Aspire Foundation Grant: Brain Injury Matters

Who is Brain Injury Matters?

Formed over 20 years ago, Brain Injury Matters (BIM) is a self-advocacy and community education group run by and for people with acquired brain injuries (ABI). An ABI refers to any damage to the brain that occurs after birth, including an accident or trauma, stroke, brain infection, disease or drug or other drug abuse.

As Australia’s first ABI self-advocacy organisation run by individuals with ABI, BMI’s vision is to help people with ABI live dignified, meaningful lives within an inclusive community. They empower individuals to advocate for themselves and enhance the lives of those living with ABI. BMI accomplishes this by providing information about ABI, building a community to address isolation and advocating on relevant issues with local, state and national bodies.

Aspire Foundation

At the core of the Aspire Foundation’s mission is the belief that education transforms lives. Our passion lies in supporting community members, especially those from marginalised groups, in achieving their educational goals. The Aspire Foundation focuses on enhancing access to vocational education and training (VET) and lifelong learning for all corners of the community. Our efforts focus on community-driven projects that target educational access for marginalised groups, tackle barriers to education, training and employment, and equip individuals with essential skills.

Since joining the vibrant community at Ross House, we have discovered many wonderful and critical not-for-profit organisations and initiatives within the building. It became clear that we had an opportunity to extend an Aspire Foundation Grant to our resident and friends within Ross House. We were impressed by the quality and variety of submissions and have decided to share the wallet of grant opportunity across three successful applicants.

What is the project?

As part of their application to the Aspire Foundation Grant, BIM wants to design a hard-copy promotional brochure about their work. The brochure aims to support BIM’s mission of self-advocacy and increasing community knowledge about the causes and impacts of brain injury. This includes raising awareness around their community and the benefits of becoming a BIM member, such as ongoing opportunities to connect via their peer support groups.

The brochure will be made available in hospitals and rehabilitation settings to increase awareness of the causes and impacts of brain injuries. It will also be used by BIM’s volunteer Committee of Management in their extensive advocacy activities within healthcare services, government agencies and the wider community.

Why did we approve this grant?

Central to the Aspire Foundation’s work is a commitment to providing access, opportunity, inclusion and prosperity in education. We aim tackle barriers to education, training and employment for marginalised groups, such as individuals who are living with an acquired brain injury.

BIM’s work supports those living with this disability by providing support groups, free workshops, and raising community awareness. We are proud to assist them with producing this brochure, which will educate those new to ABI and spread awareness about available support and advocacy.

The Aspire Foundation selected BIM for this grant because their mission aligns seamlessly with our own. Their dedication to providing education, support and advocacy for individuals with ABI reflects our commitment to lifelong learning and vocational education for marginalised communities. Their project will not only spread awareness about ABI but also facilitate critical connections for those newly affected, ensuring they receive the support and resources needed to lead fulfilling lives. By supporting BIM, we are furthering our goal of promoting inclusion, opportunity and prosperity within our community.