Victoria Brain Injury Society
Helping People Through the Complexities of Brain InjuryYou don’t have to do it alone
VBIS and the UVic Concussion Lab are exploring a video game called NeuroTracker to improve cognitive functions like memory and attention.
We are looking for 20 adults (aged 35+) who have traumatic brain injuries to participate in this research project. All sessions will occur at VBIS, and each session takes about 30 minutes. Social distancing and safety protocols will be followed. If you are interested in learning more about this project, please email brainlab@uvic.ca.
Make a difference and donate to VBIS here!
Quick Info
Contact our Inreach Team
Bus Pass Program
Do you know that you can get help with getting a bus pass and bus tickets from VBIS? Or that by purchasing your bus pass from VBIS you can help us provide a free pass to those who cannot afford one!
Contact Administration at admin@vbis.ca for more information.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are the backbone of our society – they greet our members when they walk in the front doors, offer comfort as peer supporters, participate in our special events and much, much more!
We welcome people of all abilities – we have survivors, family members and students, all working together to help each other succeed.
Click HERE to hear find out more about becoming a volunteer.
About Us
The Victoria Brain Injury Society’s mission is to support, educate, and advocate for adults with acquired brain injuries and their families; and to increase community awareness about acquired brain injuries.
OUR VALUES
- Validation
- Dignity
- Respect
- Acceptance
- Compassion
- Integrity
OUR PHILOSOPHY OF SERVICE
We believe every individual is due respectful support that begins with the recognition that individuals with disabilities are not abnormal or deficient but, instead, reflect the normal diversity of the human community.
Our basic philosophical underpinnings are rooted in the idea of maximum independence with minimum professional supports.
Our philosophy supports using existing services where appropriate, and using “natural” supports such as friends, family, and peers wherever possible.
We believe in encouraging family involvement and working towards enhancement of an individual’s social role within a network of family, friends, advocates and the community.
That being said, brain injury is a highly specific treatment area. Most generic service providers and peer or family supports require professional guidance and training to provide effective and meaningful support. That is where we come in.
There is support and understanding that you cannot imagine.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
WE “GET IT”!
Victoria Brain Injury Society gives survivors and their loved ones long term support through the many steps, both backward and forward, of life after brain injury. From those just released from hospital, to those who have lived with their injuries for decades, survivors consistently express gratitude and relief once they’ve walked through the Society’s doors. Finally, people who “get it”!
We offer that which society in general does not: a safe place to interact with people who understand. Issues like poor memory, short tempers, inappropriate behaviors, difficulty speaking and disorientation are accepted; coping strategies are shared.
Unprecedented acceptance is felt through the society – from fellow survivors, peer supporters, volunteers and staff.
CREATING COMMUNITY
We provide community for people who often feel they have become isolated from theirs, post injury. The confidence that comes from regular ventures to what many call the “brain club” frequently leads to more ease in public places and more confidence when participating in their own communities. Human contact is fostered.
Victoria Brain Injury Society makes a difference to those experiencing depression and anxiety which is common for many survivors of brain injury. The Victoria Brain Injury Society is a place to be heard and accepted, a place to recognize again one’s value and worth, a place to ask questions for which there are few answers in the mainstream and a place to meet friends.
THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS!
We thank our funders, without whose continuous support and generosity we could not provide support, education, and advocacy for adults with acquired brain injuries and their families.
Please feel free to peruse our Annual Reports. We are very proud of how far we have come over the past several years – read to find out more!
Testimonials
Location
Units C, D & E, 830 Pembroke Street
Victoria BC V8T 1H9
Society Hours
Due to COVID-19 safety restrictions, VBIS remains closed to the public. Clients are seen by appointment only.
Phone & Email
(250) 598-9339
hello@vbis.ca
Calendar – Week of January 25, 2021
Monday
Virtual Peer Support with Chandar: 10:00am-11:00am
Virtual Peer Support with Toni: 11:00am-12:00pm
BrainWorks: 1:30pm-3:00pm
Tuesday
Carrying on with Coping: 12:30pm-2:00pm
Peer Support with Andy: 2:00pm-3:00pm
Wednesday
ABI 101: 10:00am-12:00pm
Walk Group: 11:00am-12:00pm
Peer Support with Stan: 12:00pm-1:00pm
Peer Support in the Park: 1:00pm-2:30pm (pre-registration required)
thursday
Peer Support with Patrik: 10:00am-11:00am
Coping Strategies: 10:00am-12:00pm
Drop in Music Jam: 12:45pm-2:15pm
Flowers Group: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Friday
Coping Strategies: 10:00am-12:00pm
“Since my brain injury in 2003 the Victoria Brain Injury Society has provided me with hope and understanding, as well as giving me an opportunity to help others through the Peer Support program.
The society has empowered the peer support members to discover themselves through their program and through counselling.
I wish to thank them all for a second change at leading a productive life in the community”
~ Richard
“Since my accident two
years ago, the Victoria Brain Injury Society has become an integral part of my recovery process and
continues to be a valuable
part of my life.”
~Jaire
“Thank you for being there when I needed you the most”
~Andy
Send a Message
Get In Touch
Location: Units C, D & E, 830 Pembroke Street
Victoria BC V8T 1H9
Telephone: (250) 598-9339
Email: hello@vbis.ca
Society Hours: M-Th: 10am – 3pm
Closed Weekends.
Non-Discrimination Policy
VBIS does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
VBIS is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.