FAQ NBIS Services

NBIS offers non-medical assessment, case management, education, and peer support programs/services to individuals living with an acquired brain injury (ABI) and their family/caregiver(s). We also link individuals to community programs and services related to brain injury. NBIS does not offer crisis support, if you are in crisis please call Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1‑888‑494‑3888.

Anyone living with an acquired brain injury (ABI) (diagnosed or not) and/or their caregiver(s) can access our programs and services.

Please contact our Client Support Worker at 250-753-5600 ext. 1, or navigator@nbis.ca. Our Navigator Team will conduct a general assessment of your needs, complete a referral form, and book your initial appointment.

All of our services under the Navigator Program and Peer Support Program are free of charge.  Community education sessions and workshops are also free and open to the public.

If you qualify for our services, our Community Navigator will contact you as soon as possible from your initial call. Please note, the length of time can vary depending on the capacity and client load.  

Once you become a client of NBIS, our Community Navigator can let you know about our group counselling sessions if available or connect you with services in the community.

If you’re feeling suicidal please call:

• 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) to get help right away, any time of day or night. It’s a free call.
• Our Local Crisis Line: Call 1-888-353-2273 24 hours a day. You’ll get connected to a BC crisis line, without a wait or busy signal. The crisis line operators have advanced training in mental health issues and services.

The Education Program at NBIS offers the Understand Brain Injury (UBI) Workshops to the general public. This course is hosted through a partnership with a local Psychiatric Registered Nurse. These sessions cover various brain functions, what happens to the brain after it has experienced trauma, and what are the steps that can help improve the quality of life following ABI. To learn more go to Understanding Brain Injury Workshop.

Yes! NBIS is always looking for committed individuals to join our volunteer team. There are many opportunities available, from helping at a fundraiser or event to joining a committee or board.  Contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteers@nbis.ca .

NBIS developed the Brain Injury ID Cards program in 2021. These cards fit in your wallet and identify you as an individual living with an acquired brain injury (ABI). This card indicates to first responders that your observable behavior(s) is(are) related to an acquired brain injury (ABI) and not as a result of substance misuse. The Brain Injury I.D. Card is a new NBIS initiative in Violence Prevention in the community. Please note, you must be a client of NBIS to receive a card.

Yes, our Community Navigator can connect you to community resources in cognitive rehabilitation.

Yes, if you are a resident of B.C., our Community Navigator will assist your disability assistance application.

Yes, our Community Navigator will connect you with community resources that can assist you with legal matters.

NBIS does not provide housing however, our Community Navigator can assist you with your affordable housing application and/or connect you with shelters in your local community.

Yes, there is a path to recovery from an acquired brain injury. It will take time and you must learn to be patient and compassionate towards yourself. Our programs/services are designed to help you improve your quality of life so that, one day, you can reclaim control over your life.

Yes, when you become a client of NBIS, our Community Navigator can connect you to our Peer Support Programs.

Absolutely. Symptoms of concussion can appear after days, weeks, months, or years following a traumatic event such as a vehicle collision.

Yes. Your symptoms might be related to a concussion. Concussions are not always detected at the hospital right after a traumatic event. Symptoms of a concussion can manifest at a later time. It is not uncommon to get a post-diagnostic of concussion.

Yes, our Community Navigator is a Registered Social Worker most qualified to assist your child if they are 17+ or yourselves as primary caregivers.

Yes, our Community Navigator can link you to community organizations specializing in job search.

Yes, our Community Navigator can register your to our programs/services and/or organizations/agencies that support family members/caregivers.

Yes, those are all symptoms of a concussion. First, see your health care provider. Following that, please get in touch with us.