In-Person Workshop: Songful Ushering in of Spring
Monday, April 27th, 1:15 PM to 2:45 PM at Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health
As birds and blossoms add sound and colour to this time of year, do you find yourself seeking fresh melodies of your own? Come join our music wellness facilitator, Cynthia Friesen, to explore tangible ways of leaning on songs as a practice of care for yourself and others. A chance to connect creatively awaits … we look forward to raising voices together! |
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Care Partner Celebration Event
May 4th, 1 PM to 3 PM at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health
Join us as we recognize National Caregiver Awareness Month and celebrate care partners in our BC Brain Wellness Community!
After meeting on Zoom exclusively, this is an opportunity to meet in person with people you have only met with virtually. We will create a space to connect and learn and be celebrated, with music, speakers (Energy Conservation and Fatigue Management for Care Partners), decadent refreshments and a few surprise treats! We will also have an adjacent supervised room for anyone who needs to bring the care receiver.
When you register, please register the care receiver for a spot as well. |
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Wellness Wednesday: "Living Well With Fatigue: How To Best Manage Your Energy"
May 6th from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Join us for our upcoming Wellness Wednesday with two of our Occupational Therapy students, Phylicia Lam and David Liira. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to daily activities, especially if fatigue is getting in the way of you enjoying your day. Energy conservation is about tuning into your body and environment to find smarter, more efficient ways to distribute your energy. In this session, you’ll learn practical, creative strategies to pace yourself, reduce fatigue, and stay engaged in the activities that matter most to you. |
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Special Event Series: Music, Movement, Mood, and Parkinson's
May 20th to May 22nd (multiple times and locations)
The BC Brain Wellness Program and the Consulate General of Switzerland in Vancouver warmly invite you to an immersive event series with Prof. Dr. Dawn Rose under the title "Music, Movement, Mood, and Parkinson’s". Dr. Rose is a visiting music psychologist, senior research professor, and musician based in Switzerland.
Check out the event series website to find more information and sign up for a hybrid webinar and two free in-person workshops.
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| Announcements and Updates |
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| Last Week of Term + Summer 2026 Classes |
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As you may be aware, this week will be the last week of classes for our current term!
Summer classes will run from May 4th to July 31st, and the program will be on a break during the month of August. Registration opens on April 27th at noon. |
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THANK YOU to all our UBC Giving Day donors!
Thank you to all the generous donors who supported the ongoing development and delivery of our program during last week's UBC Giving Day! Both our challenges have been unlocked, bringing our total to over $50,000 – which will directly help individuals and care partners thrive through community, education, and care. We greatly appreciate your support!
If you missed Giving Day and would like to contribute, we are still accepting donations that will count toward the campaign until the end of the month. |
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| Community Events and Resources |
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Celebrate Parkinson's Disease Awareness Day
Wednesday, April 15th from 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM
Join us in-person or online on April 15th to celebrate Parkinson’s Awareness Day! Learn about the exciting research happening at the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre, followed by a tai chi workshop led by Sandra Tjoa.
- Location: Rudy North Lecture Theatre, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (2215 Wesbrook Mall) or virtually via Zoom
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Repairing the Mind: The Future of Brain Injury Research and Recovery
Monday, April 20th, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at UBC Robson Square Theatre
Repairing the Mind brings together leading UBC researchers who are transforming how we detect, understand, and treat brain injuries and disorders. From simple blood tests that catch concussion and dementia earlier, to personalized treatments for spinal cord injuries, to new technologies that help patients communicate even when they appear unresponsive—this event will highlight how research is creating real possibilities for recovery. These breakthroughs are already reshaping how we support brain health through faster answers, more precise care, and renewed hope for patients and families.
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Movie Screening: Silver Screamers
Thursday, April 23rd, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
The Centre for Aging SMART is hosting a free public screening of the documentary Silver Screamers. The Centre for Aging SMART is hosting this event in partnership with the film's director, Sean Cisterna, who will be onsite for the panel portion of the event. A question and answer panel with research participants, geriatricians, and the film’s director will follow the screening.
Silver Screamers is a heartwarming and spine-tingling documentary that follows a group of spirited senior citizens as they embark on an extraordinary adventure far outside their comfort zones: creating a horror film.
Location: Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre Auditorium, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC
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| Brain Power Kitchen: Recipe Spotlight |
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| From our "Brain Power Kitchen" class, click below to find out how to make Mackerel Puttanesca and a Green Smoothie! |
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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 "How Puzzle Games Can Benefit Your Brain" to learn more about the power of neuroplasticity and how it can be leveraged through cognitive games. |
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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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