Local Support Groups

Benefits of Support Groups:

Members of a support group typically share their personal experiences and offer one another emotional comfort and moral support.  They may also offer practical advice and tips to help you cope with your situation.

Benefits of participating in support groups may include:

• Feeling less lonely, isolated or judged
• Gaining a sense of empowerment and control
• Improving your coping skills and sense of adjustment
• Talking openly and honestly about your feelings
• Reducing distress, depression or anxiety
• Developing a clearer understanding or what to expect with your situation
• Getting practical advice or information about treatment options
• Comparing notes about resources, such as doctors and alternative options

There are many support groups for survivors of acquired brain Injury and their families/supporters throughout the province.  The goal is to provide Education about ABI, share experiences, and provide support, understanding and reassurance that those living with an ABI are not alone.

SBIA Programs 

The Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association (SBIA) runs many support groups and recreation programs throughout the province. For more information, see http://www.sbia.ca/aboutus.aspx.

Local Support Groups

• Coffee Talk, hosted by the North ABI Outreach Team, is a weekly conversation/support group for individuals who have sustained a stroke or brain injury. The group is open to both the survivor and their spouse &/or other support person. The group meets Mondays (except for statutory holidays) at 10:30. Location is South Hill Mall, 2995-2nd Avenue West, Prince Albert, in the Community Room.  Please use East Mall Entrance.  Drop in for all or a portion of this weekly group. It is a free program, and refreshments are served. If lack of transportation is preventing you from attending, please contact Nicole at 306-765-6480 for assistance.

• Living with a Stroke Program Classes are held in Prince Albert.  For more information contact April at 306-765-6126.  

• The New Beginnings ABI Support Group is held alternate Thursday evenings from 6:00-7:30pm at the Conference Room #1 at the Primary Health Centre, Frontier Mall, North Battleford. Contact Tricia Harvey at 306-820-2553. All ABI Survivors and families are welcome! 

• One on one consultation for stroke education with the Chronic Disease Nurse is available by calling:
  306-446-6549 in North Battleford.
   

• The Saskatoon Stroke Recovery Association (SSRA) is for people who have survived a stroke, their families, and their caregivers. This group meets on the 1st Monday of each month, 2:00pm at St. Martin's United Church, 2617 Clarence Avenue S., unless special event is planned at the 7th Day Adventist Christian School; education/fellowship/fun/food. Many special events/trips – trips to Moose Jaw, Christmas supper, June BBQ and much more. Please contact: Mildred Shipman 306-242-3905.

• The Central ABI Outreach team hosts a Coffee Group for ABI Survivors. This group is held on alternate Tuesdays at 10:00am at the Atrium Coffee Shop at City Hospital, 701 Queen Street, Saskatoon SK.  For more information please call 306-655-7743.

• The Aphasia Community Connections group is for individuals who have moderate to severe aphasia (difficulty speaking, understanding, reading, writing) due to stroke or brain injury. This group meets at the CNIB Service Centre, 
  Tuesday mornings, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Sept. to June). Please contact: Adult Speech Language Centre, Saskatoon City Hospital 306-655-8208.
   
• Brain Aneurysm and AVM Support Group meets the 1st Thursday of every month, 7:00-9:00pm at the Edwards Family Centre, 338-4th Avenue North.  For more information please contact:  Aaron Gardner or Caroline Westman at Saskatchewan@JoeNiekroFoundation.org.

• LABIS' Family Support Group is currently not meeting, but can be re-started upon request. This group is for families and caregivers of brain-injured persons. This group provides an open atmosphere for people to come and share their information, and on occasion will bring in speakers.  For more information, contact Tracy at 306-825-7212 or
  e-mail: tracy.labis@sasktel.net.

• Lloydminster ABI Support Group meets once a month.  For more information contact Tricia, ABI Regional Coordinator at 306-820-2553. 

• One on one consultation for stroke education with the Chronic Disease Nurse is available by calling:
  306-820-6243 in Lloydminster.
   

• Meadow Lake ABI Support Group meets once a month.   For more information contact Tricia, ABI Regional Coordinator at 306-820-2553. 

• One on one consultation for stroke education with the Chronic Disease Nurse is available by calling:
  306-236-1579 in Meadow Lake
   

• The South Country Support group meets 1-3pm the first Monday of each month in the telehealth suite at Assiniboia Union Hospital. It is open to survivors and their support persons. Snacks are provided. Please call Troy for details at 306-691-1591.
  
  
• The Sask. Health Authority, in Moose Jaw hosts a weekly group on Thursdays with the Recovery Team (Mental Health & Addictions), “Building Social Support Networks”.  For more information, call Troy at 306-691-1591.

Estevan

• ABI Support Group (Estevan) meets the fourth Monday of every month at St. Joseph’s hospital, Estevan. For more information contact: Paula Ealey, Acquired Brain Injury Coordinator at 306-842-8315.
   
• Family Support Group meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at St. Joseph's hospital, Estevan.

• ABI Support Group (Redvers) meets the second Monday of every month at the Redvers Health Centre. For more information contact: Paula Ealey, Acquired Brain Injury Coordinator at 306-842-8315.

• "The Acquired Brain Injury Group" meets the third Thursday of each month.  The location rotates within Sunrise Health Region, (Yorkton, Preecville, Kamsack, Canora, and Melville) The group is open to both survivors and families and is a great opportunity to support one and other.  Call the ABI Program Coordinator, for more information at
  306-786-0183.