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 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 and Mary 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.
| June Sessions |
| Dates: |
Wednesdays, June 2, 9, 16, 30, July 7, & 14 |
| Time: |
12:30pm – 1:30pm PT |
| Capacity: |
50 |
| Cost: |
Free |
| |
Registration is now closed.
|
| July Sessions |
| Dates: |
Wednesdays, July 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18, & 25 |
| Time: |
12:30pm – 1:30pm PT |
| Capacity: |
50 |
| Cost: |
Free |
|
Register
|
Registration closes on Wednesday, July 14.
|
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, July 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, & 18 |
| Time: |
11:00am – 12:00pm PT |
| Capacity: |
12 |
| Cost: |
Free |
|
Register
|
Registration closes on Wednesday, July 7.
|
Virtual Gardening Group
Summer is here, and it's the perfect time for green thumbs to get together 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, led by Linda Boehm, for an opportunity to socialize and share gardening tips and tricks. Linda Boehm is a gardener with 20 years’ experience, who has a special interest in ornamental gardening. 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: |
Thursdays, July 15 & 29 and August 12 & 26 |
| Time: |
10:30am – 11:30am PT |
| Cost: |
Free |
|
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.
|
Dancing with Latin Rhythms
Come explore Latin rhythm and movement in a fun and creative dance series led by Dance for PD certified choreographer, Trina Frometa. Through a joyful and non-judgemental process, dancers learn to enhance awareness of grace while focusing on Parkinson's-specific concerns such as balance, flexibility, coordination, gait, and posture. All you need is yourself and some space to move around. No previous dance experience is required.
| Dates: |
Thursdays, June 3, 10, 17, & 24 |
| Time: |
1:00pm – 2:00pm PT |
| Capacity: |
50 |
| Cost: |
Free |
| |
Registration is now closed.
|
Balance & Falls Prevention Exercise Class
Join PSBC’s Shelly Yu, neuro physiotherapist, for this 8-week balance and falls prevention exercise class. Exercises in this series will focus on lower extremity strength, and agility-type activities required for falls prevention, like multidirectional stepping and weight shifting.
All exercises will be done in a standing position in order to simulate real-life scenarios. However, participants are welcome to hold on to a chair or table for support as needed. No equipment is needed for the class.
| Dates: |
Tuesdays, June 8, 15, 22, 29, July 6, 13, 20, & 27 |
| Time: |
11:30am – 12:30pm PT |
| Capacity: |
500 |
| Cost: |
Free |
Laughter Yoga
Join Kathryn Kimmins, Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher, as she leads you through laughter exercises to boost good health! Living with a chronic illness such as Parkinson’s can negatively impact one’s mood and stress levels. Research shows that laughter can help combat low mood and manage stress, which can improve Parkinson’s symptoms.
Laughter positively connects us with others, can reduce the level of stress hormones such as cortisol and increase mood enhancing hormones such as endorphins. Physical benefits linked to laughter include exercising the diaphragm, abdominal muscles, and shoulders which leaves you physically relaxed.
| Date: |
Thursday, July 15 |
| Time: |
1:00pm – 1:45pm PT |
| Capacity: |
100 |
| Cost: |
Free |
|
Register
|
Registration closes on Tuesday, July 13.
|
Tai Chi for Beginners
Embrace your mind, body, and spirit with low-impact, slow motion exercise. Tai Chi, often referred to as "meditation in motion," is an ancient Chinese martial art practice that improves strength, flexibility, balance, and overall health. Join us for 5 classes of gentle movements and stretches with experienced instructor, Sylvia Davis. No prior experience is required.
| Dates: |
Tuesdays, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 |
| Time: |
1:00pm – 2:00pm PT |
| Capacity: |
200 |
| Cost: |
Free |
|
Register
|
Registration closes on Wednesday, July 28.
|
Stretch & Strengthen: Low Impact Exercise Series
Stretch & Strengthen is a low-impact exercise series led by PSBC's own neuro physiotherapist, Shelly Yu, designed for those who prefer a slow-paced class. Exercises will start in a seated position and progress to standing, although there is an option to remain seated for the duration of the class. Participants can expect to focus on ranges of movement of the trunk, upper limbs, and lower limbs, in a strength-controlled manner. No equipment is needed for the class.
| Dates: |
Thursdays, August 5, 12, 19, & 26 |
| Time: |
11:30am – 12:30pm PT |
| Capacity: |
500 |
| Cost: |
Free |
|
Register
|
Registration closes on Tuesday, July 13.
|
Ask the Expert Webinar: Balancing Health, Family, & Work for People with YOPD
Parkinson’s disease is a unique and complex condition. On top of the complexities of PD, individuals diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) face unique challenges that can be overwhelming.
YOPD was not part of your life plan. Yet now you are faced with managing your health, your work demands, and life's responsibilities. In this webinar, Clinical Social Worker at Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre, Elaine Book, will discuss some challenges and possible solutions that will create more balance in your daily experience.
This webinar will be offered through the YOPD Support Group and is open to non-support group members as well.
Please note: both YOPD Support Group members and non-members must register for this event to reserve a spot.
We welcome all individuals with YOPD 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: |
Tuesday, July 13 |
| Time: |
7:00pm – 8:00pm PT |
| Capacity: |
500 |
| Cost: |
Free |
|
Register
|
Registration closes on Tuesday, July 13.
|
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.