Volunteers are the foundation of Different Strokes. Many of our volunteers are stroke survivors or have been personally affected by stroke. It takes someone with an astounding spirit to not only work on their own recovery and healing but to turn this adversity into an opportunity to help others.
In 2020 volunteering and supporting survivors became more challenging; our groups could no longer meet in person and our services had to adapt overnight. Without the support of our volunteers, thousands of families affected by stroke would have faced the long road to recovery alone, uninformed and without the comfort blanket of understanding that our community provides.
We are a small organisation, but our volunteers make us mighty, and we feel appreciative and humbled by our volunteers every single day. Once a year we dedicate volunteers week to celebrate these unsung heroes and to do this… we need your help!
We need you to nominate contenders for the following awards:
Our volunteers have had to adapt how they work since spring 2020. From group coordinators arranging zoom chats to keeping in touch or supporting survivors via phone. Who do you think is an unsung hero who deserves recognition and why?
It is thanks to our fundraisers that our services exist and over the last year, approximately 80 brave fundraisers took on challenges all with the selfless aim of raising funds to support younger stroke survivors and their families. The stories, the achievements, and the impact of our fundraisers constantly amaze us. Who do you want to celebrate for their philanthropic spirit and why?
What makes Different Strokes unique is peer support. We know the value of support that comes from a place of deep understanding and how much of an impact this can have on someone’s recovery. Who has inspired or supported you, cried with you or celebrated with you over this last difficult year?
Without volunteers, Different Strokes would simply not be able to support the thousands of families affected by a stroke that use our services each year. This award is for a Different Strokes volunteer who has gone that extra mile, from committing to start a group in their area, to working tirelessly to raise awareness of younger stroke wherever they go. We want to congratulate their commitment and recognise the difference they have made to others.
Nominations close on 24th May 2021. The winners will be announced on our website and social media during Volunteers Week which runs from 1st – 7th June 2021.
Different Strokes is delighted to announce the return of its Glasgow Peer Support Group, providing a welcoming space for working-age stroke survivors, their families and
On Saturday 18th July, over 100 people gathered in Northamptonshire to mark 30 years of Different Strokes. Reclaiming Life After Stroke The day opened with
Free Webinar | Wednesday 22 July | 11:00am When someone you love has a stroke, life can change in an instant. Partners, spouses and family
During June we hosted a Community Event in London at the offices of Bolt Burdon Kemp.
Different Strokes is pleased to be partnering with specialist medical negligence law firm Fletcher’s Solicitors to offer a free online webinar for stroke survivors, families and carers.
Mike Caines Wins Different Strokes’ Outstanding Contribution Award 2026 For the past 14 years, Mike Caines has been a quiet constant behind Different Strokes. He
