Community Support: Stroke Peer Mentoring Program

The Stroke Peer Mentoring Program is run through the Stroke Recovery Association of BC. This free program matches someone living with stroke to a mentor who has had a stroke and who has training to be able to offer support, understanding, and education about issues of stroke and everyday life.  Mentors provide this support through telephone conversations, email, and/or 1-to-1 meetings.

A peer mentor does not replace your professional rehab team, but they can be very helpful!

For more information about this free mentoring program, please contact:

Carolyn Carter, Peer Coordinator
604-714-4185
peermentoringprogram@mac.com

Their brochure:

Community Support: Rehabilitation and Resource Team

In addition to the GF Strong ABI Program Outreach Team we pointed out earlier, the Vancouver Coastal Health “Vancouver Community Rehabilitation and Resource Team” is another resource for those living here in the Vancouver area. The team provides short, 6 month rehab programs for those living with complex disabilities. They provide assessment and treatment for individuals who want to improve their ability to function and have specific goals they would like to achieve. Rehab sessions may be in your home or in a nearby community location. The teams goals are to increase independence, community participation, and life satisfaction.

To qualify for this rehab program, you must reside in Vancouver, be between 19-64 years old, be eligible for Community Health Services and be living with a complex disability. The program is targeted at those who do not have third party insurance or working with Community Living BC.

If you are interested, please talk with your Case Manager at a Community Health Centre. If you don’t have a Case Manager, please call: 604-263-7377

Their brochure:

Community Support: Acquired Brain Injury Outreach Team

A resource we would like to point out:

The GF Strong ABI Program Outreach Team works with clients, families and caregivers to assist people with an acquired brain injury to improve their quality of life. They assist in identifying and accessing the best available resources to support clients in their home community. They provide many resources including assessments, recommendations, advocacy, and consultation with other professionals in the community and in care facilities. Note: although they are based in Vancouver, adults with an acquired brain injury can be referred from any location in British Columbia.

We have included their brochure below, but if you wish to contact them:
Outpatient Admissions Coordinator, G.F. Strong Rehab Centre
604-737-6272
http://www.vch.ca/403/7676/?program_id=12710
outpatientadmissions@vch.ca

Caregiver Support Groups

Vancouver Coastal Health coordinates a number of support groups for people who are caregivers for family members or friends that are aging, ill, or living with a disability. It is so important to look after everyone involved – including the caregivers.

The support groups giver you people to talk with in similar situations, provide information about community resources, and a host of other things.

Check out http://caregivers.vch.ca or call them at 604-877-4699 or email them at caregiversupport@vch.ca . If you are not in the Vancouver area, they may be able to point you to groups close to where you live.

Interested in resources and support for caregivers in the Vancouver area?

Vancouver Coastal Health is promoting their resources and group meetings for those providing support to others. They have monthly support group meetings in several locations around Vancouver. For more information, check out their website, call 604-877-4699 or email caregiversupport@vch.ca.