Ken’s Story – Being Comfortable In The Community (NOSBIS)

Ken is one of NOSBIS’ most active members. He consistently lends his time to fundraising efforts, participates in groups, and attends almost every event NOSBIS puts on. However, this was not always the case.

As a result of his brain injury, Ken has dealt with PTSD, anxiety, depression and short-term memory challenges on a daily basis. At times, his anxiety was so debilitating that Ken would not leave his house for 3-4 days.

With the encouragement and help of the Support Worker program at NOSBIS, Ken has been able to feel comfortable enough to venture into the community to grocery shop, go for walks, attend group gatherings and events, and meet other people. Through the Support Worker program, funded by the Brain Injury Alliance, Ken has benefited from support with developing coping strategies to work through some of the anxiety and short-term memory challenges he lives with as a result of his brain injury.

Recently, Ken enrolled in a “Writing Your Life” course at Okanagan College, which he attends two days a week. At college, Ken is honing his writing skills with short stories and poetry, and he is learning to use the computer. As a result of his college course and the Support Worker program, Ken has felt confident enough to purchase a home computer for his own use, and is enjoying learning to use the internet to research things that interest him.
At this time, Ken has a busy schedule between college and activities at NOSBIS. He regularly accesses the Support Worker program for help with scheduling and remembering his many activities and for support with staying involved in the community.

My anxiety is way less since my Support Worker has been working with me. NOSBIS has helped me a lot with being comfortable in the community ~ Ken