Injury Matters recently #connected with Katie Stokes from PBF Australia to learn more about the work PBF do to protect, prevent and support individuals with spinal cord injuries.
What does PBF aim to achieve?
PBF Australia is committed to minimising the incidence and impacts of spinal cord injuries in Australia. We focus on the prevention of spinal injuries through education and advocacy and provide financial assistance and benefits to those affected. We support those living with spinal cord injury by creating employment opportunities and through our peer support and gifting programs.
What projects are you currently working on?
We continue to deliver a wide range of injury prevention programs and are excited to be working on a new road safety project funded through the Road Safety Commission community grants program. This year we will design, develop, and deliver a series of road safety-themed quiz nights to sporting and community clubs throughout the Perth metro area. The purpose being to reduce the number of people fatally, seriously, or severely injured on West Australian roads by promoting safe road use. We believe there is an opportunity to extend the reach of our programs to influence the attitudes and behaviours of all drivers and road users, with the aim of improving safe road use by delivering post-licence education.
How do you see spinal cord injury prevention projects evolving over the next ten years?
How people communicate and connect is constantly changing, and all involved in injury prevention messaging will need to adapt and evolve accordingly. We hope that by raising awareness of spinal cord injury communities will become better informed and share their stories and experiences with the next generation. Wouldn’t it be great if safety was considered a core life value and became a focus for all?
What would you like people to connect with you about, and how can they contact you?
I would like people to connect with me about injury prevention projects, health, safety and wellbeing, employee incentives and/or engagement initiatives, community events and employment opportunities for individuals who have sustained permanent spinal cord injuries. I would encourage anyone looking for further information on PBF membership, injury prevention programs and peer support to visit our website (https://www.pbf.asn.au/). Please feel free to contact me on 08 9388 3366 or [email protected].
If you are looking for regular updates on the great work other injury prevention organisations are doing across WA and how you can collaborate with them, why not join the Injury Prevention Network?