Synapse - Australia's Brain Injury Organisation

Synapse - Australia's Brain Injury Organisation Synapse provides information, knowledge, resources, training and different support services for people living with or impacted by brain injury and disability.

Synapse’s mission is to ensure the rights of people impacted by brain injury, connecting knowledge, policy, services, and systems. Synapse focuses on both government and public support to realise funding for the development of specialist services nationally. Synapse’s commitment to reducing the massive unmet need for services and support in Australia is unwavering. The team at Synapse are resolute

in seeing specialist and individualised services available to all in need, no matter where they live or which culture they belong to. Glad to have you here on Synapse Australia's official page, a hub for news, insights, and conversations. We're here for you from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, public holidays aside. We're committed to keeping this platform safe and respectful. Posts that cross the line into offensive or defamatory territory will be removed. Likewise, any advertising material will also be deleted. And remember, let's keep our language clean and respectful. We're here to create a supportive environment for those living with brain injuries and their caretakers, offering a place to seek advice and support. To that end, any misleading or unhelpful comments won't have a place here. Remember, the views expressed by individuals on this page are their own and do not reflect the official stance of Synapse Australia. Facebook has Community Standards for people and communities using Facebook. If you do want to report something inappropriate or abusive that you experience on Facebook, please use the report link near the post, photo or comment to report it to Facebook. For more information on how to report inappropriate activity please visit:
www.facebook.com/help/reportlinks/

Are you living with a brain injury or caring for someone who is? 🧠Looking to connect with others who truly understand yo...
29/04/2026

Are you living with a brain injury or caring for someone who is? 🧠
Looking to connect with others who truly understand your challenges and celebrate your wins?
Our monthly Reconnections support groups are a great place to find community and support, meeting across:
🟠 NSW
🟠 QLD
🟠 WA

See all events here: https://synapse.org.au/events/

Dance, movement, connection and neuroplasticity in action.We loved seeing WIN News Toowoomba feature Queensland Ballet’s...
27/04/2026

Dance, movement, connection and neuroplasticity in action.

We loved seeing WIN News Toowoomba feature Queensland Ballet’s expanding dance programs for people living with neurological conditions, including brain injury, stroke and Parkinson’s disease. These classes show how therapy can also be joyful, social and empowering.

Our acting CEO, Adam Schickerling, spoke to the power of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt, relearn and change after injury. That’s what makes approaches like this so meaningful: they support movement, confidence and participation in a way that feels human, not clinical.

A huge thank you to for creating spaces where people living with brain injury can move, connect, and enjoy the rehabilitation process.

Link to watch: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1313973080612997

With over 20,000 people living with acquired brain injury on the NDIS, last week's announcement (22 April 2026) may leav...
27/04/2026

With over 20,000 people living with acquired brain injury on the NDIS, last week's announcement (22 April 2026) may leave many feeling uncertain. Over time, the public will be provided with more specifics.

As the system evolves, we must ensure people living with brain injury remain visible, heard, and supported by the broader community.

Brain injury can affect people in different and often invisible ways, including communication, fatigue, thinking and everyday life.

At Synapse, we remain committed to supporting people through change, building connections and raising awareness and understanding of brain injury.
If you or someone you support is feeling uncertain, call our Information and Referral team today on 1800 673 074.

Lest We ForgetOn this ANZAC Day, we honour and remember the brave men and women who served, and continue to serve our co...
24/04/2026

Lest We Forget
On this ANZAC Day, we honour and remember the brave men and women who served, and continue to serve our country.
At Synapse Australia, we pay special tribute to those who returned with visible and invisible wounds, including brain injuries, neurological impacts, and the long-term challenges of service-related trauma.
Their resilience reminds us why access to lifelong support, understanding, and respect matters for all who have sacrificed for our nation.
Today, we pause in gratitude, reflection, and solidarity.

Lisa’s life changed in an instant at 18 after a devastating accident left her with a brain injury and a long road to rec...
23/04/2026

Lisa’s life changed in an instant at 18 after a devastating accident left her with a brain injury and a long road to recovery.
What followed wasn’t a straight path. There were setbacks, loss, and moments of deep struggle. But through it all, Lisa held onto one belief: “Don’t tell me I can’t.”

With the support of loved ones and a few very special pups, she rebuilt her life, going on to complete her degree, earn First Class Honours, achieve a PhD, and become a writer.

Her story is a powerful reminder that recovery is messy, non-linear, and still possible.

Read Lisa's story here: https://synapse.org.au/personal-story/lisas-journey-2/

Synapse has been awarded the REAL Program (Reconnection, Employment and Learning)We're proud to support First Nations pe...
21/04/2026

Synapse has been awarded the REAL Program (Reconnection, Employment and Learning)
We're proud to support First Nations people transitioning out of the justice system with real, meaningful change. 💛❤️🖤

Funded by the Australian Government, the REAL Program offers:
Personalised mentoring & practical support
Pathways into employment, education & training
Connection to culture, Country and language
Support for up to 6 months before release and 12 months after

At Synapse, we believe that strong cultural foundations and community connection are key to long-term change. We're honoured to walk alongside participants as they build their futures.

To all carers this is a reminder to remember to care for yourself!It’s easy to put your own needs last, but even small m...
20/04/2026

To all carers this is a reminder to remember to care for yourself!

It’s easy to put your own needs last, but even small moments of rest can make a big difference. Take a short walk, have a quiet cup of tea, or simply pause and breathe. You don’t have to do everything all at once.

A few gentle reminders for carers:
- You’re doing an incredible job, even on the hard days
- It’s okay to ask for help, support is there for you too
- Small breaks are not a luxury, they’re essential

Synapse offers online peer support for carers of someone with brain injury and a page where you can connect with others who truly understand. Our Information and Referral Line is always here to listen and offer guidance when you need it. Call 1800 673 074.

We see you, we appreciate you, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Myth: Brain injury is caused by being hit in the head? Fact: Not all brain injuries are caused by a direct blow to the h...
16/04/2026

Myth: Brain injury is caused by being hit in the head?
Fact: Not all brain injuries are caused by a direct blow to the head.
Brain injury can happen in a range of ways, like whiplash from a car accident, lack of oxygen (such as near drowning), infections, or exposure to certain toxins. These injuries can affect how the brain functions, often without any visible impact.

Understanding the signs and knowing that brain injury is not always “visible” helps us support those who are living with it every day.

👉 Help raise awareness. Share this post.

ALERT: New Australian 24-hour Movement Guidelines are out!These guidelines take a more realistic approach by looking at ...
15/04/2026

ALERT: New Australian 24-hour Movement Guidelines are out!
These guidelines take a more realistic approach by looking at how movement, sitting time, and sleep work together to help with a healthy life.

For people living with brain injury, this can feel overwhelming. But here's a hint.... you don’t have to do everything. Every bit of movement counts.

These guidelines are designed to be inclusive of people living with disability and long-term conditions. It’s about starting where you are and building gradually, with the right support around you.

Here are a few suggestion to get you going:
• Muscle strengthening activities at least 2 days per week
• Activities that support balance, mobility, and coordination at least 3 days per week
• Light movement throughout the day - standing, stretching, or gentle activity all count
• If tracking steps, working towards ~7,000 per day (or a goal that suits you)
• Breaking up long periods of sitting
• Around 7–9 hours of sleep with a consistent routine

It might sound like a lot, but many of these overlap. Something as simple as walking up stairs or doing household tasks can tick multiple boxes.

Pick one thing to focus on this week. It could be as simple as setting a reminder to stand up and move every hour.

Learn more:
https://www.health.gov.au/topics/physical-activity/24-hour-movement-guidelines-for-all-australians?language=en

Mindful Monday | Overstimulation and brain injuryAfter a brain injury, the brain uses far more energy to process the wor...
12/04/2026

Mindful Monday | Overstimulation and brain injury

After a brain injury, the brain uses far more energy to process the world around it. Crowded spaces, background noise, bright screens, things most people don't notice can feel completely overwhelming.

This isn't a personal failing. It's your brain working hard, and it deserves rest.

Here are 6 things that can help when the world feels like too much:
🔕 Use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones
🕶️ Wear sunglasses - inside too, if you need to
⏸️ Schedule rest breaks before fatigue hits
📋 Know your triggers and plan around them
🗣️ Tell people what you need - stepping away is okay
🌿 Try grounding: slow breaths, cool water, fresh air

You deserve support that understands the complexity of life after brain injury.

📞 Call the Synapse helpline: 1800 673 074
🌐 Visit: synapse.org.au

Tomorrow is World Parkinson's Day!An estimated 8.5 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease, making ...
10/04/2026

Tomorrow is World Parkinson's Day!

An estimated 8.5 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease, making accurate and thoughtful representation in film and TV more important than ever. When done well, these stories raise awareness, build empathy, and remind people they’re not alone.

Looking for something to watch this weekend? 🎬 Here are 6 powerful movies and shows that explore Parkinson’s:

Shrinking (Apple TV): Features Harrison Ford as a therapist dealing with a recent Parkinson's diagnosis in a comedic yet thoughtful way. Michael J. Fox also guests stars, bringing his personal experience with the disease to the show.

Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie (Apple TV+): A documentary exploring the actor's life and his journey with Parkinson's.

Stutz (Netflix): While focused on mental health, this film features Jonah Hill and therapist Phil Stutz, who shares his experience living with Parkinson's.

Ray Donovan (Prime Video): Terry Donovan (played by Eddie Marsan) is a central character who is a former boxer developing Parkinson’s.

Love & Other Drugs (Disney): This romantic drama, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway, exploring love and early-onset Parkinson’s.

Elena Knows (Netflix): A film portraying a mother with advanced Parkinson's searching for the truth about her daughter's death.

Queue one up and take a moment to learn more about life with Parkinson’s.

This World Health Day 2026, the global theme is “Together for health. Stand with science.”At Synapse, we know that scien...
06/04/2026

This World Health Day 2026, the global theme is “Together for health. Stand with science.”

At Synapse, we know that science and research play a vital role in improving the lives of people living with brain injury. Evidence-based care, ongoing research, and innovation help shape better supports, treatments, and outcomes.

Let’s commit to health, equity, and evidence-based care, because when we stand with science, we stand together.

Address

Level 1, 262 Montague Road
West End, QLD
4101

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+611800673074

Website

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