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.
“People value Synapse as a source of specialist brain injury information services and this grant allows us to continue this side of our work across Australia,” National Director Strategy and Engagement Adam Schickerling said.
We will utilise the funding to scale information services currently provided in Queensland and New South Wales to a national level including the delivery of improved phone services, specialist training and local community engagement and support programs. It will also ensure the ongoing co-design and development of targeted information resources and content for a range of audiences, building on the work completed in 2019 to develop the brain injury information hub ‘Understanding Brain Injury’.
The National Program will enable people impacted by brain injury to access and connect with information and supports that help inform their choices and decision making. And will assist people to foster increased connections and participation within their local communities.
We will also increase engagement with service providers and businesses through this program to ensure appropriate support of people impacted by brain injury – achieved through the delivery of specialist consultation, training and resources.
“Supporting and empowering people living with a brain Injury is essential. By better equipping service providers with the right knowledge and strategies, we can ensure more appropriate and inclusive services and support” Adam said.
The National Program will also see us expand our local presence across Australia with new team members coming onboard to develop relationships and represent local contexts in the organisation.
“Having people in each state and territory is a really important part of establishing relationships and facilitating co-design input and feedback on the services and resources we develop as part of this program” Adam said.
There will also be a continued emphasis on creating and adapting information services to better support Indigenous Australians, with our team engaging directly with community leaders and groups to ensure resources and tools are culturally appropriate.
The three-year National Information Program calls for significant engagement and input from the community and we encourage you to register your interest to be involved. Greater input from those with lived experience of brain injury or people providing support and services will ensure resources are as accessible and relevant as possible to deliver more positive outcomes.