Brain Power Hour in Saskatchewan is helping people living with brain injuries build friendships, stay active, and find hope. The weekly walking group brings survivors together with others who understand their challenges, helping them feel less alone and more connected.

The free weekly walking and exercise group is run by the Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association (SBIA) for brain injury survivors and their supporters. The initiative helps brain injury survivors take part in activities during Brain Power Hour at the Saskatoon Field House.

For many participants, the initiative helps them leave the house, stay active, make friends, and feel accepted without being judged. The program helps participants improve their strength, movement, and confidence while building meaningful connections with people who understand them. Participants range in age from 20 to 80, and some are also involved in the Special Olympics. Participants walk and exercise at their own pace with support from staff and university student volunteers.

The Brain Power Hour group meets every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. from September to April at the Saskatoon Field House, moving outdoors during warmer months. The program also gives University of Saskatchewan students studying health-related subjects a chance to learn from people living with brain injuries. There are other programs such as Social Beans, which brings people together once a week at Tim Hortons for coffee, games, and conversation. A separate weekly drumming group in Regina helps participants build confidence and resilience through music. All Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association activities are free for members but depend heavily on community donations to continue.

Source: Halyna Mihalik, CBC