Pathways | BC Brain Wellness Program - Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health

BC Brain Wellness Program - Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health

Caregiver Support, Condition Specific Support, Mental Health - Adult & Senior, and Social / Recreational

Provided by Vancouver Coastal Health

Free wellness programming for brain health.

The centre offers evidence informed lifestyle and wellness programs for individuals living with chronic brain conditions, their care partners, and healthy agers. Offers free wellness programming. Classes include:

Brain Wellness Bookclub: A different book is discussed each month. Books are chosen by the club members. Online.
Exercise for Brain Wellness: This series of exercise classes is largely interval based, focusing on cardiovascular fitness, resistance and weight training, functional movement and flexibility. Classes are all 1 hour long. Everyone exercises at their own level and does what they feel able/comfortable to do. You will need space to move, a sturdy chair, a mat for floor work (if applicable) and a water bottle.
Musical Movements: Come engage musically with voice, body and mind. Online.
Art from the Heart: Visual arts can offer you a support system that honours your feelings, emotions and allows for needed time out. Creating art can also result in a sense of relief as well as give rise to positive mental states. Supplies needed, see list online.
Weekly Dose of Laughter: Join us each week as a small group of improvisors from Tightrope Impro Theatre offer a 1-hour interactive improv experience. We will connect with participants through storytelling, interactive games, conversation, music, movement and suggestions. Geared toward those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of Dementia, this class aims to be engaging, enjoyable, and stimulating - for anyone! Online.
Improv for Brain Health: Tightrope Impro Theatre teachers will lead participants through improvisation games and exercises to foster the skills of presence, listening, and spontaneity. This workshop series will help you cope with anxiety, fear and overthinking by celebrating failure and being in the moment. Online.
Think, Feel, Dance: In this class, you will experience of dance that instills confidence and grace, nourishes creative impulse, brings an awareness and enjoyment of dance through inclusive and supportive instruction. We explore the fundamentals of dancing, including balance, flexibility, movement sequencing, rhythm, spatial and aesthetic awareness. We use narrative, imagery, music, and community to engage our minds, hearts, and bodies in a joyful experience of movement expansion and creative enthusiasm. Classes provide opportunities to dance both seated and standing. Online.
Living Your Best With Emotional Resilience: In this series, participants will gain emotional awareness, relaxation and grounding tools, new communication skills, and connect with others who are also going through similar life experiences. This program is for participants who are keen on engaging in group discussions about self-identity, roles changes, emotional and mental health, social and familial support, and more. Online.
Mindfulness: Join a mindfulness expert to learn how you can incorporate mindfulness practices into your day in order to improve quality of life and your sense of well being. This is a 13 session course, with session content building on itself each session. Registration for all of the classes is required, and regular attendance is strongly suggested. Online.
Crafters for a Cause: Calling all crafters to come together once a month. Knit, crochet, needlepoint, sew, felt, pottery, card making, beading, drawing…anything goes and the sky is the limit! Meet other craft minded people, get inspired and learn from each other and pay it forward! We create individually, collect it together and then contribute it back to the community in a meaningful way. Online.
Word Wellness: These classes help you explore a new way to express and make time for your creative self. Online.
Return to Roots: Come and explore the possibilities with me as we journey through the wonders of the garden together! Online.
Artful Living: Join us as we discuss the creation of original visual art pieces and learn about great artists who did not let their disabilities define them. Online.
Yoga: Prior to registering for a yoga class please register for an assessment. Online.
Photography: In this unique class, you will learn the fundamentals of photography and experience the mindfulness that comes with taking a photo. You will have the opportunity to practice what you learn in class and to share, if you would like, with a welcoming community. Don’t have a camera? No problem! We will ensure that we teach you how to use whatever technology is available to you. No previous experience needed; beginners and advanced photographers welcome! Online.
Your Time: This program series is designed especially for care partners and family members of people with chronic brain conditions. It’s your time — to take a break from your responsibilities and do something meaningful for yourself. It offers care partners an opportunity to discover new things, explore and express your creativity, and connect with others who understand. The series includes a variety of classes to discover tools for managing daily life.
Care Partner Series: Join us for a 5 week care partner series that will provide the opportunity to gain the knowledge and confidence necessary to manage you and your relative’s future needs. Topics will include preparing for medical appointments and beyond, preparing for the unexpected, preparing for difficult conversations, preparing for the emotional rollercoaster, and being prepared by learning coping strategies as well as practical experiences for you and your relative to incorporate joy into your care partner relationship. Online.