After Stroke has a variety of online program options for individuals to access from wherever they reside. Connect with people who understand your experiences, can share resources, and provide valuable support in a safe and welcoming virtual environment.
Whether you are looking for connection with others who understand what you are going through, opportunities for learning and growth, or ways to increase your mobility – we’re here for you. Every step of the way. Explore the descriptions of our online programs to discover the specific benefits each one offers.
Our Stroke Community Conversations groups provide support, understanding, and encouragement for any individual impacted by stroke at any age. Through regular meetings, we offer a safe space to share experiences, discuss challenges, and celebrate milestones with others on a similar path. Discussions cover a wide range of topics based on the experiences and needs of participants present in each meeting. Together, participants of this group face the challenges of recovery, and create a supportive community of strength and inspiration.
Tuesdays: First and third Tuesday of each month
Local Times
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. PT
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. MT
12 noon – 1:30 p.m. CT
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. ET
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. AT
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. NT
Wednesdays: Last Wednesday of each month
Local Times:
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. PT
4 p.m. – 5 p.m. MT
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. CT
6 p.m. – 7 p.m. ET
7 p.m. – 8 p.m. AT
7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. NT
Thursdays: Second and fourth Thursday of each month
Local Times:
5 p.m. – 6 a.m. PT
6 p.m. – 7 p.m. MT
7 p.m. – 8 p.m. CT
8 p.m. – 9 p.m. ET
9 p.m. – 10 p.m. AT
9:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. NT
To register, please fill out an online form:
This unique peer support group brings together individuals of all ages, who share the common experience of having had a stroke at a young age. Participants may benefit from emotional support, practical guidance, and valuable resources related to the unique challenges faced by young stroke survivors. This group provides participants with the opportunity to mutually benefit from intergenerational relationships, sharing of life experiences, and learning about resources that have proven to be helpful.
First Thursday of every month
Local Times
12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. PT
1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. MT
2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. CT
3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. ET
4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. AT
5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. NT
Third Thursday of every month
Local Times:
4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. PT
5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. MT
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. CT
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. ET
8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. AT
8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. NT
To register, please fill out an online form:
As a young adult (18-40 years of age) who has experienced a stroke, you may have questions about navigating recovery while completing education, finding employment, managing relationships, or raising a young family – or perhaps to talk about feelings of missing out on these life events. The Young Adults Living with Stroke group can offer you the opportunity to meet others who are recovering from stroke early in their adult lives and to share stories, discuss challenges, and celebrate successes. This group can offer you a sense of community and belonging as you move forward on your stroke recovery journey.
Second Wednesday of every month
Local Times
12 noon – 1 p.m. PT
1 p.m. – 2 p.m. MT
2 p.m. – 3 p.m. CT
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. ET
4 p.m. – 5 p.m. AT
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. NT
To register, please fill out an online form:
Are you a caregiver of stroke survivor looking to connect with other caregivers of stroke survivors? This group offers a safe and welcoming environment where you can connect with others to share experiences, offer advice, and receive emotional support. The group discusses coping strategies, shares resources, and fosters a sense of connection and resilience. The group comes together to connect and navigate the challenges and celebrate the triumphs of caregiving together.
Second and fourth Tuesday of each month
Local Times
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. PT
6 p.m. – 7 p.m. MT
7 p.m. – 8 p.m. CT
8 p.m. – 9 p.m. ET
9 p.m. – 10 p.m. AT
9:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. NT
To register, please fill out an online form:
This group offers a safe and supportive space for life partners of stroke survivors to candidly discuss the day-to-day challenges and triumphs of sharing life with a loved one recovering from the effects of stroke. Participants can benefit from understanding, encouragement, resources, and practical strategies for navigating this unique experience. Together, we can build resilience, foster hope, and enhance our relationships as we support our partners on their recovery journey.
First and third Wednesday of the month
Local Times
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. PT
6 p.m. – 7 p.m. MT
7 p.m. – 8 p.m. CT
8 p.m. – 9 p.m. ET
9 p.m. – 10 p.m. AT
9:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. NT
To register, please fill out an online form:
Discover a wealth of information, inspiration, and resources for stroke recovery through our online Ask An Expert sessions. Our experts offer timely and relevant topics tailored to stroke survivors and caregivers. Join us in these interactive sessions, where you can bring your curiosity and questions to deepen your knowledge and understanding of stroke recovery.
For: stroke survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, members of community-based organizations – all are welcome.
Next Session’s Topic: Easing into the Caregiver Role
Join us for a dynamic presentation by Donna Thomson to understand more about the caregiver role, practicing realistic self-care and to develop strategies for self advocating with medical professionals.
Monday, November 25, 2024
Local Times
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. PT
11:00 a.m. – 12 noon MT
12 noon – 1:00 p.m. CT
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. AT
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. NT
If you are attending an Ask-An-Expert session for the first time, then registration is required. You only need to register once to attend all future sessions. To register, please fill out a short online form:
Have you lost arm and/or hand function after a stroke or brain injury? If so, our Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP) may be what you are looking for.
The program is designed to improve arm and hand strength, coordination, and the ability to use the stroke-affected arm in daily activities. If you are interested in signing up, you will go through a screening process to see if this program is the best choice for you, based on the amount of movement you have in your affected hand and arm.
By participating in GRASP, you can experience a range of benefits, including:
This is a homework-based program, each participant is responsible for doing the exercises daily.
Sessions:
Delivered in 10-week sessions
For more information and to start the screening process:
Email: afterstroke@marchofdimes.ca
Phone: 1-888-540-6666.
Looking to improve your mobility, strength, and overall well-being from the comfort of your own home? Join our Virtual Exercise program! Based on the information contained in the Stroke Recovery in Motion Toolkit (SRIM) we have created three levels of exercise classes that build on each other. All levels are chair based with the most advanced level doing some standing balance work.
Level One: Foundations is for individuals who are primarily using a wheelchair for mobility. The individual may or may not have good in function in both arms.
Level Two: Functional is an intermediate level and is for those who are looking to build on their current exercise routine. Individuals may use a wheelchair or walker for mobility and may have some use in their affected side arm and hand and want to work on strengthening it further.
Level Three: Focus is the most advanced level and is for those who have exercised regularly but want to focus on strength, coordination and balance.
All levels consist of a mindfulness activity, followed by warm up, core activities, short aerobic component and cool down. Come and join us to work on building a stronger more confident you!
Sessions:
Date and timing of classes will be determined based on level of mobility.
To register, please fill out the Virtual Exercise online form:
After Stroke is a national program with support teams throughout Ontario, Nova Scotia, and in British Columbia (through our affiliate, Stroke Recovery Association of BC). We also partner with a growing number of hospitals and rehabilitation centres in these regions to support stroke survivors and their families immediately after stroke.
Even if you do not live in one of these areas, you can still reach out to After Stroke to access tools, resources and referrals that can help you navigate the path forward.
Do I need to register?
Yes, all our online programs require registration. After you register, one of our team members will send you the login instructions so you can access the online programs you need.
What platform do you use?
Our online programs are hosted on Zoom. If you need assistance, you can also reach out to our Hi, Tech! team. A volunteer tech coach will answer your questions, get you connected, and help you practice your new skills.
Are they self-directed or do I follow a specific schedule?
This depends on the program or resource. There are programs that you need to join live, as well as recorded sessions that you can access at your own pace.
March of Dimes Canada’s virtual stroke groups have been a life saver for me. It has been such an empowering experience to listen and hear what other stroke survivors have been through and know you are not alone. It gives me motivation to continue on my stroke recovery journey. It has created a feeling of togetherness, reduction of social isolation and an opportunity to meet people with similar experience all over Canada.”