The Power of Peer Support

At the Victoria Brain Injury Society (VBIS), we believe that healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens through finding connection and building community.

For many individuals living with a concussion or acquired brain injury, the impact and importance of Social Health can sometimes feel overwhelming, confusing, overlooked and at times, deeply unbearable. But, that’s where the power of Peer Support comes in.

Our Peer Support program creates a space where individuals living with or surviving a brain injury can connect with others who truly understand what they’re going through.

It’s not clinical and it’s not formal therapy, but it is real people sharing real experiences. At its core, Peer Support is about being seen, heard, and understood.

Through this program, participants are able to:

  • Talk openly in a safe and supportive environment,
  • Connect with mentors who have lived experience,
  • Share challenges, successes, and coping strategies,
  • Build meaningful relationships grounded in understanding.

Brain injury affects every person differently and no two experiences are the same; but, one thing many survivors share is the feeling of being alone in their journey. Many of the people who have gone through this program report reduced feelings of isolation, increased confidence in navigating daily life, a stronger sense of community, and a renewed hope for recovery and personal growth. That is the power of peers supporting peers.

SHINE: Student Head Injury Neuro Education Program

SHINE: Student Head Injury Neuro Education Program

How Did SHINE Start? SHINE, the Student Head Injury Neuro Education program, started through the Christie lab at the University of Victoria. As concussions are largely under reported and therefore left untreated, particularly in young people, the aim of the SHINE...

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Ultimate Guide to VBIS 2026 Annual General Meeting

Ultimate Guide to VBIS 2026 Annual General Meeting

We’re excited to invite you, our community, to the Victoria Brain Injury Society’s 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, September 16th at 5 pm. It will be hosted by the Ukrainian Cultural Centre (3277 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8Z 3K9). Our AGM is a chance...

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