Supporting Your Children
“Someone I Love Had a Stroke” Resources for the Children of Stroke Survivors
We’ve created resources specifically to aid children whose primary caregivers or family members have experienced a stroke. Our goal is to initiate open discussions within families and assist children in understanding and expressing their emotions during what can be a challenging time for everyone involved.
Crafted with insights, stories, and tips from real families and children, these resources were lovingly updated in 2023 to ensure they are inclusive, engaging and useful for those who need them.
What are the Resources?
“Someone I Love Had a Stroke” Interactive Storybook (Ages 3-7)
This engaging, beautifully illustrated interactive storybook shares insights from Peter, Femi, Sarah, Tariq, Jack, and Meera, whose loved ones have experienced a stroke. It encourages children to explore and understand the impact of stroke on their family in a personalised way.
“Someone I Love Had a Stroke” Booklet (Ages 8-12):
Tailored for older children, this booklet combines information, personal stories, and space for self-expression. We hear from Jamal, Alfie, Esme, and Parveen about their experiences coping with family members’ strokes. The booklet addresses a range of emotions and includes insights from our friendly, knowledgeable character Brainstein.
“Someone I Love Had a Stroke” Teen Guide (Ages 13-18):
This guide features personal accounts from Nicole, Tom, Elijah, Grace, and Robyn—teenagers whose loved ones have had a stroke. It offers factual information about stroke and its impacts, along with honest and raw insights for teens navigating life with a stroke survivor in the family.
Who can order these resources?
Please note we are only able to provide these resources in the UK.
Families impacted by stroke:
Thanks to the generous support of Ipsen and Bolt Burdon Kemp, these resources are provided free of charge to families impacted by stroke. They come with guidance on how to use them.
Healthcare Professionals:
Healthcare professionals can request a reference copy of a complete pack, including a poster for stroke units or communal spaces. Families are encouraged to order their own copies, but professionals can do so on their behalf with consent.
Other Professionals:
Professionals working with children in various settings can also request these resources free of charge.
Ready to Order?
We’re proud to offer these valuable tools, and we hope you find them helpful. We welcome your feedback, so please get in touch or use the survey included with the packs to let us know how you found them.
Further Support
Having experienced a stroke herself when her daughter was a baby and then later her husband’s stroke when her daughter was 11, our Family Support Officer, Genise, understands the profound impact stroke can have on families. In her role at Different Strokes, Genise is dedicated to being a resource for you. Available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, she’s here to offer guidance or support whenever you need it. Feel free to reach out for clarification on the resources or simply to talk.
