| The program is currently on a winter break, but the next term will start on January 12th. Class registration is open! |
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| Are you a new participant? Check out our Get Started page for a helpful step-by-step breakdown on how to get involved. Our FAQ page can answer many questions about how to register. If you would like more assistance, you can reach out to our team via email at brain.wellness@ubc.ca or via phone at 604-827-4386. |
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Please note that the following classes still have spots available:
- Care Partner Workshops (Mondays, 10:00 - 11:30 AM)
- Higher Intensity Chair Exercise (Mondays, 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM)
- PAIRS Project (Mondays, 1:00 - 2:00 PM / Wednesdays 4:00 - 5:00 PM)
- Crafters for a Cause (Mondays, 3:30 - 4:30 PM)
- Brain Power Kitchen (Mondays, 4:00 - 5:00 PM)
- Strength and Balance Level 1 (Tuesdays, 10:30 - 11:30 AM)
- Floor-Based Functional Strength (Thursdays, 9:00 - 10:00 AM)
You can find an overview and descriptions for each class on our website linked below. |
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Inspiration to Action
The BC Brain Wellness Program's Annual Report 2024/25 under the theme "Inspiration to Action" has been published. Click below to read it alongside a message from our Director, Dr. Silke Appel-Cresswell. |
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In-Person Workshop: Creative Reset Session
Monday, January 12th from 1:30 PM to 3 PM
In this new workshop, Dr. Bonnie Nish will guide participants through a peaceful, nurturing space to unwind and rediscover your inner balance through gentle creative exploration. Using the arts—movement, art-making, writing, and sound—you’ll release tension, quiet your mind, and awaken a sense of ease and possibility. No art experience is needed, just bring yourself! |
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Wellness Wednesday: The Healthy Aging Brain
Wednesday, January 21st from 12 PM to 1 PM via Zoom
In the first Wellness Wednesday of the year, Clinical Neuropsychologist Dr. Jodie Gawryluk from the University of Victoria will present about different trajectories of aging, including cognitive decline, healthy aging and super aging. Brain function and brain structure will both be discussed. |
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Announcements and Updates
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Keeping active during the break/holidays
During the break, we encourage you to take a look at the recorded class options and other community resources. This will support your ongoing hard work and effort to build strength, cardiovascular fitness and balance. Please make sure the class you choose is appropriate. The classes all have levels attached to them, and as a reminder, here is a description of the levels of exercise – click here. When exercising, please make sure you have sufficient space to move and that the environment is free of tripping hazards. |
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| Community Events and Resources |
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Sunset Meditation - Mindfulness Under the Stars
Step away from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with calm in a truly immersive setting. Meditate beneath the stars, where the vastness of the universe meets the stillness of the mind—inviting reflection, balance and renewal.
Presented in collaboration with the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre and the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, this wellness-focused evening combines a visually soothing planetarium experience with a meaningful conversation with David Greenshields on mindfulness and resilience.
Details
- Date: Friday, January 23rd
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Where: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, 1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver, BC
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DWP Vancouver Community Class
Dancing with Parkinson's will be hosting another community class taught by their founder Sarah Robichaud and Vancouver-based instructors. If you would like to participate, reach out to info@dancingwithparkinsons.com to RSVP.
Details
- Date: Monday, January 26th
- Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM, with refreshments afterwards
- Where: The Dance Centre, 677 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC
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Reimagining the Mind: Innovations in Mental Health Research and Care
Mental health research is entering a bold new era. As rates of depression, anxiety and other psychiatric conditions continue to rise, researchers at UBC are developing groundbreaking tools to offer new possibilities for diagnosis, treatment and recovery. From brain stimulation therapies like TMS, to ethical applications of social robotics, to movie-based neuroimaging tools, discover how innovation is expanding the ways we support mental wellness across the lifespan.
UBC Connects at Robson Square, in partnership with the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, presents leading UBC scholars Dr. Fidel Vila-Rodriguez, Dr. Julie Robillard and Dr. Tamara Vanderwal in a conversation about the technologies reshaping mental health care.
Free and open to all.
Details
- Date: Wednesday, January 28th
- Time: 6:00-9:00 PM
- Where: UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson St, Vancouver, BC
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| Research Opportunities
Review current research opportunities with the BC Brain Wellness Program, including Impact 360 for Parkinson's Disease and Microbiome and Diet in Parkinson’s Disease.
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| Check out our latest blog post "New Year, New Neural Pathways: Building Healthy and Consistent Habits" for a new perspective on achieving New Year's resolutions. By understanding how our brains adapt over time, we can support effective, long-term habit formation in a way that feels mindful and sustainable. |
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| Donate
The BC Brain Wellness Program is an entirely donor funded program and would not be possible without donors like you. A gift today will ensure the ongoing development and delivery of classes. Thank you for your support.
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| Feedback
We would love to hear your feedback and suggestions regarding the program. If you wish to submit anonymous feedback, please fill out our Feedback Form on the Contact Us page.
If you would like to inquire about technical issues or any other feedback requiring a response, please reach out to us via email or phone. Responses on the feedback form are anonymous.
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