Synapse - Australia's Brain Injury Organisation

14/06/2026

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).
Every older person deserves to live with dignity, respect, safety and connection.
Today, on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we stand against all forms of elder abuse and raise awareness of an issue that too often remains hidden. Elder abuse can happen to anyone and can take many forms, including financial, emotional, physical and social abuse.

At Synapse, we recognise that older people living with brain injury, disability, dementia and other neurological conditions may face additional barriers to seeking support and protecting their rights.

Creating safer communities starts with listening, speaking up and looking out for one another. By increasing awareness and taking action, we can help ensure older Australians are treated with the respect and care they deserve.

If you are concerned about an older person’s wellbeing, trust your instincts and seek advice or support.
Together, we can help end elder abuse.

11/06/2026

Are you parenting a child with a brain injury?
Finding the right balance between keeping your child safe and helping them build independence can be one of the biggest challenges families face. As children grow, they naturally want more freedom, but a brain injury can make learning to assess risks, make decisions, and manage impulses more complex.

In this blog, we explore practical strategies to support your child’s growth while creating safe opportunities to learn, gain confidence, and develop important life skills. Discover helpful questions to consider, tips for encouraging independence, and where to find additional support for your family.

Read it here: https://synapse.org.au/news/tools-to-grow-parenting-a-child-with-brain-injury/

09/06/2026

After a brain injury, keeping track of medications, appointments, and daily health tasks can be challenging, even when those tasks are important to you.

One app that may be helpful is MyTherapy. This is not an endorsement*, but it’s a tool we think some people in our community could benefit from exploring.
MyTherapy is a free health management app that can help you stay on top of your daily routine by offering:
- Medication reminders to help you remember doses.
- Tracking for medications, vitamins, and supplements.
- Reminders for appointments, symptom monitoring, mood tracking, and health measurements.
- Prescription refill alerts.
- Simple health reports that can be shared with healthcare professionals.

Research suggests that smartphone reminder apps can help people with acquired brain injuries remember and manage everyday tasks more effectively than traditional paper diaries.
For some individuals, digital tools like MyTherapy may provide extra support for maintaining independence and managing day-to-day health needs.
MyTherapy is available free on both iOS and Android. Search “MyTherapy” in the App Store or Google Play.

If there’s an app that’s helped you after brain injury, drop it in the comments.. it might be featured in the next episode.

*Shared as a potential resource. Synapse is not affiliated with or endorses this app.

09/06/2026

Aphasia can happen after stroke, and it’s more common than many people realise.
Australian sources estimate that around 30–35% of stroke survivors have aphasia when they leave hospital.

That means thousands of people each year may be adjusting to a new way of communicating.
Awareness matters because understanding aphasia helps families, friends, and communities respond with confidence and care.

04/06/2026

📅 SAVE THE DATE!

We're excited to share that Brain Injury Awareness Week (BIAW) 2026 will take place from Monday 17 August to Sunday 21 August.

Each year, BIAW brings together individuals, families, advocates, organisations and communities across Australia to raise awareness and improve understanding of brain injury.

We’re looking forward to another important week of conversations, connection, education and advocacy, with more details to be announced soon.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned!

03/06/2026

03/06/2026

Celebrating Reconciliation Week and Mabo Day in Cairns.
Today, the Synapse team come together in Cairns to mark National Reconciliation Week, a particularly meaningful occasion for Synapse as it coincides with Mabo Day.

This year's gathering holds special significance for many of our team members who have family and cultural connections to Mer (Murray Island) in the Torres Strait, the homeland of Uncle Eddie Koiki Mabo, whose determination and legacy led to the landmark Mabo decision that changed the course of Australian history and recognised Native Title.

As we reflect on the journey of reconciliation, we acknowledge the strength, knowledge, and cultural traditions that continue to be shared across generations. We are honoured to have our Mer families helping us celebrate today, as they share stories and culture that deepen our understanding and connection.

01/06/2026

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/