There are 100,000 strokes in the UK each year with 1 in 4 happening to somebody of working age or younger. Different Strokes aims to promote independent stroke recovery and help these younger stroke survivors reclaim their lives.

Different Strokes is run by younger stroke survivors for younger stroke survivors. We have personal experience of the realities of life after stroke.

We recognise that the Different Strokes community of younger stroke survivors and family members are the experts in stroke recovery and rehabilitation with first-hand knowledge of the issues and challenges facing families after stroke.

We have personal experience of life after stroke. Most of our staff, volunteers and trustees are stroke survivors, family members, or have a close personal connection to stroke. We recognise that younger stroke survivors and family members are the experts in stroke recovery and rehabilitation. We consult with them regularly to make sure that our services are relevant and personalised. 

We motivate - Statutory stroke services often assume that all recovery takes place within six months of stroke but our experience shows that both physical and emotional recovery can carry on for years.

We listen and we understand - We treat everyone as individuals.

We collaborate - We work with others and learn and share what we know to embed change and continuous improvement.

We have integrity - We are honest and trustworthy and take responsibility for what we do.

We are agile - We are flexible, resourceful and resilient.

Meet Ailie