STEPS Gin Gin took the ‘Protect Your Head’ program into the rural schools promoting the importance of looking after our brains.
The program evolved over the weeks as the creative minds of staff sought to evoke the curiosity of the school students. Techniques developed such as volunteer life coaches Karen and Rob (Protect-A-Puss) demonstrating the correct ways to fall and the importance of buying the correct fitting helmet to protect.
Coordinator Heather brought shared true accounts of family and community members involved in accidents affecting the head.
Brendon, STEPS Community Awareness Campaign Officer, used shock visual aids to express the importance of paying attention and taking control in looking after the brain from an early age.
During school workshop STEPS’ very own feline character Protect-A-Puss distracted the students with a fur ball before introducing the importance of staying alert. Brendon’s creation, the jelly-moulded Franken-brain, demonstrated how the brain is impounded within the skull during impact.
Graphical video clips showing the impact on the head and the results of inattention to the surrounding environment, particularly when texting or not wearing a helmet.
Students and teachers praised the program and have encouraged STEPS to host more of these educational programs in schools in the future.
