High schoolers hear brain injury message

U-Turn the Wheel engages with high school students about road safety at a critical time in their lives, with the aim to prevent the number of road fatalities on NSW roads. For two full days, highschoolers in Year 10 and 11 from Yass, Goulburn and Crookwell, hear presentations from SABIS, Southern's Alcohol and Other Drugs team, NSW Police Service, NSW Police Rescue, and NSW Ambulance.

The core part of SABIS’ presentation is the generous attendance of a former patient of the service, Patrick Blake. Patrick has readily given up his time for several years now to speak with students about the car crash he had at 24 that caused his traumatic brain injury.

Patrick vulnerably shares how the car accident and subsequent brain injury derailed his life at the time, showing hospital photos and going on to describe his many weeks at SABIS’ Transitional Living Unit (TLU). He diligently participated in physiotherapy, speech pathology and occupational therapy in particular to achieve his goals of returning to work and returning to driving.
 

The TLU, newly re-opened in December 2025 after extensive renovations, enables patients to receive live-in allied health therapy in a home-like environment. The SABIS team also has Social Work, Dietetics and Neuropsychology, with monthly rehabilitation consultant clinics.

People with a brain injury can stay Monday to Friday at the Goulburn unit to work on their rehab goals, learning physical and cognitive skills embedded in the practical routines they need to transition home.

SABIS services patients from across the district, and anyone can refer themselves or someone else if eligible, including for case management support.

For Patrick, the reason for giving up his time for this cause is simple, “it’s just good to see the kids learning how to stay safe.”

The organisers, teachers and students alike all give high praise of Patrick’s story in particular amongst the range of information discussed within the U-Turn the Wheel program. One of the organisers said the SABIS talk is “always a hard-hitting part of the program that leaves the students thinking”. One student this year said, “It showed us first-hand the consequences and the impact it can have on someone’s life.”

Brain Injury Awareness Week, initiated by Synapse Australia, runs 17 to 21 August 2026, and this year’s theme is ‘Many pathways, one community’. This emphasises that no two brain injuries are the same and everyone’s recovery journey is different.

Synapse adds that “brain injury can happen and change the lives of many in multiple ways, and the recovery, support and daily life can look different from one person to another.”

Check out Synapse Australia for resources and more information on brain injury. If you would like a SABIS referral form and eligibility criteria, please contact us at SNSWLHD-SABIS@health.nsw.gov.au or give us a call on 02 4825 4911.

SABIS would like to thank Patrick, who dedicates himself to telling his story in order to protect young people on our roads. The SABIS team is honoured to be a part of a community that supports the rehabilitation journey of people with a brain injury and their families.