BIST provides programs and services to people living with the effects of brain injury and their families / caregivers.
After joining BIST our PROGRAMS are free and do not have a wait list.
We currently offer a Hybrid of IN-PERSON and ONLINE programs.
Special Projects
BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH
Every June, during Brain Injury Awareness Month, BIST organizes awareness events and a social media campaign dedicated to raising awareness about ABI – a condition more prevalent than MS, Breast Cancer and HIV/AIDS – combined.
Find out more, HERE.
EXPRESSIVE ART SHOW
Held annually, our ‘Art On The Brain’ Expressive Art Show features the strengths, talent, creativity and resistance of people who live with the effects of brain injury.
Find out more, HERE.
WWW.ABIJUSTICE.ORG
ABI Justice is the first and currently the only resource in Ontario that aims to decrease common barriers that become present for persons with brain injury when faced with legal matters.
Through simplified terms and brief education of the legal system and supporting resources; ABI Justice is a porthole for legal information as it pertains to those who have sustained or those who assist clients who live with a brain injury.
Find out more, HERE.
Programs
SUPPORT GROUPS & PEER SUPPORT
Brain Injury Survivor Support Group
Family and Friends Drop In – For people who CARE ABOUT individuals living with brain injury
Peer Support Program – For ABI survivors and caregivers
WORKSHOPS & WEEKLY SERIES PROGRAMS
BIST provides FREE annual workshops and weekly series programs (special programming which run for a limited number of consecutive weeks) for ABI caregivers and ABI survivors.
- ABI Info Series
- Community Meetings (Last Wednesday of the Month)
- Concussion Series
- Caregiver Workshop
- WRAP Groups (Wellness, Recovery Action Plan)
- Online Yoga
ABOUT OUR GENDER SPECIFIC PROGRAMMING
BIST aims to make our programs inclusive and a positive experience for all participants. Our gender-specific programs are open to adults 18 and over of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, gender and queer identities. This is inclusive of people within the trans communities. For example, trans women are welcome to our Women’s Support Group. Trans men are welcome to attend our Men’s Social Drop-In. People who identify as non-binary are welcome to attend groups of their choice.
Please contact our Communications and Programs Manager, Meri Perra, with any questions: mperra@bist.ca OR 416-407-6634.
Weekly Calendar
MONDAYS
Not So Blue Mondays – EVERY MONDAY, 1-2:30 PM – IN PERSON
No Programs on Holiday Mondays
TUESDAYS
1st & 3rd Tuesday of the Month – ABI Survivor Support Group
- 1st Tuesday – ONLNE
- 3rd Tuesday – IN PERSON
WEDNESDAYS
First Wednesday of the Month – Caregiver Drop In – for people who care about someone who lives with brain injury
Last Wednesday of the Month – Community Meeting – ONLINE (WINTER 2023)
THURSDAYS
1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month; 6:30 – 8 PM – Women’s Support Group
- 1st Thursday – IN PERSON
- 3rd Thursday – ONLINE
2nd & 3rd Thursday of the Month; 6:30 – 8 PM – Men’s Social Drop-In
- 2nd Thursday – ONLINE
- 3rd Thursday – IN PERSON
FRIDAYS
1st Friday of the Month; 3 – 5 PM – Community Outings – IN PERSON
Other Fridays – Freaky Fridays; 3 – 4:30 PM – IN PERSON at the BIST Office (unless otherwise stated)
BIST has helped me grow as a person. Over the years, I have become a peer mentor, and I have helped others deal with their ABI and recover. I always loved ‘things’ before my accident, but I was taught by BIST to appreciate the littlest things in life. I do that now with all my heart.
– Glenn, BIST Volunteer & Member
BIST has made a big difference for my social well-being. I was at home all the time feeling depressed, and that was not who I was. Now I’ve been given hope to get close to being myself again. I know now there is a society among BIST members I can talk to. I never have to feel alone as long as BIST is open to me.
– Joan, BIST Member
