| We are excited to announce many ongoing classes as well as new additions for the upcoming fall term. On our website, you can also find detailed descriptions for all classes. |
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Please note that the following classes still have spots available:
- Lower Intensity Interval Training (Mondays/Wednesdays, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
- Intergenerational Ballroom Dance (Wednesdays, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM)
- Mind Diet Brain-Power Kitchen (Thursday bi-weekly, 12:00 - 1:00 PM)
- Functional Strength (Thursdays, 9:00-10:00 AM)
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Exercise + Nutrition Collab
Monday, August 31, 1:00-2:00 PM (virtual)
Join us for a fun, energizing session that brings together movement and nutrition to help you feel your best before, during, and after exercise. The session will include a 20-minute interactive nutrition segment led by a registered dietitian, a 20-minute exercise session led by a kinesiologist, and some time to prepare quick and balanced snacks together so you can see how to put these strategies into practice. |
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Wellness Wednesday: "Discover Self-Management BC: Free Support for Living Well with Chronic Conditions"
Wednesday, September 23, 12:00-1:00 PM
Living with ongoing or long-term health conditions can bring daily challenges that can be overwhelming. Join us for an informative discussion about Self-Management BC (SMBC) and its evidence-based support programs. Participants gain practical tools and develop skills to better manage their health and build confidence to live well. Come learn more, hear real-life experiences, and discover whether a 6-week Self-Management Program could be a good fit for you following this event. |
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In-Person Workshop: Art from the Heart
Monday, October 5, 10:00-11:30 AM
Join us for another in-person art workshop facilitated by art therapist Mady Mooney. This session will let you use colour, shape and imagery to express what is meaningful to you. Discover how the creative process can foster healing and mental well-being.
No art skills required! Various supplies will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.
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| Announcements and Updates |
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| During the virtual program break, we encourage you to make use of the many videos we have in our video library. |
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Applications Open for the Participant Advisory Committee
The BCBWP Participant Advisory Committee (PAC) is currently recruiting for the 2026/27 term. The PAC aims to provide a participant perspective in guiding future programming. We encourage all those who are interested to apply!
Details
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Deadline: September 13, 2026
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Eligibility: current BCBWP participant who are currently participating and planning to participate in at least one class/program for the upcoming year.
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Commitment: 1-3 hours/month, including monthly Zoom meetings. 1 year commitment between October 2026 – September 2027.
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Intergenerational Programs for the Fall Term
The benefits of intergenerational connections and creative expression on brain wellness are well documented in research. For instance, they can decrease stress and social isolation, improve quality of life, self-acceptance, and mental health, offer an oppportunity to teach, reflect and give back to the younger generation, and enhance cognitive well-being.
You can experience these benefits for yourself through our upcoming intergenerational projects this fall. If you would like to read testimonials from previous participants and review our previous projects, we encourage you to check out the new page on our website linked below.
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Returning once again…. Everybody has a Story: An Intergenerational Storytelling Project
In this project, you will be paired with a UBC student to create a life story book. Entirely on Zoom, you will have the opportunity to connect, reflect and inspire the younger generation while creating an abridged life story book that will arrive at your doorstep upon completion!
Important dates:
- Mandatory orientation session: Tuesday, October 6 at 5:30pm
- Student/Senior Matching session: Tuesday, October 13 at 6:30pm
- Throughout October and November: weekly meetings with the student to work on the project
- Final community celebration: Tuesday, January 12, 2027 at 6:30pm
Participants are expected to fully commit to attending these gatherings. Indicate your interest in the survey linked below by September 15! Because spots are limited, selection interviews with potential participants will be held the week following.
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NEW: Intergenerational Letter Writing Project
This project will match you with a UBC student to exchange handwritten letters via mail between September 2026 and April 2027. The purpose of this project is to create a bridge between generations by fostering meaningful, personal connections through the timeless art of letter writing. Materials and prompts will be provided to inspire meaningful conversations. Stamp costs will be covered!
Expectations and dates (on Zoom):
- Zoom orientation: Thursday, October 1 at 6:30pm
- Pairs will exchange letters at their convenience until April 2027. Participants should expect to write at least 2 letters per month over the course of the project and respond to their partner’s letters in a timely fashion.
- Midpoint community meet up: January 14, 2027
- Community celebration: April 29, 2027
Participants are expected to fully commit to attending these gatherings. Indicate your interest in the survey link below by September 15! Because spots are limited, selection interviews with potential participants will be held the week following. |
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| Community Events and Resources |
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Vancouver Art Gallery: Art of Wellbeing for Seniors
Art of Wellbeing for Seniors is a unique program that combines tours of the Vancouver Art Gallery with interactive, arts-based workshops. The current sessions consists of a guided tour of the exhibition titled That Green Ideal: Emily Carr and the Idea of Nature, followed by a dynamic workshop where participants explore their responses through movement, mark making, creative writing and theatre. Sessions conclude with refreshments and a chance to socialize and reflect. Each exhibition will be explored in depth with a cohort of up to 25 participants aged 55+.
Dates
- Workshop 1: Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 1:30–3:30 PM
- Workshop 2: Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 1:30–3:30 PM
- Workshop 3: Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 1:30–3:30 PM
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Review current research opportunities with the BC Brain Wellness Program, including the "Microbiome and Diet in Parkinson’s Disease" and the "Probiotic Treatment for Depression and Associated Mood Disorders in Parkinson's Disease" studies.
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| Check out our latest blog post titled "Architecture as part of the health ecosystem" to rethink how architecture can support human well-being. |
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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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