People playing lawn bowls
News

Brain Injury Awareness Week highlights invisible disabilities

Brain Injury Awareness Week runs from 19-25 August and heralds an opportunity to raise awareness for the 700,000 Australians who live with a brain injury.

Read more
Person using communication device
News

Synapse to develop an online brain injury information hub

After recently being awarded an Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) grant from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Synapse is working with the brain injury and disability community across Australia to deliver a unique, comprehensive brain injury Information Hub.

Read more
Two men shaking hands
News

Synapse launch in Western Australia ensures local brain injury services

In late 2018, the Board of Headwest voted on a resolution to dissolve the organisation and transfer all assets to Synapse - Australia's Brain Injury Organisation.

Read more
woman with head in arms
News

Synapse highlights high rate of brain injury caused by domestic violence

During May, Synapse - Australia's Brain Injury Organisation, is raising awareness about the high rate of brain injury sustained by victims of domestic violence.

Read more
Man using computer
News

Launch of New Online Brain Injury Hub to Guide People Through Recovery

Synapse - Australia’s Brain Injury Organisation, has launched a new website which includes a comprehensive brain injury information hub.

Read more
Cairns Community Housing Initiative
News

New initiatives to stop younger people going into aged care by 2022

Organisations supporting young people living in nursing homes have welcomed the Morrison Government’s commitment to work to the targets endorsed by the Aged Care Royal Commission.

Read more
Three people in academic dress
News

Synapse CEO, Jennifer Cullen, Receives Degree of Doctor of the University

Synapse—Australia’s Brain Injury Organisation CEO, Jennifer Cullen, has been awarded an honorary degree of the Doctor of the University from Griffith University.

Read more
Three people standing in front of presentation screen
News

Brain Injury Network event

Our recent Synapse Brain Injury Network event featured speakers discussing their professional experience with working within the NDIS system, and getting the best outcome for their clients.

Read more
Man in garden area
News

Community Living Initiative Mentor

Jamen started working at the Community Living Initiative in Cairns two-months before it opened to tenants in 2017. His role is to mentor the team working at the Community Living Initiative and act as a conduit between the team and tenants.

Read more
Brain Drain Co. Market Day shows local support for Synapse
News

Brain Drain Co. Market Day shows local support for Synapse

Brain Drain Co. hosted their inaugural Market Day in support of Synapse on December 21st at Crowbar in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. The afternoon event saw local creators and musicians come together to raise awareness of the work Synapse does to support families impacted by brain injury.

Read more
Advocates_Racheal_Rory
News

Synapse awarded a $1.8 million NDIS grant to extend information services nationally.

In late 2019 Synapse was awarded a three-year, $1.8 million Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) grant from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to deliver a National Information Program focused on expanding brain injury information services over the next three years.

Read more
Artwork by Aunty Lauraine Barlow
News

Assessing the Disability Needs of Indigenous Prisoners

Synapse is sub-contracted to Griffith University to run the Assessing the Disability Needs of Indigenous Prisoners (ADNIP) project, which is funded by the Department of Social Services. This is a national project examining the methods and processes for the identification of disability and provision of support for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander prisoners and formerly incarcerated people.

Read more
Developing Culturally Informed Employment Resources in Western Australia
News

Developing Culturally Informed Employment Resources in Western Australia

Aboriginal people can sometimes experience challenges when connecting with and engaging services. These challenges often occur when services are developed without connection to local culture and community.  

Read more
synapse-family-liaison-service
News

Expanding Our Family Liaison Service

Synapse Family Liaison Officers provide practical support and information to family members and carers of people who have brain injury.    

Read more
man using computer
News

Synapse COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Response

In light of the current COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation, we are taking measures across all programs and services to ensure we minimise the risk to our community.

Read more
COVID-19 – Navigating Restrictions on Shared Living Visitation
News

COVID-19 – Navigating Restrictions on Shared Living Visitation

During COVID-19 restrictions on visits to shared living and care facilities have left many families separated from their loved ones, causing much worry and emotional stress.

Read more
women with headset on working at computer
News

COVID-19 – Changes to NDIS Support Coordination

For many NDIS participants Coronavirus has meant a change in the way they are able to access services, with less (or no) face to face supports and more telehealth and online supports. The NDIA has made some changes to plan funding to try and make sure participants still have access to supports.

Read more
woman on video call
News

Connect with Synapse Online Peer Groups

While COVID-19 is forcing us to stay physically distanced, Synapse is making sure that people living with brain injury stay connected and socially active. We’ve made changes to our programs and now offer more services online as part of our COVID-19 response.

Read more
Paint handprint with word Hope underneath
News

Synapses believes Black Lives Matter

We are committed to the work we do together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Read more
COVID-19 restrictions and returning from social isolation
News

COVID-19 restrictions and returning from social isolation

Did you find social isolation hard at first but now you’re surprised to find you’re feeling a bit unsure about returning to normal? You are not alone.

Read more
jennifer-cullen
News

Synapse CEO Jennifer Cullen reappointed to NDIA Independent Advisory Council

Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Stuart Robert announced on Wednesday 1 July that our CEO Jennifer Cullen has been reappointed to the Independent Advisory Council for another term.

Read more
man using computer
News

Synapse and Healthdirect Partner to Deliver Brain Injury Information Nationally

We recently partnered with the government-funded initiative Healthdirect Australia to provide quality brain injury information and advice to people across Australia.

Read more
Two Synapse workers discussing how to support brain injury
News

Growing Nationally, Engaging Locally

Despite the challenges presented by 2020, we are continuing to grow as Australia’s Brain Injury Organisation. With the expansion of our services in Western Australia and continued progress on several significant national projects, there are plenty of opportunities to join the Synapse team and make a difference for people impacted by brain injury.

Read more
welcome to our world
News

Brain Injury Awareness Week – ‘Welcome to our World’: Social Isolation after Brain Injury

Brain Injury Awareness Week is being held this year 17-23 August. Our theme for 2020 is ‘Welcome to our World’: Social Isolation after Brain Injury.

Read more
Two people sharing a cup of tea
News

MEDIA RELEASE: NDIA plans ‘doubling down’ on exclusion for marginalised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Plans to introduce independent assessments to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will amount to a ‘doubling down’ on exclusion for some of Australia’s most marginalised peoples.

Read more
Synapse strongly rejects compulsory NDIS Independent Assessments
News

Synapse strongly rejects compulsory NDIS Independent Assessments

The Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the Hon Stuart Robert, recently announced the introduction of compulsory Independent Assessments for people with disability to be able to access the NDIS, and as part of the plan review process. Synapse opposes this, and here’s why.

Read more
jennifer cullen dsc podcast
News

Synapse CEO Jennifer Cullen on the DSC ‘Disability Done Different’ Podcast

This month Jennifer sat down with the DSC team to yarn about being a proud Aboriginal woman and CEO of Synapse and how language, communication and co-design are vital to ensuring the inclusion of everyone in the disability sector.

Read more
woman taking a phone call
News

Expanding our Services Nationally

2020 is shaping up to be a big year for Synapse as we roll out the three-year $1.8 million Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) NDIS grant to extend our brain injury information and referral service nationally.

Read more
synapse executive team
News

Synapse Announced as Finalists for HESTA Excellence Awards

The HESTA Excellence Awards recognise exceptional achievements in a range of settings across aged care, allied health, community services and disability services. Synapse has been nominated for Outstanding Organisation in Disability Services, a testament to the hard work of our committed staff.

Read more
NDIS Support Coordination
News

Get the Most from Changes to NDIS Support Coordination

The NDIA has decided to indefinitely extend the use of core funding to access Support Coordination, making it easier to get the most from your NDIS plan.

Read more
Synapse Hesta Award
News

Synapse wins HESTA Excellence Award for Outstanding Organisation in Disability Services

Synapse wins 2020 HESTA Excellence Award for Outstanding Organisation in Disability Services

Read more
Young People in Residential Aged Care
News

Reducing the number of Younger Australians in Residential Aged Care

The Australian Government’s decision to establish a task force to end the practice of placing young people with disability in aged care is an important step.

Read more
Ageing focus area
News

Aged Care Royal Commission Final Report Recommendations Welcomed By Disability Advocacy Organisation

The key recommendations relating to younger people with disability, outlined in the newly released final report of the Aged Care Royal Commission, have been warmly welcomed by the Summer Foundation, Youngcare and Synapse. 

Read more
‘Just a draft’ still means it was – or is – in the mix
News

‘Just a draft’ still means it was – or is – in the mix

The leaking of draft changes to the NDIS strikes a blow not just to those potentially affected, but at the very heart of what could, and should, be a life and society-changing scheme.

Read more
pile of documents
News

Synapse seeks meeting over NDIS legislation leak

We have written to the new NDIS Minister, Linda Reynolds, to request a meeting, and hope that we can offer people who have experienced brain injury, and their families and carers, rapid reassurance in the wake of these distressing revelations.

Read more
Brain bank panellist having a conversation
News

Synapse’ BrainBank Panel brings personalised connection for people navigating life with brain injury

The soon to be launched BrainBank panel is a peer panel, operated by and for people who have lived experience of brain injury.

Read more
Brain Injury Awareness Week 2021
News

Brain Injury Awareness Week – August 16 – 22, 2021

Brain Injury Awareness Week 2021 recognises that every brain injury is different and shares the stories of those impacted

Read more
joe miller
News

Stroke Foundation helping first nations communities thrive after stroke

The Stroke Foundation has launched a new resource specially designed to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people live well after stroke.

Read more
Brain Injury Network WA
News

Network event attracts brain injury specialists

Brain injury professionals gathered recently for Synapse Western Australia’s inaugural network meeting to share knowledge and collaborate on improving the experiences of people impacted by brain injury.

Read more
Brain Injury Awareness Week 2021
News

MEDIA RELEASE: Brain Injury Awareness Week 16-22 August 2021

Next week is Brain Injury Awareness Week and this year’s theme is Every Brain Injury is Different. This pivotal advocacy week focuses on creating awareness in the community about the 700,000-plus Australians impacted by brain injury and their daily struggle to live in a world where their “disability” is often invisible.

Read more
Brain Injury Network NSW
News

Brain Injury Network NSW event connects services across the state

This week we held our Brain Injury Network event in New South Wales, connecting providers and specialists in our combined pursuit to support people impacted by brain injury.

Read more
University of Sydney study to explore the impact of stroke on sexuality
News

University of Sydney study to explore the impact of stroke on sexuality

Sydney University is conducting a research study about the experiences of sexuality post stroke to assist with the ongoing development of sexual rehabilitation for future stroke survivors within the LGBTQI+ community.

Read more
Guddi
News

Media Release: Synapse testify Guddi Way Screen success to the Disability Royal Commission

Brain injury is often called the ‘hidden’ disability due to its lack of physical evidence of injury, making it difficult to screen for and assess in Australian prisoners. Yet, having a brain injury in the criminal justice system makes an instrumental difference on the way prisoners are assessed and treated in and out of a prison.

Read more
2022-23 Federal Budget
News

How could the 2022/23 Budget affect the brain injury community?

Synapse has broken down the key elements in this year’s budget that are relevant to those living with brain injury and their carers below to help our community understand how this budget affects them.

Read more
Law Courts
News

Opinion: Ignorant change by the Queensland Government sees justice system again fail kids

The Queensland Government’s response to be tough on crime comes with a harsher cost to the lives of many children across the state, particularly those who have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), brain injuries, or other cognitive impairment.

Read more