Nanaimo Brain Injury Society programming will be bolstered after the B.C. Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions granted it $65,000.
The charity, which offers support, education and connection for people living with brain injuries, will use the money to “continue offering supports to people recovering from brain injuries, with an emphasis on providing access to, and expansion of, brain-injury services by partnering with other non-profit organizations and agencies,” said a press release.
The society’s community navigator program gives non-medical support to those suffering from brain injury and their caregivers via establishment of “personalized recovery and action plans, access to community resources and case management” and network building, said the press release. The society also has a comprehensive “peer network,” which provides hospital, community and one-on-one and peer group support, including a Life After Brain Injury program and a six-week group counselling program with a registered psychologist.
Kix Citton, society executive director, said the money was needed, especially with the effects of COVID-19 pandemic.
“For brain-injury survivors and caregivers, the loss of mental health and wellness supports, as well as social and recreation opportunities, has been both isolating and devastating,” Citton said in the press release. “Over the last year, the number of calls, e-mails and texts we received from people looking for support and resources has doubled.”
Sheila Malcolmson, B.C. Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Nanaimo MLA, said she and her ministry were happy to direct the money.
“People living with a brain injury deserve compassionate care,” Malcolmson said in the press release. “Nanaimo Brain Injury Society is connecting people with the resources they need, and our government is honoured to partner with them to support wellness and recovery here in our community.”
For more information on the society, go here.
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