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

Groups run on the school calendar (September to June). Kids Group events are held on a Saturday every other month, beginning in September. 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

young child with pink and purple face paint

LIFTS participant at the summer picnic.

The Building Blocks of Independent Mobility

Topic: Executive functioning and planning for the transition to driving. Presenters will consider building blocks for all levels aged 5-18 years old.

Presenters: Brittany Jamieson (OT) & Nathan Menezes (OT) from the Alberta Children’s Hospital

Time: 7-8:30pm

Where: Zoom online

Date: Saturday March 7, 2026

Time: 1-3pm

Where: Calgary Selfie Museum, 140 17 Ave SE, Calgary, T2G 1H2

Save the Dates

More information and registration will be available closer to each meeting date. Stay tuned!

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.