Different Strokes Charity

Different Strokes Charity We’re a UK charity supporting working-age stroke survivors and their families to reclaim their lives through peer support and community.

Supporting people since 1996. If you would like to join our private group to discuss your experiences with other stroke survivor's and their supporters click below:https://www.facebook.com/groups/differentstrokesuk/Different Strokes is a UK Charity founded in 1996 by a younger stroke survivor. Our aim is to support younger and working age stroke survivors, their family and friends and showing the

world that Stroke doesn’t just happen in older people. Together we can break this stereotype and show people that Stroke Survivors go on and lead successful and fulfilling lives. We achieve this through our helpline, information packs and regional exercise & support groups.If you would like to support us you can donate here https://differentstrokes.co.uk/donate/ Thank You for joining us Please share this page, so we can get our message to the world.

Meet our Befrienders! 👋We're delighted to welcome Alicia and Kyra to our team of volunteer befrienders, joining Rahael, ...
02/09/2026

Meet our Befrienders! 👋

We're delighted to welcome Alicia and Kyra to our team of volunteer befrienders, joining Rahael, Josh, Bridie and Daniel in supporting young stroke survivors aged 16 to 25.

Having a stroke at a young age can feel incredibly isolating. Our befrienders have all experienced stroke themselves and understand some of the challenges that can come with recovery, from returning to education or work, to navigating friendships, confidence and life after stroke.

Over the next few slides, you'll meet each of our befrienders and learn a little more about their stroke journeys.

💬 Befriender Hour returns tomorrow! Thursday 3 September, 7.00pm to 8.00pm ONLY ON INSTAGRAM.

Befriender Hour is a relaxed online space where young stroke survivors can chat, ask questions and connect with people who understand.

As we celebrate 30 years of Different Strokes, we're shining a spotlight on the people who make our community what it is...
31/08/2026

As we celebrate 30 years of Different Strokes, we're shining a spotlight on the people who make our community what it is.

Rahael joined Different Strokes in 2022 as our BASS (Black and Asian Stroke Survivors) Project Officer. After experiencing a haemorrhagic stroke at just 22 years old, she has become a passionate advocate for stroke survivors and works to raise awareness of stroke within Black and South Asian communities.

Looking ahead, Rahael hopes Different Strokes can continue amplifying our reach and supporting more younger survivors in their recovery after stroke.

Thank you, Rahael, for everything you do for our community. 💙💚

"Before my stroke, I thought I understood what hard work felt like. I exercise regularly and I’m used to pushing myself ...
30/08/2026

"Before my stroke, I thought I understood what hard work felt like. I exercise regularly and I’m used to pushing myself physically. Stroke fatigue was something entirely different. In those early days, I could get out of bed, make it to the bathroom, have a shower and then need to go straight back to bed because I was completely exhausted. "

Read Richard's Story on our website today. https://differentstrokes.co.uk/stories/richards-story-haemhorrhagic-stroke-at-48/

Do you have questions about medical negligence after stroke?We're pleased to be partnering with Bolt Burdon Kemp to offe...
28/08/2026

Do you have questions about medical negligence after stroke?

We're pleased to be partnering with Bolt Burdon Kemp to offer free confidential legal consultations from 21-25 September 2026.

If you have concerns about delays in diagnosis, treatment, or care, you can speak directly with Ipek Tugcu, a leading brain injury specialist and Head of the Adult Brain Injury team at Bolt Burdon Kemp.

These informal sessions are an opportunity to ask questions, understand your options and receive expert guidance with no obligation to proceed further.

📅 21-25 September 2026
📧 To book: [email protected]

Our BASS Project Officer, Rahael, recently met with our newest BASS Ambassadors in the London area, Tia and Ernie! 💙💚The...
26/08/2026

Our BASS Project Officer, Rahael, recently met with our newest BASS Ambassadors in the London area, Tia and Ernie! 💙💚

The BASS Project (Black and South Asian Stroke Survivors) was launched by Different Strokes in 2021, BASS is a grassroots, community-led project raising awareness of the increased stroke risk in Black and South Asian communities, sharing real survivor stories and building connection through a growing network of volunteer Ambassadors.

We would love to connect with more London-based community groups who want to help raise awareness of stroke risk and prevention within Black and Asian communities.

Are you connected with a London-based group or organisation? We’d love to hear from you.

📩 Get in touch with Rahael at [email protected]

Life after stroke can feel very different when you're younger.While friends are building careers, raising families or ma...
24/08/2026

Life after stroke can feel very different when you're younger.

While friends are building careers, raising families or making plans, you might be learning how to manage fatigue, adjust to changes in your body, or work out who you are now.

Recovery isn't always about getting stronger. Sometimes it's about grieving what you've lost, rebuilding confidence, navigating relationships, and learning to ask for help when you need it.

If any of these slides resonate with you, you're not alone.

At Different Strokes, we understand that stroke can affect every part of life, not just your physical recovery. Many of our staff and volunteers have experienced stroke themselves or supported a loved one through it, so they understand the challenges that can come with life after stroke.

What would you add to the list? 💬

Could your story help another stroke survivor?We're looking for Black and South Asian stroke survivors to share their ex...
23/08/2026

Could your story help another stroke survivor?

We're looking for Black and South Asian stroke survivors to share their experiences of life after stroke.

Every story is unique, but sharing your journey can help others feel less alone, raise awareness, and challenge the myth that stroke only affects certain people.

We know that Black and South Asian communities can face a higher risk of stroke, yet these voices are often underrepresented in conversations about stroke recovery and support.

Whether your stroke happened recently or many years ago, we'd love to hear from you. Your story could inspire, inform and help others find the confidence to seek support.

If you'd like to share your experience, please get in touch with us. Together, we can help ensure that more stroke survivors see themselves represented and know that support is available.

visit https://buff.ly/GBJT4Ja

AD| Do you experience post-stroke fatigue?Researchers at the University of Leeds are looking for stroke survivors to tak...
21/08/2026

AD| Do you experience post-stroke fatigue?

Researchers at the University of Leeds are looking for stroke survivors to take part in a study exploring how post-stroke fatigue affects different people.

Participants will be asked to attend 1-2 testing sessions at the University of Leeds, where researchers will assess brain activity using MRI and TMS alongside a simple hand grip task.

You may be eligible if you:
• Are aged 18-65
• Are fluent in English
• Experience post-stroke fatigue
• Are able to travel to Leeds for testing

Additional eligibility criteria apply.

To find out more, contact Amber Bonser at [email protected] or complete the study enquiry form via the recruitment information.

Please note that this research study is being conducted by the University of Leeds and is not affiliated with Different Strokes.

It's always encouraging to see stroke support and awareness being discussed at a local level.Recently, Lisa from our Ash...
19/08/2026

It's always encouraging to see stroke support and awareness being discussed at a local level.

Recently, Lisa from our Ashford, Kent peer support group met with local Labour MP Sojan Joseph at Lake House Kent Wellbeing CIC to highlight the importance of support for stroke survivors and raise awareness of the challenges people face after stroke.

The meeting also showcased the fantastic work being carried out by Lake House Kent Wellbeing CIC, which provides support for people living with mental health challenges, neurodiversity, learning disabilities and stroke.

We're grateful to Lisa for representing Different Strokes and helping ensure the voices of stroke survivors continue to be heard in local conversations about health and wellbeing.

A huge thank you to everyone at Lake House Kent Wellbeing CIC for their ongoing support of our Ashford group and the local stroke community.

"I lost most of my sight as a result of the stroke, with just less than half vision in my left eye remaining. Part of my...
16/08/2026

"I lost most of my sight as a result of the stroke, with just less than half vision in my left eye remaining. Part of my rehab was training me to scan with my remaining eye, checking for obstructions as I walked.

My eyes look the same and when I meet someone new they are not aware of my sight difficulties. Stroke recovery is a grief process. You grieve for the person you were before. Acceptance is hard. It took me a long time to accept that I’d actually had a stroke."

Read Tara's story on our website today. https://buff.ly/SvNhL7G

Address

9 Canon Harnett Court
Wolverton
MK125NF

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+443451307172

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