LIFTS: Leveraging Inclusion and Friendship to Thrive after Stroke

LIFTS is a Calgary-based peer program for kids & youth with stroke and their families. Program content and delivery is informed by children and families to design groups that meet the needs and desires of participants. There are two Groups, one for Kids & Youth Mentors and one for Parents.

The Kids & Youth Mentors Group meets on alternate months from the Parents Group. This group is an opportunity for children aged 6 to 12 years old who had a stroke to meet for a fun and age-appropriate activity in the community. Siblings aged 6+ are welcome. Activity locations are accessible and team members are available to support participation, including any language needs. There is no cost to attend, and parking/transit costs can be reimbursed. Meetings are usually on Saturday afternoons.

Youth Mentors who are 13+ years old and have had a stroke are encouraged to join this group. Details about becoming a youth mentor are below in the "Getting Involved" section. 

The Parent Group is an opportunity for parents and caregivers of children who had a perinatal or paediatric stroke to meet in a casual, comfortable, and confidential setting. Meetings may include topic-driven conversations, guest speakers, and/or informal chats. Peer parents/caregivers facilitate meetings. Meetings are usually on Zoom on a weekday evening. 

The LIFTS team can be reached at LIFTS@ucalgary.ca