The Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia (BIANS) is dedicated to supporting the over 70,000 individuals in the province affected by acquired brain injuries (ABIs). Through innovative programs, community outreach, and advocacy, BIANS works to address challenges such as isolation, limited resources, and stigma associated with brain injuries. Marlee Smith, Navigator at BIANS, leads the effort to ensure survivors and their families receive the care, support, and rehabilitation they deserve, while inspiring connection and awareness throughout Nova Scotia. We got to speak with her to find out more.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia is a registered charity dedicated to supporting individuals affected by brain injuries. Through a wide range of programs—such as peer support, light physical activity, music therapy, and educational initiatives—BIANS works to create a strong community of care. The organisation also advocates for improved services and increased awareness about brain injuries throughout Nova Scotia.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia aims to address the lack of support, awareness, and accessible services for individuals living with brain injuries in Nova Scotia. We seek to reduce the isolation that survivors often face, due to the invisible nature of their disabilities, by providing meaningful rehabilitation and community reintegration opportunities, as well as advocating for stronger systems of care and understanding around brain injury.
With over 70,000 individuals affected by acquired brain injuries (ABIs) in the province, many experience symptoms that are not immediately apparent, such as cognitive challenges, emotional changes, and fatigue. This invisibility can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of support from family, friends, and the broader community. Additionally, there is limited availability of specialised services and resources, particularly outside urban centres like Halifax.
When did you start/join it?
I have been working with BIANS since September 2021.
What made you want to get involved?
I have always valued working at the community level, where you can hear stories and learn from others with lived experience. I have a social work background and a passion for non-profit work. Although I do not live with a brain injury myself, I have friends and loved ones who do, which adds to my interest in BIANS and their core values.
What was the situation like when you started?
When I first started, BIANS was navigating the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of our programs had shifted online, and we were finding innovative ways to stay connected with the brain injury community across the province. Despite the obstacles, it was inspiring to see how resilient and engaged our community remained. Now, as we begin reintroducing in-person programming to more areas across Nova Scotia, it’s exciting to build on that foundation and offer more accessible, community-based support.
How has it changed since?
We are still offering both online and in-person programs and are now at a place where we are eager to expand our reach to other parts of the province. Our programs have primarily been in HRM, and we are excited to reestablish connections, particularly in more rural areas. We plan to implement more opportunities for the brain injury community to connect with one another and introduce new programs with a focus on feedback we have received from our community members.
What more needs to be done?
We need to continue raising awareness about the prevalence and impact of brain injury in Nova Scotia—especially since it’s an invisible disability that often goes unrecognised. We must create more opportunities for survivors to share their stories, as this not only empowers them but also helps reduce stigma and educate the broader public.
Ongoing education and advocacy are key. We need to ensure that families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and communities have access to the knowledge and resources they need to better understand and support individuals with brain injuries. That means continuing to build partnerships with other organisations and stakeholders to advocate for stronger, more coordinated services.
Additionally, we have to keep bringing people together through programs that are both meaningful and accessible. Peer support, in particular, plays a vital role in fostering connection and reducing isolation. By expanding these types of unique, community-driven programs across the province, we can strengthen the network of care and help ensure no one feels alone in their healing journey.
How can our readers help?
We encourage readers to follow us on social media and continue learning about brain injury. Spreading awareness starts with education—and talking openly with friends and loved ones about the effects of brain injury is an important first step. Brain injury often intersects with critical issues like homelessness, accident prevention, mental health, and abuse, making it a broader social concern. Our website is a valuable resource for up-to-date information on brain injury, as well as the programs and supports we offer across Nova Scotia.
If you’re in a position to give, we warmly welcome any donations to support our cause. Every contribution helps us continue providing vital programs, resources, and advocacy for brain injury survivors across Nova Scotia.
Do you have any events coming up?
Brain Injury Awareness Month is in June. We will be focusing on storytelling on our social media platforms as a theme to highlight some of our incredible community members and their experiences with brain injury. We also have our annual event Pathway to Peers in November which is a summit event featuring speakers and community booths for Nova Scotians with disabilities, acquired brain injury, lived stroke experience, & the professionals & support persons of these populations.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Facebook | Instagram
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
New Leaf Enterprises is a wonderful program offered through Easter Seals in Nova Scotia. They provide life enhancement, job skills and supported employment opportunities for adults and youth with disabilities. Their program operates two cafes and catering and has been a huge supporter of our initiatives at BIANS by allowing us to host a peer support group in their location in Burnside.
