Support for Young Stroke Survivors
If you had a stroke in your teens or twenties, you’re not alone. Our befriender service connects you with someone who really understands life at your age after stroke.
1:1 Support
Different Strokes provides support to anyone of working age after a stroke. However, strokes in teens and people in their twenties are less common, and young survivors often face challenges unique to this stage of life.
Our Teen & Young Adult Befriending Service matches young survivors (16–25) with volunteers who experienced a stroke at a similar age, giving you peer support that is both age-appropriate and relatable.
Key Information:
- Available for stroke survivors aged between 16–25
- Connects you for one-to-one support from volunteers who had a stroke at a similar age
- Support is delivered via phone, email, or online chat
- Practical advice and emotional support
- Confidential, safe, and friendly conversations
How does it work?
- Fill in the Application Form
Click the button below to complete our short application form. - We’ll Get in Touch
Once submitted, our team will contact you within two weeks to find out a bit more about you and your needs. - Please Note
This service is run by volunteers, so places are limited. It may take a few weeks to match you with the most suitable befriender, but we’ll keep you informed throughout. - Connect with Your Befriender
Once matched, your befriender will contact you to arrange regular phone calls or emails. They’ll provide support, share their experiences, and be there to listen as you navigate life after stroke.
Looking for Something More Informal?
Befriender Hour on Instagram
If you want to chat with a young stroke survivor but aren’t ready for one-to-one support yet, our Befriender Hour is a relaxed, informal way to connect.
Every week, one of our volunteer befrienders goes live on Instagram to answer questions, share tips, or just have a friendly chat. You can drop in, submit questions via Stories, or DM us directly during the session.
Dates Coming Up:
September
· Wednesday 2 September, 2.00pm to 3.00pm, Rahael
· Thursday 3 September, 7.00pm to 8.00pm, Alicia
· Monday 7 September, 7.00pm to 8.00pm, Bridie
· Wednesday 16 September, 7.00pm to 8.00pm, Joshua
· Monday 28 September, 7.00pm to 8.00pm, Kyra
October
· Wednesday 7 October, 7.00pm to 8.00pm, Bridie
· Monday 12 October, 7.00pm to 8.00pm, Alicia
· Thursday 15 October, 2.00pm to 3.00pm, Rahael
· Wednesday 21 October, 7.00pm to 8.00pm, Daniel
· Monday 26 October, 7.00pm to 8.00pm, Joshua
November
· Monday 2 November, 7.00pm to 8.00pm, Alicia
· Wednesday 4 November, 2.00pm to 3.00pm, Rahael
· Tuesday 10 November, 7.00pm to 8.00pm, Joshua
· Thursday 19 November, 7.00pm to 8.00pm, Kyra
· Wednesday 25 November, 7.00pm to 8.00pm, Daniel
December
· Thursday 3 December, 7.00pm to 8.00pm, Bridie
· Monday 7 December, 7.00pm to 8.00pm, Alicia
· Wednesday 16 December, 7.00pm to 8.00pm, Kyra
· Monday 21 December, 7.00pm to 8.00pm, Joshua
Real Stories from Young Stroke Survivors
Interested in sharing your own story?
At Different Strokes, we champion the voices of working-age stroke survivors. Sharing your stroke story can be a powerful way to help others feel less alone and to raise awareness that stroke can happen at any age.
Interested in Becoming a Young Befriender Volunteer?
If you’re a young stroke survivor and would like to support someone going through a similar experience, you can become a befriender volunteer. Share your experiences, offer guidance, and make a real difference in someone’s recovery journey.
Email us to find out more: genise.turnbull@differentstrokes.co.uk