Building Safety and Confidence with Island Health

Recently, VBIS staff and members participated in naloxone training in Victoria BC provided by Island Health. In today’s environment, gaining overdose awareness and emergency response skills helps strengthen the safety, preparedness, and confidence of our team while enhancing the care we provide to our community.

The session focused on education surrounding overdose awareness, how to respond in an emergency, and provided exercises that allowed our team to build confidence to act if someone needs help. When we have the right tools to care for our community, we can truly provide the care needed. Participants learned practical skills in a supportive, judgement-free space, with an emphasis on preparedness and looking out for one another.

At VBIS, we believe that knowledge saves lives. Offering harm-reduction education like this helps ensure our community feels informed, supported, and ready to respond with compassion.

We are grateful to Island Health for sharing their expertise, knowledge and wisdom. They helped to empower our staff and members with tools that promote safety and connection. This training reflects our ongoing commitment to community care — creating spaces where people feel supported, respected, and equipped to help.

Access Online Training through BCCDC Harm Reduction Services HERE.

Brain Injury and Homelessness: The Intersection

Brain Injury and Homelessness: The Intersection

A recent open letter published in the Nanaimo News Bulletin highlights an issue that remains widely misunderstood: the strong connection between brain injury and homelessness. Here at VBIS, we understand and see the link between traumatic brain injuries and...

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Mindfulness Program

Mindfulness Program

VBIS has introduced our drop-in group Mindfulness program. Led by Lucy, a counselling student doing her practicum with VBIS, and Evelyn, one of VBIS’s amazing volunteers who has experience in nursing, counselling, and group facilitation. Each week, participants will...

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Westshore Is Officially Open!

Westshore Is Officially Open!

We’re so excited to share that our Westshore location is officially up and running at 2780 Veterans Memorial Parkway. While we’re still in the early stages of opening, we are currently welcoming clients for case management, Peer Support, Men's Group and a Walking...

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