
LIFTS: Leveraging Inclusion and Friendship to Thrive after Stroke
Peer Program
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

LIFTS Kids Group at the Calgary Zoo

LIFTS Kids Group playing sledge hockey
Next Meeting Dates
Groups run on the school calendar (September to June). Stay tuned for our event calendar for 2025-26!
Kids Group events are held on the third Saturday of the month, beginning in September. The group occurs every other month. The Parents Group is held on Zoom on a Thursday evening, on alternate months as the Kids Group.
There is no cost to attend any of the LIFTS groups. Any questions can be sent to us at LIFTS@ucalgary.ca
Getting Involved
Join the LIFTS Team
LIFTS is designed to be a family-led and community-based program. If you are interested in planning, organizing, facilitating, or contributing in any way to LIFTS, please get in touch at LIFTS@ucalgary.ca Your time will be compensated.
Join as a Youth Mentor

Past Activities
Kids Group & Youth Mentors (In-Person):
June 2025 - Family Picnic at Prairie Winds Park
March 2025 - Drumming with Cree8
January 2025 - Sledge hockey
November 2024 - Weather cancellation
September 2024 - Tour of the Calgary Zoo
June 2024 - Bowness Park Outdoor Games & Scavenger Hunt
April 2024 - Inglewood Bird Sanctuary: Animal Adaptations
February 2024 - Aliki's Art Studio Multi-Medium Collages
Parents Group (Virtual):
June 2025 - Family picnic at Prairie Winds Park (combined with Kids & Youth Mentors)
April 2025 - Guest Speakers: Rocky Mountain Adaptive and CP Kids & Families
February 2025 - Guest Speaker: "Finding What Works: Evidence-Based Rehab Options for Kids After Stroke" with Dr. Alicia Hilderley, PhD
December 2024 - Guest Speaker: "All Things Stroke!" with Dr. Adam Kirton, MD
October 2024 - Guest Speaker: Calgary Adapted Hub
May 2024 - Youth Panel Presentation "What Does the Future Hold"
March 2024 - Getting to Know You

LIFTS Kids, Youth Mentors, & volunteers Drumming with Cree8

LIFTS volunteers and Youth Mentors at sledge hockey