If you have seen a few more people wearing blue beanies over the past two days, then don't worry you're not missing out on some underground fashion trend - it's just Acquired Brain Injury Awareness Week!
To raise money and awareness about brain injury, Synapse has organised a new campaign called BANGONABEANIE, hence why so many people are keeping their heads warm with these fluffy hats.
The main idea behind this initiative is to approach the issue of brain injury in a fun, relaxed and open way. The organisers want to encourage conversation surrounding the topic, and believe that simplicity helps them reach this objective.
So far it looks to be working! The week has generated a buzz on the official Facebook page, and people are also talking about beanies on Twitter.
Even if you can't get your hand on a beanie before the end of the week, it's still not too late to get involved - keep the conversation about brain injury going on social media sites and do your part in sharing the BANGONABEANIE story.
This idea is one worth spreading, as acquired brain injury affects around one in 45 Australians. The term refers to all types of brain injury that occur after birth.
It is also known by some people as the 'invisible disability' as it is hard to detect and can often be mistaken for mental illness or even character flaw or drunkenness.
This is one of the reasons why the BANG ON A BEANIE campaign is all about generating conversation. Acquired brain injury is misunderstood by many people, but by talking about it openly stereotypes and misconceptions can start to be broken down.
Last year the organisers managed to help 1.6 million Australians living with the ailment. Former Masterchef contestant Aaron Harvie got behind the event last year, and spoke about how important it is that people learn more about brain injury.
"ABI not only affects those who suffer from Acquired Brain Injury but also the lives of those who care for them," he said in a statement in the lead-up to the event in 2011.
"Having witnessed firsthand the devastating effects this can have on people's lives I am happy to lend my voice to those who often suffer in silence. I hope people across the nation will get behind this cause and BANGONABEANIE during Brain Injury Awareness Week," he added.
The initiative is just one event that is being held, as Brain Injury Awareness Week is celebrated nationwide. It runs from August 13 through to 19.
