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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Your Questions Answered: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Join us Monday, April 22 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, as we welcome Dr. Kieran Tuck, Neurologist and Movement Disorder Specialist, to discuss DBS. This informative webinar will cover what DBS is, who is a good candidate, what to expect, and what to do if you’re interested in getting DBS. There will be time for a Q & A period, so have your questions ready.
DBS is a surgical therapy most often used to treat the movement symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and certain side effects caused by medications. It may also improve some non-motor symptoms, including sleep, pain, and urinary urgency.
*Registration is mandatory.
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Parkinson's Newly Diagnosed Educational Series
Here we go again! This 4-week virtual series will run every Tuesday @ 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, starting on April 30 and finishing on May 21. Facilitated by our Executive Director and PWR! Therapist, Bailey Martin, and our very own counsellor, Dr. Linda Franchi, this series will increase your knowledge about Parkinson's disease and help you connect with others who are at a similar stage in their Parkinson's journey. We will discuss symptoms and treatment, exercise prescription, emotional changes and coming to terms with your Parkinson’s diagnosis. Exploring the importance of finding purpose and meaning after a Parkinson's diagnosis is essential to well-being.
*Registration is mandatory, and space is limited. Participation requires that you have been diagnosed within the past two years. To register please contact PWP at 250-360-6800 or info@parkinsonwellness.ca.
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Did You Hear? PD Can Change Your Voice!
Join Jasmine Cload, Speech Language Pathologist (SLP), on Saturday, May 11 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm as she continues her virtual series! People with PD have important things to say, and voice difficulties shouldn’t hold them back. Participants will learn an introduction to vocal anatomy, and the impact of PD on speech and voice. Participants will also gain valuable insight into their treatment options, and ways they can start protecting their voice today! This is the perfect introductory session for participants who may be unfamiliar with SLP and our role in PD. Participants will gain an understanding of SLP options, enabling them to make informed decisions about the care they want.
SLP virtual seminars are offered on the first Saturday of each month! In the event of a holiday, the seminar will be rescheduled for the following Saturday. This session has been rescheduled to allow participants to attend the Parkinson Society BC (PSBC) Victoria Conference scheduled for May 4.
*Registration is mandatory for each seminar. To register for this seminar please contact PWP at 250-360-6800 or info@parkinsonwellness.ca.
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Curious About Cannabis
Join us on Monday, May 13 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm for an educational virtual seminar on Parkinson’s disease and the use of cannabis. Presenter, Chelsea Strang is a nurse, cannabis nurse educator and owner of The Holistic Cannabis Nurse Ltd. She has been in the nursing industry for almost 20 years in various roles. Chelsea offers an unbiased professional cannabis education to provide knowledge and break stigma, allowing individuals to make their own educated decisions. The Curious About Cannabis Webinar will touch on Cannabis History, the Endocannabinoid System, the cannabis plant, considerations, adverse effects, and research related to Parkinson’s disease. Join us to elevate your understanding in the enlightening session.
*Registration is mandatory. To register for this seminar please contact PWP at 250-360-6800 or info@parkinsonwellness.ca.
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Spinning Wheels Relay to End Parkinson’s
Save the Date, July 27!
Join PWP on July 27, as we host The Spinning Wheels Relay to End Parkinson’s send off from PWP!
Beginning July 27, 2024, three teams, each including at least one cyclist living with Parkinson’s, will cycle over 10,000 kms across Canada, crossing all provinces, two territories and three coasts in 60 days to raise funds and awareness to help Canadians living with Parkinson’s. One of the teams will be starting in Victoria, right from the PWP parking lot.
A portion of the funds raised in each province will be dedicated to supporting partner charities within that province. These funds will assist in delivering programs and services to help Canadians living with Parkinson’s disease.
Save the date and help us send the team off with a bang!
Click here to see Spinning Wheels co-founder, Jim Redmond, interview PWP’s Executive Director, Bailey Martin for his podcast, “Spinning Wheels Parkinson’s Conversations with Jim Here”.
We will keep you updated as new information becomes available.
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The Annual Victoria Day Douglas Mile
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Monday, May 20, 2024
Parkinson Wellness Projects is honoured to be the charity of choice for the third year in a row for the 2024 Douglas Mile!
The Victoria Day Douglas Mile is your opportunity to gather with the PWP community while helping to raise funds and bring awareness to PWP and Parkinson’s disease. Walkers and walking poles are welcome! We encourage you to bring your friends and family to walk with us on this one-mile trek down Douglas Street ahead of the Victoria Day parade.
We will start at the corner of Summit and Douglas @ 8:45 am and finish in front of City Hall.
Join our team – the PWP Rabble Rousers – or race with a team of your own! Register for free with the code PWPCOMP here!
Visit us
202-2680 Blanshard St
Victoria, BC V8T 5E1
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:30am–4:30pm
Phone
250-360-6800