Different Strokes

Stroke doesn’t just happen to older people. A quarter of all strokes in the UK happen to people of working age, and stroke in younger people is rising. This Stroke Awareness Month, we’ve launched our new free online guide: Stroke Doesn’t Care About Your Age. The guide covers: • Spotting the signs of stroke • Stroke prevention • The realities of younger stroke • The higher risks faced by Black and South Asian communities • The hidden impacts of stroke, including fatigue and memory problems One of the most dangerous myths we still hear is: “You’re too young to have had a stroke.” But stroke can happen at any age, and every minute matters. Read/download the guide online today and help us raise awareness of younger stroke. Visit the link in our bio. Everything Different Strokes does is funded through donations and fundraising. By supporting us, you help more younger stroke survivors access the support they need. Together, we can make sure no one faces stroke alone. #StrokeAwareness #StrokeSupport #NotJustTheElderly #DifferentStrokes

The lovely Ingrid, who runs our Birmingham support group, is at Midland Metropolitan University Hospital today. She is raising awareness of Different Strokes at their Make May Purple Stroke Awareness Week. 💚 Be sure to pop by if you can! #DifferentStrokes #NotJustThe Elderly #StrokeSupport

Question: what is one piece of advice you would give to someone who has recently had a stroke? #DifferentStrokes #StrokeSupport #NotJustTheElderly

"If you’ve had a stroke, be kind to yourself. It’s going to take time, but the first few months are vital. And you need to want to beat it. You have to want to get better. I am now at the stage where it has been nearly eight months. And I feel like I’ve plateaued. The early months saw rapid progress, and this is the hard bit." Read John's full story on our website today. Link in bio. #NotJustTheElderly #DifferentStrokes #StrokeSurvivor

We’re delighted to share that Different Strokes has received funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to help continue our ‘Stroke Survivors Together – Meeting in Support’ project. This funding will support: • Our network of local support groups • Community events across the UK • Virtual meetings and webinars for stroke survivors Peer support can make a huge difference after stroke. Whether online or in person, these spaces help survivors connect, share experiences and feel less alone. A huge thank you to @tnlcommunityfund for supporting younger stroke survivors and helping us continue these vital services over the next 12 months. #NationLottery #CommunityFund #StrokeSupport #DifferentStrokes #NotJustTheElderly

Our partners @slatergordonuk are offering a free online legal clinic for stroke survivors, families and carers. If you have questions about medical negligence, delays in diagnosis or treatment, or concerns about care received, you can book a free confidential session with an experienced specialist lawyer. Tuesday 21 May 2026 Appointments available: 10am–2pm and 6pm–9pm You do not need to know if you have a legal case to take part — the clinic is simply an opportunity to ask questions and understand your options in a supportive environment. To book or find out more, contact: [email protected] #LegalHelp #MedicalNegligence #DifferentStrokes #StrokeSupport

Stroke recovery isn’t a straight line and there’s no “right” way to do it. Progress can take time, and it doesn’t always look the way you expect. Some changes are visible, like movement or speech, while others (like fatigue, emotions or concentration) are just as real, even if they’re harder to see. Everyone’s recovery is different, and that’s okay. What matters is understanding your journey, taking things at your own pace, and knowing that support is out there. Connecting with others, accessing the right information, and feeling understood can make a real difference. Our updated booklet What Is a Stroke? is here to help. It offers clear, practical guidance for stroke survivors and their families and is available to download or order on our website. You’ve got this. And we’ve got you.

Charlotte Fisher, was lucky enough to get a ballot place in the London Marathon this year and we were delighted to be chosen as the charity she wanted to support. "From the age of 12, when I would join my father on sections of his London Marathon training runs, I have been thinking about running London. That's over 40 years ago and too many reasons and excuses to list. Then came a major stroke in 2020, which you would think this is as good a reason as any, not to run a marathon. And yet it turns out that stroke is also a massive wake-up call for not putting things off any longer. Athletics and running has been a massive part of my life since I first joined a club aged 10 years old. And whilst an active lifestyle may not have prevented me from having a stroke caused a PFO (patent foramen ovale), the lessons sport has taught me, have without a doubt played an significant part in my recovery. Rebuilding life after stroke is without doubt a marathon all on its own and so in many respects I feel pretty well prepared for London. Nevertheless, it is going to be a real challenge for me, both physically and mentally. When you have a stroke, even something as simple as reading about the experiences of others, can provide hope in the darkest of days. It was during my time in hospital when a nurse first signposted me to the charity. Every other patient I saw on the stroke unit appeared to me in their 70,s 80s, and 90s and through Different Strokes it really did help in the darkest of times to know I was not alone." Charlotte raised an incredible £1541 for Different Strokes, we are so grateful. Thank you! #DifferentStrokes #Fundraising #NotJustTheElderly

Anthony was just 6 years old when he had a stroke during surgery to remove a brain tumour. Doctors said he might never run again. Today, he’s a personal trainer, motivational speaker and Guinness World Record holder for the fastest marathon with hemiplegia. His journey hasn’t been easy — from learning to walk again, to growing up feeling different — but Anthony refused to let his stroke define him. Instead, he focused on what he could do, and kept pushing forward. His story is powerful, honest and incredibly inspiring. Watch Anthony’s full story on our website. #DifferentStrokes #StrokeSurvivor #LifeAfterStroke #StrokeRecovery

Tickets are now available for Reclaim 2026! This year is a special one as we celebrate 30 years of Different Strokes, and we’d love you to join us. On Saturday 18 July in Daventry, we’re bringing our community together for a daytime conference and an evening celebration. You can join us for the full day, just the conference, or just the evening. Whatever feels right for you. The daytime conference will include talks, small group sessions and time to connect with others who understand life after stroke. In the evening, we’ll come together to celebrate with food, music and time to spend together. Spaces are limited, so we’d encourage you to book early - visit the link in our bio! #DifferentStrokes #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeSupport #StrokeEvent

Lauren joined Different Strokes in 2016 to help rebrand the charity and raise awareness of younger stroke. Nearly a decade later, she continues to play a key role in helping us grow and reach more people who need support. As we celebrate 30 years of Different Strokes, we’re proud to share stories like Lauren’s – helping shape the future of younger stroke support. #DifferentStrokes #YoungerStroke #LifeAfterStroke

We’re excited to be working with Chiara from our Different Strokes community on new content to support stroke survivors living with conditions such as hemiplegia and hemiparesis. Chiara knows first-hand how frustrating one-handed everyday tasks can be and she’s passionate about sharing her tips in short videos to make your life easier and more independent. Now we’d love to hear from you. What one-handed hacks would you like to see? What everyday tasks do you find most difficult because of weakness, paralysis or reduced movement in your hand or arm? It could be anything from getting dressed, doing your hair, cooking, opening packaging, using tech, makeup or work tasks. Comment below or send us a DM . Your ideas could help shape future videos and support others in the stroke community. #DifferentStrokes #StrokeRecovery #Hemiplegia #Hemiparesis #LifeAfterStroke #StrokeSupport