The following is a list of our planned education events at present. Those events indicating they are to be determined (TBD) will still require further arrangements with local groups, speakers and venues.
To view full details on an event or event type, click on the title of the event, and the area will expand to reveal further information.
Consider supporting Parkinson Society BC's educational events, exercise programs, and services with an annual membership. Learn more about becoming a member today!
SongShine with Sharon
Join Sharon Tomczyk, singer, songwriter, and vocal instructor from Esteem Vocals, as she facilitates our Spring SongShine series! Sharon will lead you through the SongShine program which is intended for those whose speech may be compromised due to Parkinson's. These six online classes focus on body awareness, relaxation and breath exercises, and vocal and singing activities to strengthen voices. Songs are progressively added throughout the six classes as attendees' comfort levels increase. SongShine provides great opportunities to improve your voice, create connection, and lift spirits.
We welcome all individuals with Parkinson's to this webinar, as well as their spouses and/or carepartners/caregivers, as they may benefit from learning more about the disease to assist in supporting their loved one.
| Dates: |
Thursdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, & 8 |
| Time: |
11:30am – 12:30pm |
| Capacity: |
50 |
| Cost: |
Free |
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Register
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Registration closes on Tuesday, March 2.
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Improv for Parkinson's Series: Laughter is the Best Medicine!
This course is designed to introduce students with Parkinson's disease (PD) to the foundations of improvisation and apply improv skills to life with PD. Participants will build community, learn new skills, work together, tell stories, and laugh!
We encourage family members and carepartners to attend with participants, as many games can be played at home after the class. No previous improv experience necessary.
There is a cost to PSBC to run this program. Registration is limited to 12 people. If you have registered for this event, we kindly ask that you commit to attending the full series. If you cannot commit, please contact us so that your spot can be made available to another individual.
| Dates: |
Wednesdays, April 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, & 19 |
| Time: |
11:00am – 12:00pm |
| Capacity: |
12 |
| Fees: |
This course is being provided free of charge to participants. As the cost to PSBC to run this program is $120 per person, donations are appreciated. |
Please note that registration for "Laughter is the best medicine" will be prioritized to those who have not participated in improv classes before. If you have participated in improv classes before please contact Courtney Doherty at cdoherty@parkinson.bc.ca to be added to the waitlist for this course.
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Register
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Registration closes on Wednesday, April 7.
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SongShine with Sharon
Join Sharon Tomczyk, singer, songwriter, and vocal instructor from Esteem Vocals, as she facilitates our Spring SongShine series! Sharon will lead you through the SongShine program which is intended for those whose speech may be compromised due to Parkinson’s. These six online classes focus on body awareness, relaxation and breath exercises, and vocal and singing activities to strengthen voices. Songs are progressively added throughout the six classes as attendees' comfort levels increase. SongShine provides great opportunities to improve your voice, create connection, and lift spirits.
We welcome all individuals with Parkinson's to this webinar, as well as their spouses and/or carepartners/caregivers, as they may benefit from learning more about the disease to assist in supporting their loved one.
| Dates: |
Thursdays, April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, & 20 |
| Time: |
11:30am – 12:30pm |
| Capacity: |
50 |
| Cost: |
Free |
|
Register
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Registration closes on Tuesday, April 13.
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Waitlisted Events
The events listed below are closed for registration. If you are interested in attending similar sessions in the future, please add your name to the waitlists linked beside the event of your choice. This will allow us to gauge future interest in the subject matter.
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Please note: Participation in the exercise programs listed below will be done at your own risk within your home. Please ensure you have the space needed to follow the exercises and that there are no obstacles or barriers in your way.
Parkinson Society BC (PSBC), and the instructors of the programs below, will not be held liable for accidents or incidents that may occur in your home. By participating in the exercise programs listed below, you are recognizing that risk of illness and/or injury may be inherent in any movement or exercise class and are participating with the express agreement of, and understanding that the program instructors, and Parkinson Society BC and its directors, officers, employees, partners, and agents are hereby released from any and all claims, costs, liabilities, expenses, or judgements associated with these exercise for Parkinson's programs.
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Boxing with Allie Series
Join Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) as occupational therapist, and the first Vancouver certified Rock Steady Boxing coach, Allie Saks, leads this 2-part exercise series! Learn basic boxing moves that will challenge your stamina, coordination, and balance.
The Rock Steady Boxing has been shown to decrease Parkinson’s disease symptoms, delay disease progression, and enhance one’s quality of life. No experience and no equipment is required to participate.
We welcome all individuals with Parkinson’s to this webinar, as well as their spouses and/or carepartners/caregivers, as they may benefit from learning more about the disease to assist in supporting their loved one.
| Dates: |
Fridays, February 26 & March 5 |
| Time: |
11:30am – 12:30pm |
| Capacity: |
500 |
| Cost: |
Free |
Registration is now closed. If you are interested in attending this exercise series, please add your name to our waitlist. If space is available, you will be registered for the next session automatically, and will receive appropriate login instructions.
Join Waitlist
Seated Exercise Circuit Series
Join PSBC’s own Shelly Yu, Neuro Physiotherapist, in a 3-week exercise series, which will be fully seated and moderately-paced. The exercise circuit will focus on producing big movements, challenging coordination, and increasing aerobic output.
No equipment is needed for the class other than a chair to sit in, preferably without arm rests.
We welcome all individuals with Parkinson’s to this webinar, as well as their spouses and/or carepartners/caregivers, as they may benefit from learning more about the disease to assist in supporting their loved one.
| Dates: |
Thursdays, March 11, 18, & 25 |
| Time: |
1:30pm – 2:30pm |
| Capacity: |
500 |
| Cost: |
Free |
|
Register
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Registration for this series closes on Tuesday, March 9.
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April Challenger
Let’s get moving! Kick-start Parkinson’s Awareness Month with the April Challenger! Join PSBC’s Shelly Yu, neuro physiotherapist, as she leads you through a fast-paced exercise series aimed at challenging your balance and coordination. Although this class is primarily a standing class, seated modifications will be given to be inclusive of all mobility levels.
Equipment needed for these classes includes:
- a small cushion or pillow
- two light-weight scarves or cloths
We welcome all individuals with Parkinson's to this webinar, as well as their spouses and/or carepartners/caregivers, as they may benefit from learning more about the disease to assist in supporting their loved one.
| Dates: |
Thursdays, April 1, 8, 15, & 22 |
| Time: |
1:30pm – 2:30pm |
| Capacity: |
500 |
| Cost: |
Free |
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Register
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Registration closes on Tuesday, March 30.
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Chair Yoga
Join Sheron Jutila as she brings a 4-week series of Hatha Yoga and Joint Freeing practices in a gentle seated class. The classes begin with breathing practices and body scans, followed by guided relaxation and calming practices, with stretching and strengthening poses. The class can be experienced sitting or standing using a chair as support. Options and variations will be offered so you can explore poses within your current range of motion and level of energy.
Equipment needed for these classes includes:
- a chair, preferably without armrests, and with no wheels (including locking wheels)
- other props, for stability or comfort, will be discussed as needed
We welcome all individuals with Parkinson's to this webinar, as well as their spouses and/or carepartners/caregivers, as they may benefit from learning more about the disease to assist in supporting their loved one.
| Dates: |
Thursdays, May 6, 13, 20, 27 |
| Time: |
1:30pm – 2:30pm |
| Capacity: |
500 |
| Cost: |
Free |
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Register
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Registration closes on Tuesday, May 4.
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March Symposium Series
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a unique and complex condition. Common areas of interest in managing Parkinson's include treatment options such as medications, surgical procedures, and non-pharmacological treatments such as exercise.
To assist in expanding your knowledge in these areas, Parkinson Society British Columbia will host three webinars in this symposium series to provide the PD community the opportunity to learn from leading experts.
Please note, separate registration is required for each session.
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New Technologies for Parkinson's Disease
Dr. Martin McKeown, Movement Disorder Specialist
Wednesday, March 10
Registration closes on Wednesday, March 3.
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Falls Prevention in Parkinson's DiseaseDr. Naaz Parmar, GeriatricianMonday, March 15 Registration closes on Wednesday, March 10.
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Mental Health in Parkinson's DiseaseCourtney Doherty, Clinical CounsellorTuesday, March 30 Registration closes on Wednesday, March 24.
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Parkinson's Support Groups
Young Onset Parkinson's Disease (YOPD) Support Group
Parkinson Society British Columbia is offering an online YOPD support group. This group is meant for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's under the age of 60.
A valid internet connection will be required to participate. Meeting on Zoom.
2nd Tuesday of each month
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Register
New Diagnosis Support Group
Parkinson Society British Columbia is offering an online support group for those newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who wish to get connected with the Parkinson's community and find community while adjusting to their diagnosis.
A valid internet connection will be required to participate. Meeting on Zoom.
1st Tuesday of each month
1:30 pm –3:00 pm
Register Now
Parkinson's Disease Support Group
In an effort to practice social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak, many support groups have cancelled meetings until further notice. As a substitute, we have started a new weekly online support group for the Parkinson’s community to help stay connected and support each other during this time.
A valid internet connection will be required to participate. Meeting on Zoom.
1st Friday of each month
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Register Now
Caregiving & Bereavement Support Groups
Early to Mid-Stage Parkinson's Carepartner Support Group
This monthly online support group is geared for individuals caring for someone with early to mid-stage Parkinson's disease. Whether you are a spouse, partner, adult child, or friend, Parkinson Society British Columbia invites you to join our growing online community of support.
A valid internet connection will be required to participate. Meeting on Zoom.
3rd Wednesday of each month
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Register Now
Advanced Parkinson's Carepartner Support Group
This new monthly online support group is designed for individuals caring for someone with advanced Parkinson's disease, which can be characterized by complex medical needs and/or changes in cognition that require help in almost all areas of daily life.
Whether you are a spouse, partner, adult child, or friend, Parkinson Society British Columbia invites you to join our growing online community fostering connection with others who share similar experiences.
A valid internet connection will be required to participate. Meeting on Zoom.
4th Thursday of each month
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Register Now
Bereavement Support Group
When a loved one passes away, it is one of life's most difficult experiences. Rebuilding your life after the loss of a loved one is a journey of healing that requires a combination of love, support, and time. It may bring hope and comfort to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges, and who can relate to your confusion and pain.
The professionally facilitated Bereavement Support Group, is offered by Parkinson Society BC by Zoom, and is open to anyone who is dealing with the challenges of loss and grief. The group will meet every second week on Tuesdays at 1:00pm.
A valid internet connection will be required to participate. Meeting on Zoom.
Every second Tuesday, starting February 23
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Register Now
The following list includes upcoming events, resources, and programs from other organizations, which may be of interest to our community.