In-Person Workshop: Thank You Card Designing
Monday, March 23rd, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM (in-person)
In preparation for UBC Giving Day, we will be decorating cards which will be used to thank our donors for their generous support of our program and showcase the artwork of our participants. There will be no instructor and all materials will be provided (though you are welcome to bring your own). |
|
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
|
|
 |
| Input caption text here. Use the block's Settings tab to change the caption position and set other styles. |
|
|
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. Instructed by Lesley Telford, 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 offers a quiet, nurturing space to reconnect with yourself and your imagination. Through expressive arts—movement, writing, drawing, and sound—you’ll explore, reflect, and release tension using materials you already have at home. No special supplies or experience are needed—just curiosity and openness. |
|
| Announcements and Updates |
|
Congratulations, Sally!
Our Co-Director, Sally-Anne Stelling has recently been nominated by the YWCA BC Women of Distinction Awards for her extraordinary contributions to advancing evidence-informed informed exercise and education initiatives in brain wellness. Thank you for all your work and dedication! |
|
Nutrition Moments
Nutrition Moments is a collaboration between the BC Brain Wellness Program and UBC Dietetics in which dietetics students share nutrition information and actionable tips at the start of our exercise classes. These brief educational segments cover various nutrition topics, providing quick insights into healthy eating and lifestyle habits. |
|
Cognitive Health Screening
Are you concerned about memory decline or cognitive impairment and would like a cognitive health check-up? The UBC Department of Neuropsychology in conjunction with the BC Brain Wellness Program will be offering in-person cognitive health screenings at UBC this summer. There are limited appointments available, so please register by March 31st. |
|
|
Save the Date: 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. Your participation is vital to our success.
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!
|
|
Save the Date: 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. |
|
|
Creative Collective Call for New Participants
We are currently recruiting participants to join the Creative Collective. The Creative Collective initiative aims to spotlight art created by members of the BC BWP community. Art can be anything from pottery, paintings, photographs, poetry, recipes, gardening arrangements and so much more… we would love to see it all!
The project highlights the importance of creative expression in brain wellness and hopes to encourage more people to use art as a form of healthy expression, relaxation, coping and growth. Check out past participants and their inspiring stories and creative work via the button below.
If you have any questions, please email brain.wellness@ubc.ca with the subject line “Creative Collective”. If you would like to submit your creative expression work, please fill out the questionnaire linked on the website and we will get in contact with you. 
|
|
| Community Events and Resources |
|
Repairing the Mind: The Future of Brain Injury Research and Recovery
Monday, April 20, 6:00-9:00pm
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. |
|
Join the Helena Choir
The Helena Choir is a new choral program which will be launching this spring, 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 "Friendly Diabetic Cooking" class, click below to find out how to make banana zucchini muffins and greek chicken, kale, and sweet potato stew. |
|
| 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 two latest blog posts!
- Read "Music and Brain Health" to learn how music acts as a comprehensive “brain gym”, activating almost every region to improve cognition, mood, and even memory.
- Read "Long-time B.C. creatives are bridging artistry with healthy aging" to hear inspiring stories from six members of our Creative Collective and how they have used art to aid healthy aging.
|
|
| 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.
|
|
|
|
