Parkinson Wellness Projects
ABOUT PARKINSON WELLNESS PROJECTS
Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been living with Parkinson’s for years, PWP offers programs and resources to support you, your care partners, and family. You are not alone.
PWP empowers, improves function, and increases quality of life for those affected by Parkinson’s, through our evidence-based fitness classes, support groups, specialized counselling, and education programs. We offer a place for people living with Parkinson's to participate in leading-edge exercise programs, to share, and to be supported.
25
Classes offered in person and virtually
700+
Registered participants
6
Support groups available for participants and care partners
Meet others on the same journey.
We offer a welcoming, supportive environment where we focus on functional movement, balance, strength, endurance, and cognition. From boxing to dance to yoga, we have a fun-filled program for you. Our trained professionals are here to help you select classes and programs that are best suited to your needs and interests.
Get involved
Our exercise classes focus on functional movement, balance, strength, endurance, and cognition.
Research shows that when taken at the appropriate level, these specialized programs can slow the progression of Parkinson’s, helping participants maintain or improve their ability to perform daily tasks—better equipping people with Parkinson’s to live the life they love.
Learn about your diagnosis
Sign up for the Newly Diagnosed Educational Series. The series will be facilitated by our Executive Director and PWR! Therapist, Bailey Martin, and our very own counsellor, Dr. Linda Franchi.
This series, intended for people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the past two years, will increase participants’ knowledge about Parkinson’s disease and help them to connect with others who are at a similar stage in your Parkinson’s journey.
Share your story
Your mental and emotional health are just as important as your physical health, and PWP is here to help. People who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease experience physical discomfort and pain, as well as considerable psychological distress, isolation, and apathy.
We offer non-crisis, short term counselling for people with Parkinson’s, their care partners, and family.
Learn more about our programs and services
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To ensure that we are providing effective and safe programs, our classes are divided into four levels designated by numbers. When you’re ready to join our classes, book an in-person or virtual assessment to determine what level best suits your needs.
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Navigating a Parkinson’s diagnosis can be complicated and overwhelming. PWP is dedicated to providing you access to seminars and educational series that cover a variety of topics to enhance your understanding of living with Parkinson’s disease, such as speech language pathology, new diagnoses, medication, etc.
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PWP offers limited-time, seasonal classes outside of our regular class schedule for participants who are looking to get the most out of our exercise programs.
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PWP support groups provide opportunities for participants to share personal experiences and feelings, coping strategies, or firsthand information about medication, exercise, or other treatments. Each group is led by a facilitator with Parkinson’s or a care partner.
“I was directed to PWP by my neurologist after my recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. From the moment I set foot in the door I have felt welcomed and supported. The class instructors are earth angels, and I almost always come away from a class having learned an interesting or useful piece of information about living with PD. My fellow participants have taken me under their wing, and they are all just so kind. It’s truly a place where there is no judgement and where I know that I am not on this journey alone.”
— Heather M. (Participant)
READY TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP?
Meet our kinesiologist for an assessment today!
Parkinson Wellness Projects is funded by donations and grants.
Donate today to help ensure we can provide the best programs and services for our participants.
A $100 monthly donation can cover the costs of exercises classes for one person every month.
Become a xxxxdonorxxxx
Every ounce of generosity matters! Your donation ensures we can provide leading edge, evidence-based programs and services for people with Parkinson’s disease.
Plan a special fundraising event
Make an impact by hosting an event or fundraiser for PWP. Share your passion and contribution with your friends, family, and colleagues.
Here’s how you can help
Become a monthly donor
Help us plan our future by donating on a monthly basis. Your ongoing commitment provides a funding stream that we can count on.
Become a corporate sponsor
Collaboration with corporate partners is key to our success. We seek values-aligned opportunities to support each other's goals.
Planned and legacy giving
A planned and legacy gift is an incredibly generous way to ensure our long-term success and the continuation of our programs and services.
Volunteer at xxxxPWPxzxzx
Make an impact by volunteering at PWP or at one of our fundraising events.
Upcoming events
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Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) Virtual Chat
We know that Parkinson’s can be diagnosed in your 40’s and 50’s (and even earlier). We also know that many of you are still working or have young children at home and can’t make our regular scheduled classes and support groups. Or maybe you’re just not ready. Whatever the reason, we know the importance of social connection and we want you to have the opportunity to connect with others who are at a similar stage in life. We invite you to join us virtually on Thursday, February 13 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, as PWP’s Community Counsellor, Dr. Linda Franchi, facilitates this opportunity to connect with your peers.
*Registration is mandatory, and spots are limited. Please contact PWP with any questions or to register by calling 250-360-6800 or email info@parkinsonwellness.ca.
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Cognition & Dexterity: Mind, Body, and Soul – the Extra Bits with Lisa Macquisten
Beginning January 2025, we will be offering Cognition & Dexterity with Lisa on the first Friday of every month! The first class will be on Friday, January 3 @ 11:15 am – 12:45 pm. This all-levels seated class focuses on the non-exercise components that are important for daily living. While we can’t help but throw in some stretches and a bit of movement, the focus of this class will be on nourishing the mind through cognitive activities, conditioning the smaller body parts through dexterity tasks and vocal exercises, and always leaving you with enrichment for your soul while building fun social connections.
*Registration is mandatory, and spots are limited. Please contact PWP with any questions or to register by calling 250-360-6800 or email info@parkinsonwellness.ca.
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Medication Management
Back with 3 NEW sessions!
This online series was developed in collaboration with PWP and the BRAIN Team at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia.
Pharmacy students will be facilitating medication support groups under the supervision of registered pharmacists that have experience working with patients with Parkinson disease (PD).
These sessions are open to anyone interested in learning more about PD and medication. There will be a total of three sessions. Each session will be 1 hour long and involve an education segment followed by a Q & A period where you will have the opportunity to ask medication-related questions.
Please join registered pharmacists Amy Tran and Larry Leung for the following sessions:
Medication Management of Insomnia in PD on Saturday, March 1 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Medication Management of GI Disturbance in PD on Saturday, March 22 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Medication Management of Cognitive Impairment in PD on Saturday, March 29 @ 10:00 am – 11: 00 am
*You can register for one, or all of the sessions in the series here. -
Tip of the Tongue: When You Can’t Find the Words
Join Jasmine Cload, Speech Language Pathologist (SLP), on Wednesday, March 5 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm as she continues her virtual series! This session is dedicated to participants who are experiencing word-finding difficulty or cognitive changes. It can be frustrating when we know what we want to say, but we can’t get the words out. Participants will learn valuable skills and exercises that can improve communicative success and participation!
Visit us
202-2680 Blanshard St
Victoria, BC V8T 5E1
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:30am–4:30pm
Phone
250-360-6800