Seekers, the only Acquired Brain Injury group in the Hawkesbury, would like to hear from all current and potential clients or carers to help them better tailor the service to the community.
As a result of the impending National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Seekers have decided to review and restructure their service.
Operating in Richmond since 1992, the social support group has helped hundreds of people with a brain injury through regular outings, activities and networking.
Manager Beverly Beecroft said they would like to find new ways to meet the community’s needs.
‘‘We just need to understand what the community want so that we can offer them a service that they are willing to pay for,’’ Mrs Beecroft said.
‘‘Our service has helped hundreds in the past.
‘‘We are willing to keep this reputation going by serving the people of the Hawkesbury and having a complete makeover.’’
Mrs Beecroft said it was hard for people who had sustained a brain injury to return to their previous lifestyles.
‘‘A brain injury is very serious and that’s why our clients love coming here,’’ she said. ‘‘Over the decades, I have developed a strong emotional and personal bond with my clients to make them feel like they belong.
‘‘We provide a comfort zone where good friendships can be built and encourage support towards social independence.’’
South Windsor resident, Joan Rockliffe, has been a client for five years.
She said Seekers had changed her life for the better and opened up a whole new world.
‘‘It gives me something to look forward to every week, to see my friends and go out with everyone,’’ Mrs Rockliffe said.
‘‘After I suffered a stroke in 2001, I went through depression because I was paralysed from the hips down.
I had no motivation to live and thought I was going through this pain alone, until I found out about Seekers.’’
To help this organisation continue to serve the Hawkesbury, call Seekers on 4588622 or Mrs Beecroft on 0407935116 with any suggestions or ideas.
Seekers is in Shop 8, Orange Grove Mall, Richmond.
