Different Strokes celebrates its biggest World Stroke Day campaign yet

Different Strokes has celebrated its biggest World Stroke Day campaign yet, with supporters, volunteers, healthcare professionals and stroke survivors coming together to share vital information and raise awareness of stroke in younger people.

This year’s campaign focused on the message Information Saves Lives, highlighting how the right information, shared at the right time, can help people recognise stroke, understand the support available and feel less alone after their stroke.

The response from our community was fantastic. In the run-up to World Stroke Day on 29 October, more than 150 event and leaflet distribution packs were ordered. Almost 40% of these were requested by healthcare professionals, helping us reach people in hospitals, health centres and other healthcare settings.

The packs included information for Black and South Asian communities, alongside details of the services and support Different Strokes provides for working-age and younger stroke survivors and their families.

Our campaign also reached thousands of people online, generating more than 3,600 reactions and over 35,000 content views across social media. Throughout the day we shared information about stroke, our services and the experiences of people in our community.

One of the highlights was hearing directly from stroke survivors, who shared their words of advice and encouragement for others. Andy, Ryan, Felicity and BASS Ambassador Ernie all contributed their experiences and reflections, helping to show the value of lived experience and the difference that sharing information can make.

Communities coming together to spread the word

Across the country, our volunteer-led groups and supporters worked hard to bring the Information Saves Lives message into their local communities. From hospital visits and information stalls to fundraising events and sponsored walks, their efforts helped more people discover the support available through Different Strokes.

In Ashford, Kent, the team visited Kent and Canterbury Hospital, handing out leaflets on the stroke ward and speaking with staff about the support Different Strokes can offer younger stroke survivors. The League of Friends shop also kindly displayed the group’s poster.

Our Birmingham group held pop-up information stalls throughout October at locations including Thimblemill Library, Moseley Hall Hospital, ASDA Cape Hill, Bleakhouse Library and Rowley Regis Hospital. A huge thank you goes to Ingrid, who worked incredibly hard to organise and attend the stalls, and to everyone who helped.

In Bolton, Chris and Ann organised a bucket collection and awareness stall at Tesco Extra in Middlebrook. They raised an impressive £185 in just four hours. Chris also shared how much he enjoyed the experience and how much he learned from taking part.

Our Whitstable group visited Faversham Health Centre, speaking to people in the local community and handing out leaflets to help spread the word about Different Strokes and the support available.

In Carlisle, Brenda, Chris and Pamela spent time at ASDA, raising awareness of stroke risk and sharing information about the support people can access through Different Strokes.

The Derby group marked World Stroke Day with a sponsored walk at Bennerley Viaduct, also known as the Iron Giant. Members and friends came together to raise more than £1,000. Congratulations to everyone who took part, donated and supported the event.

There were also awareness activities further afield. Ambassador Sue Sandars held a stall at ASDA in Gloucester alongside NHS staff offering blood pressure checks, while Regional Coordinator Sandra Ross ran an information stand at Great Yarmouth Leisure Centre.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who gave their time, shared information, organised an event, ordered a pack or helped spread the message.

Information saves lives, and the work continues

World Stroke Day gives us an important opportunity to talk about stroke and make sure people know where to turn for information and support. But the need for this work does not end on 29 October.

Many younger stroke survivors and their families still struggle to find information that feels relevant to their circumstances. Others may not know that stroke can happen at any age, or that specialist support and peer connections are available.

By reaching healthcare professionals, local communities and people affected by stroke, we hope this year’s campaign will have a lasting impact. We want more people to recognise the signs of stroke, understand the experiences of younger survivors and know that they do not have to navigate life after stroke alone.

The response to this year’s campaign has shown what can happen when our community comes together around a shared message. We hope the conversations started, leaflets shared and connections made will continue to make a difference long after World Stroke Day.

Information saves lives. And together, we can help make sure the right information reaches the people who need it.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this our biggest World Stroke Day yet.

A message from our CEO, Austin

“I’m incredibly proud of what our community has achieved this World Stroke Day. To see so many people, from our volunteer-led groups and supporters to healthcare professionals and stroke survivors, come together to share the message that Information Saves Lives has been fantastic.

But the real impact is what happens next. Every leaflet shared, conversation started and experience heard has the potential to help someone recognise stroke, find support or feel less alone. We hope the information shared through this campaign will continue to reach people when they need it most.

Thank you to everyone who played a part. You’ve helped make this our biggest World Stroke Day yet, and we’re excited about the difference we can continue to make together.”