Synapse - Australia's Brain Injury Organisation

04/08/2026

🏠 The link between brain injury and homelessness.

Brain injury and homelessness can be closely connected, with each potentially increasing the risk of the other.

For someone living with brain injury, changes to memory, communication, decision-making and emotional regulation can make it harder to maintain stable housing and navigate support systems.

At the same time, people experiencing homelessness may face greater risks of brain injury and barriers to accessing healthcare and ongoing support.

This Homelessness Week, be aware of the important connection between brain injury, support and safe, stable housing.
Because everyone deserves a safe and secure place to call home.

04/08/2026

🧠 Big news for brain injury detection in Australia.

The Australian Army is launching a major study using blood tests to detect brain injuries from weapon blasts. This first-of-its-kind initiative could change how we understand and respond to traumatic brain injury (TBI) across the defence force and beyond.

Over the next four years, up to 400 personnel will take part in monitoring that links helmet blast sensors with blood samples and neurological checks within 24 hours of exposure.

Samples will be analysed at Monash University for tiny protein markers released during brain injury. This offers an objective, biological way to spot damage that might otherwise go unnoticed.

This research comes after years of advocacy from veterans and recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Su***de. It has the potential to improve TBI recognition, care, and prevention for all.

🔗 Read more: https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/army-to-use-blood-tests-to-detect-brain-injuries-from-weapon-blasts-20260730-p60k0x.html

02/08/2026

🧠 Be a F.A.S.T. hero this National Stroke Week!

When stroke strikes, knowing the signs and acting quickly can make a life-changing difference.
Remember F.A.S.T.:
👉 F – Face: Is one side of the face drooping?
👉 A – Arms: Is there weakness or numbness in one arm?
👉 S – Speech: Is their speech slurred or difficult to understand?
👉 T – Time: Time is critical. Call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

A stroke is always a medical emergency. The faster someone receives medical treatment, the better their chance of reducing the impact of stroke.

This National Stroke Week, we’re celebrating the family members, friends, carers and bystanders who have recognised the signs, acted quickly and called an ambulance. You could be the person who helps save a life.

💙 Learn the signs. Act F.A.S.T. Be a F.A.S.T. hero.

30/07/2026

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/

30/07/2026

🧘‍♀️ Brain Injury Awareness Yoga Class

Join us for a yoga class at Synapse during Brain Injury Awareness Week 2026.

This class will be a gentle, inclusive and brain-injury friendly. We welcome people living with brain injury, family members, carers, health professionals, community workers and anyone passionate about brain injury support.

The class will be led by a certified Love Your Brain instructor and Synapse Ambassador Elizabeth Ambrose.

The session will include:
🌿 45 minutes of gentle, adaptable yoga, mindful movement and active stretching
🎶 15-minute calming crystal singing bowl meditation
🪑 Chairs and props available as needed

No prior yoga experience is needed. Come exactly as you are.

📅 Wednesday 19 August 2026
⏰ 10am to 11am
📍 Synapse Head Office, Level 1/262 Montague Road, West End QLD 4101

Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/yoga-for-brain-injury-tickets-1995609573956

Please bring a yoga mat and water bottle. If you need a yoga mat, please let us know.

Places are limited to 15 participants, so RSVP to secure your spot!

Join us for a Brain Injury Awareness yoga class designed to be inclusive, supportive, and brain-injury friendly.

28/07/2026

🧠 Think you may have a brain injury but aren't sure how to get a diagnosis?
Knowing where to start can feel overwhelming, but getting the right evaluation is an important first step toward recovery.

In this carousel, you'll learn:
✔️ When to seek medical care
✔️ What symptoms to discuss with your healthcare provider
✔️ What to expect during the evaluation process
✔️ Why a normal CT scan or MRI doesn't always rule out a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury
✔️ When a referral to a brain injury specialist may be helpful

Every brain injury is different, and a proper diagnosis is based on your symptoms, medical history, and a clinical evaluation by a healthcare professional.

👉 Swipe through to learn the steps to getting a diagnosis.
💬 Have questions or want to share your experience? Leave a comment below—we'd love to hear from you.

This post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you or someone else has severe symptoms after a head injury, seek emergency medical care immediately.

26/07/2026

Mindful Mondays
Start the week with one small act of kindness towards yourself.

Living with a brain injury can make everyday tasks take more energy than others realise. This week, give yourself permission to slow down, take breaks when you need them, and celebrate the small wins.

Mindfulness doesn't have to mean sitting in silence. It can be as simple as:
💙 Taking three slow, deep breaths
🚶 Stepping outside for a few minutes of fresh air
☕ Enjoying a warm drink without distractions
🌿 Noticing five things you can see, hear or feel around you

Recovery isn't about doing more. Sometimes it's about giving your brain the time and space it needs.

What's one small thing you'll do for yourself today? Share it in the comments. 👇

23/07/2026

We’re proud to have sponsored the Magun Warriors at the July 2026 Thurudwap Grassroots Carnival in Cairns, supporting men’s mental health.

The team finished as Grand Final Runners-up in a fantastic display of teamwork, community spirit and pride.

For the Magun Warriors, footy is about so much more than the game. It’s about representing their community and island, celebrating culture, creating opportunities for young people and bringing families together.

Congratulations to the Magun Warriors on a fantastic carnival, and thank you for letting us be part of such a special community event! 💙

21/07/2026

🧠 World Brain Day | 22 July 2026
Brain Health: Access for All

Brain health isn't just about medicine. It's also about having equal access to healthcare, rehabilitation, education and support.

In Australia, where you live can have a significant impact on brain injury outcomes. People in very remote communities experience higher rates of head injury and can be more likely to die from their injuries. Access can disproportionally affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in remote areas.

These figures remind us that achieving brain health for all means improving access to prevention, emergency care, rehabilitation and ongoing support across every community.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to live well after brain injury, regardless of their postcode.

20/07/2026

🌟 Our Ambassador, Jasmine Greenwood, is representing Australia at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow at the end of this month!

🏊 Women's 200m Individual Medley
📅 Tuesday 28 July – Heats | 🕢 7:30pm AEST
📅 Wednesday 29 July – Final | 🕓 4:00am AEST

Jasmine's journey is one of determination, resilience and inspiration. Read her story here: https://synapse.org.au/personal-story/jasmines-story/

Join us in cheering Jasmine on as she takes to the pool. We're wishing her every success! 💙💚