Different Strokes

Who we are

Different Strokes is an organisation which supports working age stroke survivors.  Amongst the services we provide are an online support group with more than 8,000 members, a telephone support line, a network of more than 30 local groups across the country, a teen and young adult befriending service, written information packs, resources for children of stroke survivors, and online meetings and webinars.  We also seek to raise awareness with the general public that stroke affects people of all ages, not just the elderly.

Our culture and values

We believe that stroke survivors are the real experts in life after stroke, and therefore we have a close relationship with our beneficiaries and regularly involve them in our decision-making processes.  All of our work revolves around the concept of peer support, and survivors supporting survivors. 

We aim to take a flexible approach to work, with the opportunity for staff to work from home if it suits their situation and if it is practicable for the organisation's needs.  We ensure that there is always good communication between staff members, and although everyone has their own specific areas of responsibility it is important that all staff are supportive of each other, and can help out in other areas if required.  'Not my job to do that' is not an expression that is acceptable when working for Different Strokes.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

As you would expect, we employ people regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or any other factors.  Beyond that though we actively encourage applications from stroke survivors, with around half of our staff and half of our trustees having had a stroke themselves.  We endeavour to make reasonable adjustments to working practices to ensure that people with disabilities are not disadvantaged when applying to work for Different Strokes.