The life of somebody who has had a traumatic and life changing brain injury can sometimes be seen as life before and after the injury. The life changes that occur during this period can often be depressing, stressful and confusing for brain injury sufferers and their loved ones. During this period of rehabilitation, it can be useful to assist brain injury survivors with hobbies that they enjoyed previously. Examples of local community groups in the Brisbane and Sunshine Coast area that assist brain injury survivors are the Sweet Freedom Choir, the group called Riding With The Disabled, Caboolture Community Action, and the Caboolture Men’s Shed. All of these groups can assist brain injury survivors with relearning old hobbies, and are a safe and fun place to learn.
Social activities that get brain injury survivors out and socialising in their community can be beneficial for their rehabilitation journey. This is particularly exemplified in the Sweet Freedom choir. This choir group would be a great fit for those who enjoy a sing a long, and who have an interest in group singing, and local performances.
1) Sweet Freedom Choir: Are a choir group located in Bald Hills Brisbane that caters to all people who love a sing a long and is an all-abilities welcome choir. Sweet Freedom choir meets up each Wednesday afternoon for group choir sessions.
Sweet Freedom Singers – Communify Qld
For those that love animals, this second option is a perfect fit. This organisation offers many different services for all clients. The services include hippo therapy, vaulting, and horse-riding lessons.
2) Riding for the Disabled Association QLD: Is an activities group that offers sessions for people living with a disability. This organisation offers group and individual lessons and is supervised by an accredited coach and accredited volunteer. Riding for the disabled operates out of many different locations some of which include Hervey Bay, Maryborough, and Redcliffe. And offers services for both children and adults living with a disability.
RDAQ | Horse Riding for the Disabled Association of Qld
There are also many local charities that do a lot of good for the community in the greater Brisbane/ Caboolture area. One local group in particular that provides food relief and assistance for their local community is called Caboolture Community Action.
3) Caboolture Community Action: Is an outreach group that provides assistance to disadvantaged members in the community. And includes assistance in the form of accommodation support, crisis support, food hampers, and local fundraising. This Caboolture based community group would be a great fit, for anyone who has spare time, and likes assisting their local community. Through fundraising sausage sizzles, local events, and community outreach, you will be expanding your social skills whilst providing much needed support. If you volunteer with Caboolture Community Action you will be providing much needed assistance to the local Caboolture area during this festive season.
CCA – About (caboolturecommunityaction.com)
If you have technical or mechanical skills, or would like to make a difference to your local community consider joining your nearest men’s shed. These organisations are great for socialisation, and ultimately provide a very useful service to the local community.
4) Caboolture Men’s Shed:
This men’s shed located in Morayfield, and Elimbah operates on the days Monday and Friday. And involves social activities that include Cards, pool, darts, social dinners, and community projects. This would be a perfect fit for men who have had a brain injury and are looking for hobbies, or looking to get back into social activities and games. Men’s sheds are great for older men in particular, to increase their social circles and get involved with local projects.
References:
- Laimin, L, 2021, Pexels accessed 19/12/2023 https://www.pexels.com