BC Brain Wellness Program 

Dr. Matt Sacheli Departure 
After a highly successful tenure as our Program Manager, Dr. Matt Sacheli and his family are leaving Vancouver for a management position at the Regional Geriatric Program of Eastern Ontario at the Ottawa Hospital. The move is a family decision, given the unsustainable rise of the cost of living in Vancouver but will also enable them to be closer to family on the east coast. Matt’s last day with the BC Brain Wellness Program will be December 8, 2023.

DSLR Beginner Photography Workshop

Registration is open for the DSLR Beginner Photography Workshop. In this workshop, you will learn the fundamentals of photography using a DSLR camera. No previous experience needed. We will learn this material in 3 sessions (November 20, 27, December 4). This workshop will be followed up by a DSLR Photography Sharing session on December 11th.

Research Seminar Series: Opera's Effect on Brain and Cognition
December 6, 2023, 12:00pm - 1:00pm PST

Join us with Dr. Lara Boyd as she will provide an overview of the impact of music on the brain. She will then summarize recent research assessing the impact of Opera on brain function and cognition.

In collaboration with UBC Bodyworks, we are currently offering in-person exercise classes at UBC. These classes focus on evidence-based, multimodal exercises that are taught by qualified instructors and supported by UBC Kinesiology students. Each class contains a mix of strength, balance, aerobic, and agility exercises with a focus on functional movements. This exercise program is designed for individuals with chronic neurological conditions; however, the classes are not condition-specific. Rather, the exercises have been selected with a variety of conditions in mind, and instructors can provide individual modifications.
Classes run on Tuesdays and Thursdays at various times and cost $10 each. Please note that in order to participate in these classes you must be able to:

• Commute to UBC Campus
• Walk 50 metres with or without a gait aid
• Stand for 15 minutes
• Get on and off the floor

If you are interested in participating in BC Brain Wellness Program In-person exercise classes respond to the following questions:
https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b33u7GOcXXdXpUa

The Fitness and Mobility (FAME) Exercise Program is an evidence-based exercise class that was originally developed for those recovering from a stroke, but has since been expanded to include other neurological conditions that affect balance and mobility. FAME classes run at UBC Bodyworks on Mondays and Wednesdays at 1 and 2 PM. Each class costs $10. 
Please note that in order to participate in FAME classes participants must be able to:

• Commute to UBC Campus
• Walk 10 metres with or without a gait aid
• Stand for 5 minutes

If you are interested in participating in FAME Exercise classes, please respond to the following questions:
https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bINqDhJ21uYfbdY

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the hybrid Wellness Wednesday series with Dr. Mark Williams earlier in the month. We had a very successful event with both an in-person and online audience, and it was wonderful to see the engagement throughout Dr. Williams’ talk and mindfulness practice. During his presentation, he mentioned some helpful resources and authors of relevant materials. This list can now be found on our website with the video recording of the event.

Promoting mental health literacy, reducing stigma, reflecting on diverse perspectives and experiences of mental health, creating a supportive campus culture, and ensuring our community has the resources to help them understand mental health issues, and improve coping skills and build resilience, are key to building mental health and to living, learning, and working well— this is what Thrive is all about! Ready to dive into Thrive? Check out the events throughout November to help support and maintain your mental health. 

It pays to do your taxes! Register for a free webinar 

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is hosting an interactive webinar to share information on the: 

1. Disability Tax Credit (DTC) 
2. Child disability benefit (CDB) 
3. Canada workers benefit (CWB) disability supplement 
4. registered disability savings plan (RDSP) and Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) 
5. Canada caregiver credit (CCC) 
6. ways to do your taxes and other CRA services 

You will be able to ask questions and we will be answering them during the event. 

Review current research opportunities with the BC Brain Wellness Program.

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.