Ku-ring-gai Council on Sydney’s north shore is working in partnership with the Fresh Tracks Foundation to improve the lives of patients with an acquired brain injury.
The HARTS training facility located on Council land in St Ives is the site for the Fresh Tracks centre, administered by the Fresh Tracks Foundation.
The Foundation was set up to assist younger patients recovering from brain injuries with rehabilitation.
It brings together medical professionals, researchers, the Royal Rehab Hospital at Ryde, Honda Australia, Macquarie University, schools, businesses and the Council to help patients improve their physical health and psychological wellbeing.
Mayor Cheryl Szatow said the facility plays a vital role in rebuilding patients’ lives.
“This is a much needed program that the Council has been supporting for the last two years.”
Across Australia there are 80,000 people with a severe brain injury aged between 15-34 years. It is estimated around 500 people with a severe head injury under 40 years of age are living in the Ku-ring-gai, Warringah and Pittwater areas.
Fresh Tracks provides low-cost services such as physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy, as well as referral services for patients and their families.
The facility also provides recumbent trikes that patients use to exercise. This initiative was jointly launched with the Council in 2014 and helps with physical rehabilitation and improving self-esteem, an important aspect of recovery.
Using the recumbent trikes, the patients lie prone and use their hands, feet or a combination of both to steer and move.
The HART driving school has the space for patients to be able to navigate and use the cycles without worrying about traffic or pedestrians.
“Bike riding helps people with a brain injury not only rebuild physical confidence but also boosts their mood,” said Mayor Szatow.
