LIFTS

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  

Woman in front of aquarium with audience

LIFTS Kids Group at the Calgary Zoo

child in sledge with coach talking to child

LIFTS Kids Group playing sledge hockey

Next Meeting Dates

Groups run on the school calendar (September to June). There is no cost to attend any of these groups.

April 3 2025

Date: Thursday April 3rd

Time: 7:00-8:30pm 

Where: Virtual on Zoom

What: Info from CP Kids & Families and Rocky Mountain Adaptive

Save the Date!

Save the date the LIFTS end of year celebration! Stay tuned for more details and registration links. Any questions can be sent to us at LIFTS@ucalgary.ca

End of Year BBQ

June 7 2025

On Saturday June 7, LIFTS will host a lunch BBQ for kids, youth, & parents at Bowness Park. Save the date!

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

Youth mentorship opportunity flyer

Past Activities

Kids Group & Youth Mentors (In-Person):

March 2024 - 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):

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

 

many smiling people holding drums

LIFTS Kids, Youth Mentors, & volunteers Drumming with Cree8

Sledge hockey players

LIFTS volunteers and Youth Mentors at sledge hockey