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Community makes recovery possible

Recovery after brain injury doesn’t happen in isolation. Community matters.

Support groups, services, and shared knowledge can reduce isolation, build confidence, and support long-term wellbeing for people living with brain injury – and for the families and carers beside them.

In the article

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How to connect

Whether it’s peer connection, practical advice, advocacy, or culturally safe support, being linked in can make a real difference. That’s why we have brought together options to help people find connection that works for them, at their own pace.

Explore ways to connect with peer support, services, and community near you.

Synapse services

  • Information and Referral Support
  • Direct support and housing support
  • Culturally Safe Community Living Initiative (North QLD)
  • Advocacy (NSW)
  • Peer Support
  • Step Up – Men’s Behaviour Change Program
  • Brain Injury Awareness Training and Education

Information and referral

  • Assists you to understand and connect with supports are available in your local area.
  • Provide information and resources to help you navigate living with a brain injury or supporting others with a brain injury.
  • Help you connect with synapse services.

Examples of enquiries may include:

  • Information regarding brain injury rehabilitation pathways.
  • How to apply for the NDIS or My Aged Care.
  • How to connect with a disability advocate.
  • How to connect with an appropriate peer support group.
  • What supports are available when returning to work.
  • What supports are available outside of NDIS, My Aged Care etc.
  • What support is available for carers.

Synapse peer support groups

External peer groups

QLD:

Brain Awareness Centre – Mindful morning tea support group.

The Brain Injury Community – Events.

STEPS program Group (ABIOS)

NSW:

Royal Rehab Ryde – Carers group, second Wednesday of each month.

Brain Waves Group (funding required)

SA:

BISA – Peer Support Program | Brain Injury SA (BISA)

Families4Families – Months.

VIC:

Brain Injury Matters support groups.

Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre – Life Appreciation Group. (ABI specific)

Heads Together for Brain Injury – Programs.

WA:

Kings Park Warriors support group

Neurological Council of WA – NeuFriends Neurological Peer Support Groups.

National:

Supporting families and kids with ABI – Brainwave Australia.

You can also connect with broader community groups, for example, men’s sheds or your local community centre.