Community mini-event for working age stroke survivors and their friends/families. An opportunity to meet, connect and learn from each other.

We are delighted to announce that throughout 2026 we will be holding a series of FREE small Community Events across the country. These half-day events will be a chance for stroke survivors to come and meet Different Strokes staff and volunteers, to hear from other stroke survivors, to take part in activities, and most importantly to engage with other survivors and to share stories.

The next event will be in Bristol on Friday 18th September.

Join Different Strokes for a relaxed and welcoming Community Event in Bristol, bringing together younger stroke survivors, family members and carers for a morning of connection, conversation and support.

Our Community Events are a chance to meet others who understand the realities of life after stroke, share experiences, hear inspiring stories and discover that you are not alone.

Whether your stroke was recent or many years ago, everyone is welcome.

What to Expect

The morning will include:

An inspiring talk from stroke survivor Jak Carr

Opportunities to meet and chat with other stroke survivors and families

Tea, coffee and refreshments

An optional seated exercise session

A light lunch

Event Programme

10:00am – Registration and tea/coffee

10:30am – Welcome from Caroline Saunders, Different Strokes

10:45am – Talk from Jak Carr, Stroke Survivor, followed by Q&A

11:30am – Tea/coffee and sharing stories with each other

12:00pm – Optional seated exercise session with Louisa Dunford or further discussions with fellow attendees

12:45pm – Closing comments

1:00pm – Light lunch

Guest Speaker: Jak Carr

Jak had a stroke aged 47 in 2021.

Join us as he shares his personal story, exploring how stroke affected his identity, the unique approach he has taken to recovery, and how his experiences have shaped the way he views the future.

His honest and inspiring perspective offers encouragement and insight for anyone navigating life after stroke.

Optional Seated Exercise Session

Louisa Dunford has worked in the health, fitness and wellbeing industry for more than 25 years.

She specialises in supporting physical and mental wellbeing through inclusive group exercise and regularly leads classes for Different Strokes members in Bristol. Louisa is a firm favourite with our local group, bringing energy, encouragement and fun to every session.

The seated exercise session is suitable for a range of abilities and is designed to help participants move with confidence in a supportive environment.

Venue Information

Venue:

2nd Floor, One Castlepark, Tower Hill, Bristol, BS2 0JA

Getting There

Bristol Temple Meads Station is approximately a 15-minute walk away

The Centre (C7) bus stop is approximately a 15-minute walk away

The nearest bus stops are at Old Market Roundabout (Bus Stop IDs: bstgwpj and bstgwtm)

The nearest car park is NCP Broadmead

Accessibility

The building has wheelchair-friendly access doors and a ramped entrance.

Booking Information

Places are free but booking is essential.

Please note that this event is limited to 25 attendees and places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you have any questions, please contact Different Strokes at info@differentstrokes.co.uk.

Description supplied by the event organiser.