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December 2019 Newsletter

Format QuotePosted on December 20, 2019August 27, 2020Author AdministratorCategories Newsletters

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Today we want to acknowledge a very special group Today we want to acknowledge a very special group of women from the Macedon Ranges, The Shared Table. Through family connections with our Founder, Kate Heine, some of these wonderful women began volunteering for our Family program way back in 2007, even before there was a Shared Table. And since that time, this group have continued to support Heads Together in so many ways, supporting our Walk Together for Brain Injury events, hosting our annual Christmas Party at Vicki Hawkin's gorgeous property in Mt Macedon, and for the past few years supporting Macedon Ranges families and young people to participate in our programs. We thank you for your time, your funding and your friendship over the years, you will always have a place at our Heads Together table. #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
This weeks shout outs start with the Barr Family F This weeks shout outs start with the Barr Family Foundation, who very fortuitously crossed paths with Jane James, our Parents Program Coordinator, back in 2018. Your partnership in supporting the families programs has allowed us to grow so much over the past four years, especially our newly emerging Parent and Teens programs which have flourished. Your trust in supporting us to rapidly pivot when COVID came along allowed us to expand and better meet the needs of our community at a time when our support has never been more important. You have been such generous supporters with your time, your networks and your funding. Our team and our community will always be grateful and the Barr family will be a special part of our story, now and always. #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
Another funding partner shout out to the Departmen Another funding partner shout out to the Department of Social Services, through their Information, Linkages and Capacity Building grants. This partnership has allowed our young adult programs to thrive over the past two and a half years. Our community has grown more than 30% and we've been able to massively increase the frequency and accessibility of our events by delivering both online and in person. We will forever be grateful for this incredible opportunity and hope to continue this wonderful partnership through the NDIS. #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
Our next funding partner shout out goes to the Ali Our next funding partner shout out goes to the Alice Sloan Trust, who have been supporters of our Families program since 2012. Like KAFF, the Sloan family have not only supported the funding of our Families, and now more specifically our Teens programs, they have also been incredibly generous with their volunteer support, with a grand total of six Sloan family members attending numerous events, as well as bringing a wealth of clinical expertise and support. You are truly one of the family and we are so blessed to have you in our community. #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
As this financial year draws to a close, we wanted As this financial year draws to a close, we wanted to give some shout outs to our amazing funding partners, without whom none of what we do at Heads Together would be possible. Kicking off the list is our longest standing partner KAFF - Kids and Families Foundation - These incredible people have supported Heads Together since our inception in 2003 and have quite literally been the glue that has held us together and allowed us to grow so much since our humble beginnings of 1 family camp, no staff, 11 families and 11 volunteers to where we are now with 8 programs, 11 staff, 135 volunteers, more than 100 events per year with over 300 families and 60 young adults participating over the past 19years. Words really can't express our gratitude for your unwavering support, not only in dollars but the time and energy you have contributed as volunteers, advisors, and everything in between. KAFF and Heads Together will forever be connected because without KAFF there simply would never have been a Heads Together. #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
This is what the parent program at HT is all about This is what the parent program at HT is all about! We spent a lovely afternoon together with some of the parents of our community, sharing a lovely lunch generously donated by @alfabakehouse in Seddon and sharing our experiences of parenting teens with ABI. #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
The Teens Program had their first in-person event The Teens Program had their first in-person event in over 2.5yrs earlier this month. This day was made so special thanks to Grill'd Yarraville, who generously donated us lunches for our event. Thank you Grill'd Yarraville! #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
We would love to hear from you as we are currently We would love to hear from you as we are currently looking for new partnerships to support our peer based community programs for families and young people impacted by brain injury. All of these programs are free to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to belong to a community of understanding, and a network to build the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of living with acquired brain injury. We love working with passionate, creative people who share our vision for equity and opportunity for all. #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
Giving voice to people with lived experience of br Giving voice to people with lived experience of brain injury is what we're all about at Heads Together. So it was really great to wrap up the Creating Inclusive Learning Spaces research that we've been involved in over the past 6weeks. We've been able to share some really important insights from our community about how we can make our schools more inclusive for kids with all abilities, and big shout out to Sim Kendall, our Office Manager who stepped in to bring the parent perspective to the groups. It was also great meeting people from all kinds of community based non profits, people who are equally passionate about driving positive change for young people and families living with disabilities. One of the things that stood out the most, and was wholeheartedly agreed upon by all involved, is that things need to get better right now because our kids deserve the opportunity to participate in all that school has to offer, and to feel wanted, needed, seen and heard. So, we will continue to fight the good fight, now with some great new partners who share our vision. #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
As the financial year draws to a close, if you hav As the financial year draws to a close, if you haven't had the opportunity, please have a look at our last Annual Report in a lovely online format, and stay tuned for our next Annual Report so you can read about all the great things we've been doing over the past 12months. Shout out to our amazing graphic designer, Prue Walstab from She Designs for making us look so good and for generously donating her time and expertise. https://headstogetherabi.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HeadsTogether/EdfOWNGeirpFktkEYRjIXOIBwWCeJoPf4BP2dNnfJE1dvg?e=hxXkob #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
On the 18-19th of June, Sourcekids will be having On the 18-19th of June, Sourcekids will be having their annual Disability Expo in Melbourne. FREE ENTRY. For more information, please visit https://sourcekids.com.au/disability-expo/melbourne-2022/ #disability #disabilityexpo #sourcekids #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
We just completed our final session of our Reach t We just completed our final session of our Reach the Teacher Series – giving parents the confidence and tools they need to communicate with their child’s school to get the best out of their education. We found some of the biggest issues faced by our families is effectively explaining the following: HOW their child’s brain injury affects their learning. WHAT supports and adjustments are needed. WHY these work. Please contact us if you would like to know more. #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
Our amazing funding partners, Alice Sloan Trust, a Our amazing funding partners, Alice Sloan Trust, are doing their annual Walks of Life this week and we'd love everyone who is up for braving the chilly winter air to get on board and support them to raise funds. AST and the whole Sloan family have been incredible supporters of Heads Together since 2012, so this is our 10year anniversary and our team will be donning the AST yellow and getting out there this weekend. For all the info jump on this link and come join the fun. https://walks-of-life-for-the-alice-sloan-trust-2022.raisely.com/ #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
Introducing the newest member of our team, Marnie. Introducing the newest member of our team, Marnie. She is our new Research Assistant for Project HOPE, Heads Together Online Education, in conjunction with our project partners Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service (VPRS) and Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI). Here are your Marnie FUN FACTS! Spirit Animal - Arctic Fox One food you cannot say no to - Miso Soup Song that makes your hips move - Take chance on me by Abba! Excited by - the first cherry blossom of Spring outside my family home Why do you love being part of the heads together community - Constantly learning from such a brilliant, motivated team. #ABI #TBI #braininjuryawareness #headstogetherforabi #nonprofit #braininjury #accuiredbraininjury #headinjury #braininjurysupport #mentalwellbeing #braininjuryadvocacy #inclusivity #LivedExperience #Volunteering #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee
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
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