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Logo for the Nanaimo Brain Injury Society: large gray lowercase letters nbis with a green swoosh above, and NANAIMO BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY written in green below, reflecting their commitment to brain injury support and education.

Peer Support Volunteer

NBIS peer volunteers are vital members of the NBIS community who work to enrich the lives of our clients and caregivers. Peer support is an integral part of the healing journey when living with acquired brain injury (ABI)— NBIS peer volunteers, who are trained to support those with ABI and/or their loved ones, draw on their own lived experiences with ABI to provide support, encouragement, and hope.

The NBIS peer volunteer team reflects an environment that welcomes diverse backgrounds, celebrates individuality, and embraces creativity. The success of the NBIS peer volunteer program is a direct result of the commitment of NBIS volunteers to teamwork, collaboration, and kindness. Peer volunteer activities are varied, and include one-on-one peer support visits, in-person and virtual group facilitation, co-hosting education workshops and social programs, and participation at NBIS events. Without the incredible team of volunteers, NBIS would not be able to offer programs to those in our community. 

Thank you volunteers!

 

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What is the Goal of a Peer Support Volunteer?

To provide hope, inspiration and optimism at any point in a person’s recovery from an ABI, including their stay in the hospital.

Requirements

  • Minimum 19 years of age
  • Have an acquired brain injury
  • Authorize a criminal record check
  • Willing to attend 8 hours of initial peer training, and subsequent workshops and technical training as required (for example virtual platforms)
  • Have two personal references
Four adults, including a dedicated volunteer, pose in a hallway; three stand behind an older woman sitting in a wheelchair. The group smiles at the camera, highlighting the importance of peer support. Hand sanitizer dispensers are mounted on the wall to their right.
Life After Concussion

Renee's Story

NBIS peer support volunteer Renee talks about her experience with concussion.

Learn more about Concussion
A young woman with long blonde hair and glasses sits in a beige recliner chair, wearing a black shirt, blue jeans, and white sneakers. Sunlight streams through the window blinds behind her as she reads materials from the Nanaimo Brain Injury Society.

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NBIS Peer Volunteers share why they Volunteer...

“This month (May) marks ten years since my brain injury. One of the reasons I chose to volunteer for NBIS is because, I did not get the community support and resources I needed when I was injured. I know it would have made a difference in my recovery if I had peer support and more information on what had happened to me."

NBIS Volunteer

Peer Support
“The truth be told, I signed up to be a peer volunteer to help people, but I think I get just as much, if not more from the experience”.

NBIS Volunteer

Peer Support
“I’m still recovering. Being helpful helps me in my healing”.

NBIS Volunteer

Peer Support
“My own recovery from my injury was not well supported in the community I lived in, so I just want to be able to help people have a more positive experience than I did”.

NBIS Volunteer

Peer Support
  • Want to become a NBIS Peer Support Volunteer?
  • Phone: 250-753-5600 Ext. 2
  • Email: Volunteers@nbis.ca