Headstart Program

The Headstart program is commencing in 2008. It is a fully funded program for people who have sustained a brain injury through an accident or trauma. Families are also included in the program.

The Headstart team is highly experienced and have designed a program which:

• strengthens family communication
• makes it easier to solve day to day dilemmas
• makes understanding brain injury easier
• gets people back to having fun with others

These programs have been shown to:

• Improve mental health
• Reduce family  stress
• Increase employment

In order to be included in the two 2008 programs, referrers and interested families or individuals will need to contact or be referred within the first few months of 2008.

Please read the Headstart Program Frequently Asked Questions and/or contact the clinical team for inquiries on 9548 7011.

Referrers can use the referral form

Further information is available in the Headstart Program brochure.

What Families Say

“We feel the courage to face the problems because we feel we are on the same boat as others and not left alone” (John)

“The power of the group is amazing.  If each of us had to sit down as an individual and try to go through that you might get the same result but it would take longer and this way you get the benefit of a lot of experience that comes to the table”(Bob)

So Who Is Involved?

Grace Couchman, Jennie Ponsford, Helen Harrington, Amber Kelly and Abbie Couchman of Monash University are the Headstart team. They will be supported by The Epworth Hospital, The Dandenong Division of General Practice, and local brain injury support services.

Where Will It Be Carried Out?

Headstart will be located at the Monash University Clinical Psychology Centre at 270 Ferntree Gully Rd, Notting Hill.

How Can I Get More Information?

We encourage all families living with brain injury to talk to our program staff about Headstart. We will explain the program, and answer your questions. Phone 9548 7011 or send an email to cpc@med.monash.edu.au