Help for Stroke Survivors UK
Find A Stroke Support Group
We have a network of exercise and stroke support groups providing help for stroke survivors across the UK.
Each group is run by a volunteer-coordinator. Many of our coordinators are stroke survivors themselves.
Please do contact our Head Office first by calling 0345 130 7172 or emailing info@differentstrokes.co.uk so that we can help you find the group or identify other services in your local area.
Our network of peer support and exercise groups empowers younger stroke survivors and carers to reclaim their lives by:
- Learning more about stroke and how to cope with it by talking to others in the same situation
- Feeling less isolated and more confident about life after stroke
- Optimising recovery
- Regaining as much independence as possible.
Our support groups are run by stroke survivor volunteers who are supported by our Volunteer & Group Network Coordinator. Activities include guest speakers, group outings and exercise. Exercise been shown to lift mood, reduce stress and increase self-confidence, carrying on where physiotherapy has left off. ‘Exercise can not only prevent stroke, but its use following a stroke enhances the plasticity of the brain allowing it to remodel itself leading to a better and faster recovery’ Pankaj Sharma, Different Strokes Medical Advisor.
Here is what some of our group members have said about their experiences at our groups:
“Once physiotherapy has stopped you are just left on your own. At the Different Strokes exercise group there is no competition, I feel supported. Which encourages me to keep motivating myself to do more. The social side has also been helpful, and we have a laugh too.”
“Until you become a carer for a family member you do not realise how hard it can be! without the support and care of the Different Strokes group life would be a lot lonelier and scarier”
“I really valued being able to talk through how to manage my energy levels with the group. Having advice first hand from others who have also suffered a stroke and have a real insight into what you may be feeling is just so beneficial to me.”
If there isn’t a group in your area why not set one up yourself? To find out what’s involved email caroline.saunders@differentstrokes.co.uk, or ring 01908 317618 or 0345 130 7172. The role of a Volunteer Group Co-ordinator can be very rewarding, and we’ll give you all the information and support you need to run a successful support and exercise group.
New Newsletter – Spring / Summer 2025
We produce a newsletter twice a year to keep you up to date with stroke news from Different Strokes and further afield.
Sign up for Our New Webinar: Women’s Health After Stroke
Join Our FREE Webinar: Women’s Health After Stroke – Friday 6th June at 10:30am Join us for an honest and supportive conversation about women’s health
Become a BASS Ambassador and Make a Difference in Black & South Asian Communities
We are launching the BASS Ambassador Program, a new volunteer initiative for stroke survivors from Black and South Asian backgrounds.
Exclusive Free Legal Clinic for the Different Strokes Community – Book Your Appointment Now
We’re pleased to share a valuable opportunity exclusively for members of the Different Strokes community. Our corporate supporters at Irwin Mitchell LLP are offering a free legal clinic for stroke survivors, their families, and carers on Wednesday 28 May 2025
Incredible Success at the London Landmarks Half Marathon
On April 6th, 18 amazing runners gathered in the heart of London to participate in the London Landmarks Half Marathon. This year’s event proved to be a spectacular success for Different Strokes, as the team of runners raised an incredible total of £18,599 to support younger stroke survivors and their families.
We Welcome Lily to the Team
We proudly introduce our new Information Officer, Lily Jennings.
