But those days are coming to an end for the retiring Headway Illawarra chief executive.

Before he departs Mr Roach wants to recruit volunteers for the organisation which, among other things, makes educational presentations to schools and community groups about acquired brain injury and its consequences.

Over the past 10 years Headway has reached more than 12,000 people.

Mr Roach wants people who are keen to give educational talks about acquired brain injury to contact Headway.

"You don't need to be a genius to learn the basics about brain injury. We will happily train people," he said.

"It is mainly our clients, who have got brain injury, who are the stars of it.

"You have really just got to pick them up and they tell their story and everyone listens to them because they are pretty gripping tales."

Headway usually uses one staff member and one or two clients who are experienced in speaking publicly. The clients discuss acquired brain injury and how it affects their life and the lives of family and friends.

Mr Roach said the hour-long presentations were well regarded and that Headway received a lot of positive feedback.

"It is really satisfying, you get a lot out of it.

"It is only a couple of nights a month so it would be ideal for a teacher, nurse or health professional."

■ For more information see the website at headway.org.au or call 4226 4179.