Students to raise awareness about brain injuries

Information about brain injuries, caused by alcohol-fuelled and other kinds of violence, will be on the agenda at a Charles Darwin University event.

Members of the disability community will join Community Services and Health Certificate III in Disability students in hosting the event for national Brain Injury Awareness Week.

The students will provide information to the public about brain injuries occurring from symptoms, such as strokes, alcohol and other drugs, ageing, and autism.

Vocational Education and Training lecturer Toni Heaton said students would also provide information about resources and community support services available to help people lead successful and inclusive lives.

“The students hope to present a successful campaign as part of their studies,” Mrs Heaton said.

“They also hope to bring awareness to a current issue in their area and gain competency in the study units through observation, participation and discussion with the general public.”

The students have been liaising with Brain Injury Australia Chief Executive Officer Nick Rushworth to help promote his “Sidetember” brain injury awareness campaign.

This year’s Brain Injury Awareness Week will focus on assault and traumatic brain injury, resulting from coward punches and alcohol fuelled-violence.

More than 2000 Australians were hospitalised with a traumatic brain injury due to an assault between 2004 and 2005.

CDU’s Brain Injury Awareness Day will be held for the public at Student Square, Casuarina campus, on August 12 from 11.30am until 1.30pm. Snacks will also be available.