Working together to better lives
E mahi tahi ana ki ngā oranga pai ake
Brain Injury Waikato
From humble beginnings
The Brain Injury Association was founded in the early 1990’s by the Stewart family, who were struck by the lack of support available for those affected by brain injuries. In their quest to find information and support for their son, who himself suffered from a brain injury, the Stewart family began to realise just how imperative it was to provide a support service for those affected. From these humble beginnings sprang the network of regional Brain Injury Associations throughout New Zealand, providing support and advocacy to brain injury patients, their families, and their loved ones.
The question is not how to get cured, but how to live?
-Joseph Conrad Flint Rehab
We support the discovery of a life beyond brain injury
Brain Injury Waikato is a charitable organisation working to empower and advocate for people of all ages and their whānau to navigate the effects of a brain injury.
An estimated 1 in 3 people will have an experience with a Brain injury. Brain injuries comprise of strokes, brain tumours, neurotoxicity, drug and alcohol abuse and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) which is where there is a sudden trauma to the brain caused by things like falls, sports concussion or car accidents.
There is an average of 1 brain injury occurring within New Zealand every 15 minutes.
We work to empower the individual and those close to them as they find their way forward through awareness, education, enabling informed choices. Brain Injury Waikato provides a link between those experiencing the effects of a brain injury, and available brain injury services in the community. We are a support service for those who need advice, direction, and assistance with their day-to-day management of a brain injury. We act as facilitators and advocates at medical specialist/General Practitioner appointments, ACC or MSD processes and liaise with a wide range of other services where needed. Our Liaison Officers work in the community enabling people to connect with others and live their best lives after brain injury; ensuring that the right support systems, care groups and resources are connected with each and every client.
We are not a clinical or rehabilitation service, but we can be a link to these.
Our services
Monthly support groups for individuals who live with a brain injury.
Monthly support groups for whānau and supporters of individuals with brain injury.
One-on-one support for individuals to connect them to the right services to support living their best life.
Support navigating ACC and MSD pathways
Advocacy support with ACC, Work and Income, Housing NZ, medical consultations and assessments, and other social services
Tailored advocacy for individuals who’s voice is not being heard.
Provide information individuals and their whānau about brain injuries and some of the implications and barriors surrounding it.
Monthly education sessions with a specialist or organisation related to brain injury.
Promoting brain injury prevention information and tools.
