr Whiting said.
The NEBRIS is based at Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital providing rehabilitation and case management services for adults (16-65 years) with TBI who live in the New England area. There is also a paediatric case management service available for children under 16 years.
“People, who meet the eligibility criteria, can enter the program at any stage of their recovery and are assessed in relation to their individual needs. Referrals are accepted from any individual or organisation, for example by their General Practitioner, family member or other service provider,” he said.
A barbecue will be held on Monday 15 September starting at 12noon for all past and present clients and service providers of NEBIRS.
We will also be launching two new faces on the “Wall of Frame” – James Suttor and Greg Devine. The “Wall of Frame” was launched last year and provides clients with an opportunity to share their stories and experiences of TBI and the rehabilitation process.
For more information contact the New England Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service on 6767 8350
Contact: Kylie Dawson
Phone: (02) 6767 7136 or 0408 667 299
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