In-Person Workshop: Dancing with Parkinson's Community Class
Tuesday, March 31st and April 7th from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (in-person)
In collaboration with Dancing with Parkinson's Canada and Inverso Productions, we have been running a multi week dance class series, open for not just those living with Parkinson's but anyone who would like to participate. Instructed by choreographer, educator and Artistic Director Lesley Telford, participants will be invited to experience the joy and benefits of moving together to music.
Details
- Location: Jarislowsky Studio at Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie Street, Vancouver
- Upcoming workshop dates: Mar 31, Apr 07
|
|
|
In-Person Workshop: Dancing With Parkinson's Community Class (10-Week Series)
Tuesdays, April 14 to June 16th, 10:45 AM to 11:45AM (in-person)
Following our collaboration with Dancing with Parkinson's and Inverso Productions, we are now launching another ten week series to continue these in-person dance classes. As previous, these classes are open for not just those living with Parkinson's but anyone who would like to participate. Participants will be invited to experience the joy and benefits of moving together to music.
Details
- Location: Birmingham Studio (3rd Floor) at Scotiabank Dance Centre
- When: Every Tuesday (April 14th to June 16th), 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
- Free of cost!
|
|
Research Seminar Series: "The Role of Dietary Fats in Brain Health"
Wednesday, April 8th, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (online)
Next month, Dr. Kendra Furber will present about age-related cognitive decline as associated with changes in white matter structures, which are the nerve tracts that connect different areas of the brain, and the biological role of different fats in brain function. She will discuss how different dietary fats influence the lipid species found in the brain and how this relates to healthy brain aging. |
|
Virtual Workshop: Creative Reset Session
Tuesday, April 14th, 2:30 PM to 4 PM (online)
When life feels heavy or hurried, sometimes the best thing we can do is pause, breathe, and create. Led by Dr. Bonnie Nish, this Creative Reset Session will offer a quiet, nurturing space to reconnect with yourself and your imagination. Through expressive arts—movement, writing, drawing, and sound—you will explore, reflect, and release tension using materials you already have at home. No special supplies or experience are needed—just curiosity and openness. |
|
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! |
|
| Announcements and Updates |
|
|
UBC Giving Day on April 8th
The BC Brain Wellness Program will be featured again at UBC Giving Day! We rely entirely on donations, making this fundraising event crucial for our program. With your support, we aim to surpass last year’s $60,000 goal, enabling us to enhance the development and delivery of classes and educational opportunities.
We are thrilled and grateful to announce two Challenge Sponsors. We appreciate and count on your support in unlocking these generous gifts.
The BC Brain Wellness Donor Challenge
When 50 donors give to BC Brain Wellness on April 8, a gift of $10,000 from William Mathieson will be unlocked.
The BC Brain Wellness $100 Challenge
When 30 donors give $100+ to BC Brain Wellness on April 8, a gift of $5,000 from an anonymous donor will be unlocked.
On UBC Giving Day, what matters most is that you get involved! Give what you can. Share with your network. And challenge others to do the same. Donate now to kickstart a successful UBC Giving Day!
|
|
| Vote for the Connecting the Community Award
As we announced in our last newsletter, BWP's Co-Director Sally was nominated for the YWCA BC Women of Distinction Awards. Additionally, each nominee is eligible to win the "Connecting the Community Award", which is selected via public online voting. Each nominee has chosen an advocacy area that matters to them for a chance to direct a $10,000 donation, courtesy of Scotiabank, to the area of their choice.
Don't miss out on this chance to cast your vote! Voting will officially close on April 1 at 12:00 PM.
|
|
Celebrate Parkinson's Disease Awareness Day
April 15th, 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM (hybrid)
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
Find our more and register via the button below. |
|
Care Partner Celebration Event
May 4th, 1 PM to 3 PM at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health
In the spirit of National Caregiver Month, we will host an in-person event on May 4th to celebrate care partners in the BWP community. This will replace the regular monthly caregiving workshop. More information to come! |
|
| Community Events and Resources |
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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
|
|
Join the Helena Choir
The Helena Choir is a new choral program which will be launching in April, led by Choral Director and BWP's Creative Expressive Team Lead Cynthia Friesen. Based in Vancouver, this in-person choir will be a weekly community program which seeks to foster connection through the joy of music in an intergenerational environment. Fill out the form on their website if you are interested in joining. All singing levels are welcome! |
|
| Brain Power Kitchen: Recipe Spotlight |
|
| From our "Gluten-Free, Empower Me" class, click below to find out how to make black bean chocolate cake with chocolate yogurt frosting and falafels. |
|
| 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.
|
|
| 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. |
|
| 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.
|
|
| 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.
|
|
|
|
