Headstart ABI Services

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Australia
Newcastle, NSW
Headstart ABI Services

The Hunter and Central Coast’s ABI experts for 37+ yrs, assisting people with acquired brain injury.

Operating in the Hunter for the past 32 years, Headstart ABI provides specialised support services for people living with an acquired brain injury.

28/08/2025

Rec Group corn hole fun... Jason showing everyone up, what a champ... "The King of Corn Hole!" 💪 🙌

27/08/2025

What a great day at Tenpin this week! 🎳 It was swesome to have Neil who join us for his very first Rec tenpin — and he absolutely smashed it! 👏

26/08/2025

Chasing the sun! ☀️ Lyn and her CSW Carolyn decided they’d had enough of the cold and wet Newcastle weather, so they headed off on a day trip to the Central Coast. First stop was The Entrance for some beautiful sunshine and morning tea by the water, then onto Somersby for a picnic by the waterfall. A perfect day of adventuring… returning home just in time for a hail storm! 🌧️"

25/08/2025

Last Sunday Scott and his CSW Carolyn headed to the Holmesville Pub to celebrate his beautiful mum’s birthday 🎉 Such a gorgeous photo of mother and son – nice one Carolyn! 👌

24/08/2025

Our Rec Group had an awesome day out this past week! 🌿 We started with a walk along the Fernleigh Track (and managed to dodge the rain 🌧️🙌), then headed back to Headstart HQ for a BBQ and games.

A huge thanks to the crew who helped prep and cook lunch—it was delicious! 👍🌭 Afterward, things got competitive with music & sports trivia, plus some serious Jenga and pool battles 🎶⚽🎱.

Great food, great company, and plenty of laughs! 💙

23/08/2025

“Every brain injury is completely different,” says Dayne who shares how people with ABI are thought to be drunk or on drugs, and just want to be treated normally.

Without understanding or intervention, challenges like fatigue, memory loss, impulsivity, pain, and emotional regulation can result in people being misunderstood, dismissed, or punished rather than helped.

This Brain Injury Awareness Week, we come alongside Synapse - Australia's Brain Injury Organisation in saying that invisible disabilities deserve visible change and unheard voices deserve to be heard.

22/08/2025

Sometimes, seeing is believing when it comes to brain injury. Jay shares his experience of having to explain his injury to people in the community when there’s no visible evidence. “They look at me like I’m dumb,” shares Jay.

Brain Injury Awareness Week 2025 calls on all of us to recognise the often-invisible impacts of brain injury, and to take meaningful action to improve the lives of those affected.

21/08/2025

A motorcycle accident changed Fred’s life forever. “I can’t be the same person I used to be. I’m different now.”

Alongside the many challenges of living with a brain injury—and the stigma that can come with it—Fred keeps smiling and finding the positives.

This Brain Injury Awareness Week, take a moment to hear Fred’s story and see how he chooses to look on the bright side.

20/08/2025

Since her aneurysm 8 years ago, Kayla hasn’t felt “normal.” While achieving goals and overcoming obstacles is indeed possible after brain injury, one of the challenges is navigating the many long-term invisible effects.

Brain Injury Awareness Week 🧠 is held annually in mid August to raise awareness of brain injury and its impact on everyday Australians. 💬 Acquired brain injury is more common that you think - affecting 1 in 45 people. This is a time to reflect on how each of us can support and advocate for people living with a brain injury and continue to grow awareness and understanding throughout Australia.

At Headstart we walk alongside people each step, dealing with the Invisible symptoms like memory loss, irritability, pain, and impulsiveness which affect everyday life. We work towards overcoming stigmas and empowering people to live life on their own terms.

19/08/2025

2,500 kms over rough terrain in 5 days in a 25+ year old car is just the type of adventure Care and CET Coordinator Heather is up for! 🚙 The “Mystery Box Rally” is on now and raises money for the Cancel Council - something close to Heather (pictured lying down) and Michael’s hearts. Thanks for flying the Headstart flag during Brain Injury Awareness Week while raising money for the Cancel Council! 🙌

Check out Mystery Box Rally for more or visit Heather's page https://bit.ly/45otnUJ to donate to the cause 👍

Our next Sept NewsLink will feature more of Heather's story… so stay tuned - and hopefully their car is well tuned up too! 🚙 😆

18/08/2025

When Darren was just 9 years old, his life changed forever after being hit by a car outside his school gate.

Today marks the start of Brain Injury Awareness Week 🧠(18–24 Aug) — a time to shine a light on the real-life challenges faced by people like Darren. Social isolation and feeling disconnected after a brain injury is all too common.

Whether you’re living with a brain injury, supporting someone who is, or working in the sector, meaningful connection is always possible. This is a week for Darren and many others to be seen, heard, and empowered.💬

At Headstart, we walk alongside people in their struggles and help them work towards their goals. Through our Rec group, we provide opportunities for genuine social connection — and we love having Darren join our weekly events.

17/08/2025

Shockingly, 36% of youth in detention have been diagnosed with FASD or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Tomorrow is the start of Brain Injury Awareness Week (18–24 August), and we join Synapse - Australia's Brain Injury Organisation in shining a light on the invisible disabilities affecting young people, especially those coming in contact with the justice system.

FASD is often misunderstood or missed entirely, but early recognition and support can change lives. It’s time for visible change for those living with invisible symptoms of a brain injury such as fatigue, memory loss, irritability, pain, and impulsive behaviours.

More broadly, with 1 in 45 Australians living with a brain injury, this coming week is critical in starting conversations to ensure the rights of people impacted by brain injury are being upheld.

Address

95 Turnbull Street
Newcastle, NSW
2303

Telephone

+61249654420

Website

http://www.headstart-abi.com.au/

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Featured

Carolyn Dimmock FNTP Functional Nutritional T
2300
Agi's Way
17 Rookes Road, Salt Ash

Our story

When it comes to brain injury… we get it! Servicing the Hunter and Central Coast since 1987.

Our difference is our expertise. Headstart is a specialist service supporting the choices and independence of people with an acquired brain injury (ABI). Brain injury is complex and can challenge every aspect of your life - movement, talking, thinking and feeling. Even though every person might be affected differently, we understand brain injury, the barriers and the invisible nature of the injury.

Our Approach:

1. Whatever it takes - we strive to find creative solutions that suit you.