Support Groups
Living with a brain injury can be an isolating experience. But you’re not alone. Whether you are an individual living with a brain injury or a family caregiver, attending a support group gives you a safe space to talk to others who truly understand what you’re going through.
Find a Support Group
Use our online Resource Directory to narrow your search geographically to find what’s happening closest to you.
Join Us
Attend any of BIAV’s support groups.
Caregiver Virtual Meeting
For Family Caregivers Join BIAV on the first Wednesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. (EST) for our virtual meetings! Receive support, strength, and share your experiences with others in the same position. If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Debra Holloway at debra@biav.netVirtual Support Group
For people living with brain injury, their family, and friends.
Join BIAV on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. (EST) for a virtual support group.
Our group is a safe place to explore the challenges of brain injury and exchange ideas and information with others who really “get it.”
If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Christine Baggini at christine@biav.net
In Person Support Group
For people living with brain injury, their family, and friends.
Join BIAV for in-person meetings on the 3rd Monday of every month at 6:00 p.m. in the Willow Lawn area of Richmond.
Share your story, learn about meeting the challenges of living with brain injury, give and get support from others who have walked in your shoes.
If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Christine Baggini at christine@biav.net or 804-355-5748. Registration is required in advance of the meeting; we maintain COVID safety measures.
This is by far the best support group that I have attended! I love the patience of the leader. Most of the people in attendance are helpful and knowledgeable. I leave every meeting feeling that I am not alone!
To get the most out of attending or hosting a virtual support group, view our tip sheets.
Tips for Persons with Brain Injury Tips for Support Group LeadersDon’t have access to reliable internet? Visit this website to learn about public WI-FI hotspots in Virginia
Benefits of a Support Group
People with a Brain Injury Can:
- Be accepted for who they are now – not for who they were before
- Learn information that is relevant and delivered in a way they understand
- Get to express feelings in a place where they are supported, accepted, and understood
- Provide help to others and in doing so feel better about themselves and increase self-confidence
- Have the opportunity to practice social skills with people who will be OK with “slip-ups”
Family Members and Loved Ones of Someone with a Brain Injury Can:
- Find a forum for problem-solving
- Get a better handle on managing cognitive & behavioral changes
- Have a place to talk about their individual and family’s adjustment issues
- Learn more about your loved one’s adjustment
How to get the most out of the experience:
- Give a group at least two visits to decide if it’s for you. The mix of people who show up at any given meeting will influence the feel of the get-together.
- Introduce yourself to the leader or facilitator and let them know if you have any special needs such as difficulty speaking, hearing, or if you just feel shy.
- Try more than one group if you have a choice in your community. Every group has its own style.
Support groups are found all around Virginia and are often run by persons with brain injury, family members, professionals, and staff from other organizations serving people with brain injury. Although many of these groups receive technical assistance from BIAV, they are independent from us and do not necessarily reflect the views or official positions of BIAV. Only groups run by BIAV staff are affiliated with BIAV.
If you find there isn’t a group in your area and you would like to start one, please contact Christine Baggini at BIAV by calling 804-355-5748 or emailing christine@biav.net.
Support Group Leader Manual