Different Strokes Community Event - Newcastle

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 third of these events will be in Newcastle on Monday 18th May.
Our Community Events are relaxed, in-person gatherings for people affected by stroke; including stroke survivors, family members, carers, and supporters.

They’re designed to create space for connection, conversation, and shared understanding. These events are about meeting others who understand life after stroke, finding out what support is available, and spending time in a welcoming, supportive environment.

At each event, you can expect a mix of informal conversation, opportunities to hear from Different Strokes staff and volunteers, and time to connect with others at your own pace. Whether you’re newly affected by stroke or many years on, you’re welcome to come along, listen, ask questions, or simply be present.

These events are also a chance to learn more about Different Strokes including our peer support, local groups, online services, and ways to stay connected beyond the day itself.

Every Community Event is shaped by the people who attend. You don’t need to prepare anything or share your story unless you want to. Come as you are and stay for as long as you feel comfortable.

The breakdown of the day is as follows:
Venue: Irwin Mitchell Newcastle Office

Wellbar Central

36 Gallowgate

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE1 4TD

The Irwin Mitchell office is a 11-minute walk from Newcastle Central Station and a two-minute walk from St James Metro station.

The nearest parking is the Q-Park in China Town (NE1 4YB)

The Haymarket bus station is a 6-minute walk

Date: Monday 18th May

Time: 10.00 – 13.30

Agenda:

10.00: Registration and tea/coffee

10.30 Welcome from Caroline Saunders, Different Strokes

10.45 Talk from Ian Heslop, Stroke Survivor, followed by Q&A

11.30 Tea/coffee and sharing stories with each other

12.00 Option to join a fun Boccia session with Irwin Mitchell staff or further discussions with fellow attendees

12.45 Closing comments

13:00 Light lunch

Guest speaker:

Ian Heslop experienced a non-aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage in 2019 at the age of 57. Ian was home alone when he began to feel unwell and called his wife. When paramedics arrived, they initially suspected he was having a panic attack and took him to A&E. After several hours of waiting, a scan revealed a significant bleed on the brain. Ian was then hospitalised for eight days before returning home, where he felt completely lost.

Hear Ian talk about his experiences of the psychological and cognitive challenges he faced, along with the impact of post-stroke fatigue. Find out how connecting with other stroke survivors helped to reduce his sense of isolation and led to Ian joining Different Strokes as a volunteer.

Activity:

Irwin Mitchell staff will lead a game of Boccia which is a precision ball sport designed to be inclusive and accessible. Players aim to throw, roll or propel soft leather balls as close as possible to a smaller white target ball called the “jack.” It can be played individually, in pairs or teams. Participants take turns trying to outscore their opponents by placing their balls closer to the jack.

The game is easy to learn and can be adapted for different ability levels. It focuses on accuracy, strategy and control rather than strength or speed. It encourages gentle movement, coordination and social interaction. This is an opportunity to try something new in a supportive environment and will hopefully be a lot of fun!

We can't wait to see you all!

If you book your place but are unable to attend, please email us at [email protected] and let us know.

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