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!
Drumming for Parkinson's Series
Doug Pickard, REMO Health Rhythms Facilitator and Rock Steady Boxing Affiliate Owner, leads a six-week drumming class for Parkinson's.
Express your feelings with easy-to-follow beats and rhythms, and add drumming to your toolbox of therapies and self-management strategies! Studies have shown that the rhythmic sound and movement of drumming may help improve motor skills, mood, and cognition in people with Parkinson's.
This series will apply the REMO Health Rhythms protocol — a holistic and evidence-based program for healthy, non-strenuous workout with a focus on socialization. One of the main goals of Health Rhythms is to understand the mind-body connection in the context of music-making. Doug and his colleagues are adapting this program to target the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
We welcome all people with Parkinson's disease and their carepartners to these classes. Registrants are encouraged to commit to the full series, as each session will build on skills and techniques introduced weekly. No musical experience is necessary.
| February & March 2022 Sessions |
| Dates: |
Wednesdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2 & 9 |
| Time: |
2:00pm – 3:00pm PT |
| Capacity: |
50 |
| Cost: |
Free |
Register
| March & April 2022 Sessions |
| Dates: |
Wednesdays, March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13 & 20 |
| Time: |
2:00pm – 3:00pm PT |
| Capacity: |
50 |
| Cost: |
Free |
Register
SongShine with Joani
This program harnesses the power of the brain, breath, and emotion to reclaim voices. Joani Bye will engage participants in six uplifting sessions of SongShine, a program using singing, breath work, diction, articulation, and creative imagination exercises to strengthen voices affected by Parkinson's or other neurological challenges. SongShine's goal is to help you communicate more easily and clearly, while facilitating a sense of community, camaraderie, and confidence in the process!
Join Joani for immersive, holistic, and fun sessions that will include the following:
- Singing favorite songs
- Relaxation
- Breathing exercises
- Tongue exercises (for articulation and swallowing)
- Linguistic and vocal instruction
- Imagination exercises
We welcome all individuals with Parkinson's to this webinar series, as well as their spouses and/or carepartners, as they may benefit from learning more about the disease to assist in supporting their loved one.
| November & December 2021 Sessions |
| Dates: |
Thursdays, November 4, 18, 25, December 2, 9, & 16 |
| Time: |
10:00am – 11:00am PT |
| Capacity: |
50 |
| Fee: |
Free |
Register
| February & March 2022 Sessions |
| Dates: |
Thursdays, February 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3 & 10 |
| Time: |
10:00am – 11:00am PT |
| Capacity: |
50 |
| Fee: |
Free |
Register
| March & April 2022 Sessions |
| Dates: |
Thursdays, March 17, 24, 31, April 7, 14 & 21 |
| Time: |
10:00am – 11:00am PT |
| Capacity: |
50 |
| Fee: |
Free |
Register
Virtual Gardening Group
Get together with other green thumbs and connect with nature! Gardening is a relaxing and healthy way for people affected by Parkinson's to exercise, with the potential for improving hand dexterity and tremors.
Join our Virtual Gardening Group for an opportunity to socialize and share gardening tips and tricks. This group is open to those who want to learn more about gardening, as well as share their gardening knowledge, projects, and pictures.
No experience is required. Both beginners and those with more experience are welcome to attend.
| Dates: |
Every 2nd and 4th Thursday, March 10 – September 22 |
| Time: |
11:30am – 12:30pm PT |
| Capacity: |
25 |
| Fee: |
Free |
Register
|
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.
|
Dance the Holidays
Dancing begins with our spirit! Enjoy dancing through the winter weeks with holiday music and movement that will inspire, guide, and organize the body-mind connection to create a joyful practice of mobility, balance, coordination, and imaginative playfulness. Megan Walker Straight has been teaching Dance for Parkinson's classes throughout the Lower Mainland since 2015. She is affiliated with the Brooklyn Parkinson's Dance Group / Mark Morris Dance Group and is Dance faculty at SFU's School for Contemporary Arts. Join Megan in using themes of the winter holiday season to explore and expand both the physical and expressive landscape of movement and gesture. No previous dance experience is required.
We welcome all individuals with Parkinson’s to this webinar, as well as their spouses and/or carepartners/caregivers. If you are participating in the class as a couple/household, only one registration is required.
| Dates: |
Thursdays, November 18, 25, December 2, 9 & 16 |
| Time: |
2:30pm – 3:30pm PT |
| Cost: |
Free |
Register
PD Warrior 10 Week Challenge
Ring in the new year with PD Warrior’s signature program, the 10 Week Challenge! PD Warrior is a Parkinson’s-specific exercise program based on the principle of neuroplasticity and is designed to help you live better with Parkinson’s. The 10 Week Challenge is a moderate- to high-intensity exercise program suitable for those who are able to walk independently with or without a walking aid, as well as follow verbal and visual instructions. The program will use a variety of physical and cognitive activities to challenge your stamina, strength, balance, and dual-tasking abilities.
To get the most out of the program, the 10 Week Challenge requires participants to:
- complete two individualized exercises daily (determined during initial consultation)
- partake in a weekly one-hour group exercise class
To participate in the 10 Week Challenge, an initial consultation session with physiotherapist, Shelly Yu, is necessary to determine eligibility and safety, as well as to obtain an individualized exercise program to complement the weekly group exercise class.
No equipment is needed. For more information, please visit www.pdwarrior.com
Are you up for the challenge?
| Dates: |
Tuesdays, January 4, 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22, March 1 & 8 |
| Time: |
1:00pm – 2:00pm PT |
| Capacity: |
30 |
| Cost: |
Free |
Important: Please contact syu@parkinson.bc.ca or call 1-800-668-3330 ext. 232 to register. Registration is available through Wednesday, December 22.
Parkinson's Pilates
Join Parkinson Society BC's own neuro physiotherapist and APPI-Pilates (The Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute) trained instructor, Shelly Yu, for four weeks of morning Pilates! Pilates is a great low-impact form of exercise, which can help improve mobility, posture, and balance, and reduce fall risk. This series will explore gentle yet challenging movements in both sitting and lying positions.
All exercises will be done on a couch, starting while seated and then moving into a lying position. Focus will be given on breath, form, posture, and muscle activation in the arms, legs, and trunk. No prior experience or equipment are required. If you have trouble transferring from a sitting to lying position, you may wish to have a support person present to assist.
| Dates: |
Thursdays, January 6, 13, 20 & 27 |
| Time: |
11:30am – 12:30pm PT |
| Cost: |
Free |
Register
Global Symposium Series
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex and diverse condition. To assist in expanding your knowledge of PD, Parkinson Society British Columbia will be hosting three webinars in this symposium series, featuring talks from global experts.
|
Environmental Pollutants & Parkinson's
Dr. Bas Bloem, Movement Disorder Specialist
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
|
|
Thank you to our Global Symposium Series sponsor:
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 PT
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 PT
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 PT
Register Now
Bereavement Support Group for People with Parkinson's
Rebuilding your life after the loss of a loved one is a journey of healing that requires the combination of love, support and time. Dealing with the challenges of Parkinson's disease as well as your grief, can contribute to feeling even more alone and alienated. It can be very comforting in those darker times to be with others who are experiencing some of the same challenges and who understand your confusion and pain. Meeting others who are beginning to experience some of the joy of life again can be can bring hope, if you have yet to experience it.
The professionally facilitated Bereavement Support Group for PwP, is offered by Parkinson Society BC by Zoom, and is open to anyone who has Parkinson's and is dealing with the challenges of grief and loss. The group will meet the third Wednesday of each month at 11:00am.
A valid internet connection will be required to participate. Meeting on Zoom.
3rd Wednesday of each month
11:00 am – 12:30 pm PT
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 PT
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
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm PT
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.
2nd Tuesday of each month
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm PT
Register Now
The following list includes upcoming events, resources, and programs from other organizations, which may be of interest to our community.