Creating Connections: Social Futures and The Brain Injury Community Bring Picnic Events to Northern NSW

Brain Injury Awareness Week: 19 – 25 August 2024

Our whole world, the way we perceive ourselves and others, is dictated by our brain. So, what would life be like, living with a brain injury? More than 700,000 Australians have an acquired brain injury, with experiences so diverse, that each are likely to answer that question differently.

For Angela Kalantzis, founder of The Brain Injury Community, damage to her parietal lobe caused ongoing aphasia, fatigue and problems with language. She says it is a hidden disability and one which is a lonely space to exist in.

“When I frst had my accident, I was literally alone. I was discharged from hospital very, very quickly with no supports in place. It was literally – ‘go home, if pain persists, call your doctor’ kind of thing,” said Angela.

“I did get to a very dark place. There was a suicide attempt, and there was a stay in the mental health ward.”

“I remember one of the psychologists in the hospital sat me down and said ‘Angela. You have a brain injury. That is why you are feeling the way that you are. That is why you are depressed.’

Brain injuries can occur from any number of things – car accidents, sporting injuries, assaults, falls, strokes or haemorrhages. Often once the physical injuries that can be seen have healed, supports tend to slip away. It is a disability which is commonly overlooked, and, like Angela, many people can fall through health system gaps.

This inspired Angela to create The Brain Injury Community.

Connection for people living with brain injury

The Brain Injury Community is a frst point of call for people with brain injury leaving the hospital system, linking them in with supports and therapies. But its primary is to help people make friends.

“It sounds so simple, but this little thing is just so important. Because it helps to connect people back into their community, it helps them to feel part of the world again.

It turns a hidden disability into something which is seen and accepted, and that is incredibly healing,”

Combating loneliness with picnics

The Brain Injury Community has been running outings and events in Queensland since 2021. Now, with help from NDIS partner

Social Futures, their signature picnic events are being delivered in Northern NSW.

Social Futures works to create more inclusive communities for people living with disabilities, so partnering to deliver the picnic events was a natural ft, says Social Futures Senior Manager, Capacity Building and Engagement, Lynda Hope.

“The picnics are a fun way to connect people through food and games, in a lovely setting.

People get to meet others and form friendships outside their immediate family or caregivers, and the impact that this connection can have for people is incredibly profound,” said Lynda.

“We have co-hosted a number of picnics in Tweed Heads and are now looking to expand the events to other parts of The Northern Rivers.”

Other activities run by The Brain Injury Community range from fshing trips, to visiting art galleries, animal therapy to cooking classes.

Without the NDIS I would forget what day it is

Angela and The Brain Injury Community are supported by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), without which, Angela says none of this would be possible.

“I would still be lying in a dark bedroom, rocking back and forth if it weren’t for the NDIS.

Karen Toms appointed Chairperson

Clarence Valley Community Financial Services (CVCFS) Pty Ltd t/a Bendigo Bank South Grafton is pleased to announce the appointment of Karen Toms as the new Chairperson of the Board of Directors, effective 8 August, 2024. Karen brings a wealth of experience and a track record of excellence in leadership and community engagement to this role.

Karen succeeds Peter James, who has retired after 24 years of dedicated service. During his tenure, Peter played a crucial role in steering the board through a period of signifcant growth and transformation.

Life before NDIS ... it’s like black and white, night and day. I would literally forget what day it was.”

The Brain Injury Community and Social Futures

The Brain Injury Community runs picnics and organises events from north of Brisbane, west to Toowoomba and south to Northern New South Wales. They also run online support groups.

You can view upcoming events on their website https:// thebraininjury community.org.au/ or contact info@ tbic.org.au for more information.

Social Futures is a proud NDIS partner. If you need assistance accessing the NDIS, or if you would like more information about any of our community inclusion programs, call 1800 522 679 or email: socialfutures@ndis.gov. au

Karen has an impressive background in business and local government, and has been a Director of the Board since 2011. “I am honoured to take on the role of Chairperson”, said Karen. “I look forward to working closely with the Board and all our stakeholders to continue to build on the bank’s strong foundation and drive continued success.”

CVCFS Ltd is committed to implementing the Bendigo Bank Community Bank model that enables the building of community infrastructure, strengthening the arts and culturally diverse communities, improving education outcomes and growing healthier places for Australian to live and work. T he appointment of Karen Toms to the role of Chairperson underscores the bank’s dedication to achieving its long term vision while delivering exceptional value to its customers and communities.

For more information about Karen Toms or CVCFS Pty Ltd t/a Bendigo Bank South Grafton, please contact Karen on directork@ jktsons.com.au.