Brain injury support returns to Northland as Headway steps in

Headway community navigator and educator PJ Borrel gives a talk about the impacts of concussion and brain injury.

A new support service for people with brain injuries has started in Northland, six months after the previous service closed because of severe funding shortages.

After almost three decades providing vital support to people suffering head injuries and their families, the Northland Brain Injury Association closed at the end of October.

The Northland Brain Injury Association (BIAN) board said continuing operations beyond then would constitute trading while insolvent, which is prohibited by law.

BIAN board chairman Iain Watkins said although it had applied for nearly $400,000 in funding the previous year, it received only $64,000, while wage costs exceeded $100,000 and the sad decision was made to close.

At the time Watkins said other providers were looking to offer some of BIAN’s services, and now Auckland-based provider Headway has stepped in to support Northland’s brain injury sufferers.

Headway’s free ACC navigation support and monthly connect groups are available throughout Northland. Individual support is also available for anyone wanting guidance or help finding the right services.

Concussion and brain injury affect tens of thousands of New Zealanders each year and remain one of the country’s most significant yet misunderstood health challenges.

Headway community navigator PJ Borrel said Headway was working alongside local organisations to ensure Northlanders knew where to turn.

“While our model is different to what was previously provided, our focus remains on information, education and connection, helping people understand their options and linking them with the right services locally.”

Borrel will be the main support person for Northland and said his work is important, with the month of March including Brain Health Week.

Concussion can happen to anyone, anywhere, and taking the right steps early is key to long-term brain health.

Each year about 50,000 New Zealanders experience a concussion. Falls are the leading cause, followed by sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents and assaults. Young people aged 15-19 have the highest rates, but no age group is exempt.

About half of people who suffer a concussion recover naturally within 10 days.

However, without timely and appropriate support, many go on to experience continuing symptoms that can affect learning, work, relationships and daily life.

“We want people to feel confident about recognising the signs of concussion and knowing what to do next,” Headway chief executive Stacey Mowbray said.

“Concussion can be frightening but knowing what to do makes all the difference ... You just need to recognise when something isn’t right and take those first simple steps.”

For more information go to www.headway.org.nz or email info@headway.org.nz.