Arts4Stroke
The South and East Birmingham Stroke Clubs are friendly local social groups for people affected by stroke, meeting in community centres in Frankley and Sheldon. They offer a relaxed space to meet others who understand, take part in shared activities, and gradually rebuild confidence through conversation, creativity, and outings beyond the centre itself. The arts project sits naturally within the clubs, giving members the chance to explore art, words, and self-expression in ways that feel meaningful rather than therapeutic or prescriptive, with work coming together through exhibitions. At heart, the clubs are about widening life again after stroke—socially, creatively, and on people’s own terms.
Arts4stroke Project:
Empowering Stroke Survivors Through Creativity
The transformative power of art takes centre stage during stroke awareness month this May 2025 with the launch of South Birmingham Stroke Club’s ‘Arts4stroke project’ in April 2025.
This is a unique initiative designed to inspire and support stroke survivors, their families, and carers in sharing their personal stroke journeys through creative expression.
This project is supported by both Northfield and Edgbaston Neighbourhood Network Schemes who are funded by Birmingham City Council Adult Social Care. The project will culminate in displays at local hospitals and community venues during the month of May 2026 to raise the awareness of stroke during stroke awareness month.
Discovering Stories Through Art
Arts4stroke seeks to create a welcoming and empowering environment where participants can explore their emotions, experiences, and resilience through various artistic mediums. Whether through visual art or written word, this project provides a platform for healing, connection, and self-expression.
Creative Collaboration with Esteemed Experts
Former Birmingham Poet Laureate Spoz from the Word Association lends his talent and expertise to guide participants in crafting poetry and heartfelt letters that encapsulate their unique stroke stories. With his guidance, individuals can articulate their thoughts and emotions in a way that provides both therapeutic relief and meaningful communication.
Complementing this literary journey, Arts4stroke is proud to partner with Chris Richardson, a qualified, skilled, and seasoned art therapist, whose hands-on approach will encourage participants to delve into creative art activities. Chris’s expertise ensures a supportive and inspiring environment, enabling individuals to channel their experiences into visual masterpieces that reflect their personal narratives.
Supported by a volunteers from the Castle Art Society, a venerable organisation with a rich history spanning forty years, this project brings together an amateur artist and stroke survivors in a heartfelt collaboration that celebrates resilience, creativity, and community.
The Castle Art Society, known for its commitment to fostering artistic expression, includes a diverse group of amateur artists who have honed their craft over decades. This volunteer’s expertise and passion for art will guide survivors and families in crafting deeply personal and expressive works. By sharing these stories visually, participants can connect, heal, and bring awareness to the challenges and triumphs of life after a stroke.
Building Community and Resilience
Arts4stroke is more than an art project; it is a celebration of strength, creativity, and community. By involving families and carers alongside survivors, the initiative fosters mutual understanding and shared experiences, creating a sense of belonging and support that extends beyond the artistic process.
The Arts4stroke project embraces the belief that art has the power to heal, inspire, and unite people. Through workshops, exhibitions, and community events, stroke survivors and their families living in the south area of Birmingham, will be supported by a member of the Castle Art Society to create art that reflects their individual journeys. These creations will not only serve as an outlet for personal journeys but also as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others who face similar challenges.
Looking ahead
This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared belief in art as a force for positive change. The Arts4stroke project promises to leave a lasting impact on both the participants and the broader community, fostering a deeper understanding of the resilience and creativity of stroke survivors.
Together with a volunteer from the Castle Art Society Lesley Pattenson, Former Poet Laureat Spoz, the Word Association, art therapist Chris Richardson and South Birmingham Stroke Club members, volunteers, and committee members, the Arts4stroke project is paving the way for healing, storytelling, and connection through the beauty of art.
Join Us
The Arts4stroke project is open to all stroke survivors, families, and carers, living in the south area of Birmingham, who wish to embark on this creative journey.
Participants can attend the art sessions held at Reaside Community Centre, Ormond Road, Frankley, B45 0JD or they can take part by working on their creative story at home or within another community group.
For more information on participation, art session schedules, or how you can support this initiative, please email, text or phone:
Donna Belk , Chair of South Birmingham Stroke Club
donna.northfieldstrokeclub@outlook.com
Phone: 07450574953
John Connelly, Vice Chair of South Birmingham Stroke Club
info@arts4stroke.org
Carole Lowe, Secretary of South Birmingham Stroke club
(press & promotions)
Together, we can turn personal stories into powerful works of art and poetry, proving that creativity has no boundaries—even in the face of adversity.
Arts4stroke: Where every stroke story finds its voice through art.
Arts4Stroke East Birmingham Project: Call to Celebrate and Share Stories Through Art
Press Release
‘Arts4Stroke East Birmingham’ Invites Local Diverse Community Groups to Get Creative and Share Their Stories
For Immediate Release
East Birmingham Stroke Club is thrilled to announce a vibrant new initiative funded by NNS Yardley called ‘Arts4Stroke East Birmingham’.
We are inviting local community groups from all backgrounds to join us in celebrating the resilience and journeys of stroke survivors, carers, and their families.
If you know a stroke survivor, a carer, or a family member whose life has been touched by stroke, we warmly encourage you to get involved. This project offers a safe and expressive space for individuals to share their unique stories—through the universal language of art.
We believe that each story is valuable, and every cultural tradition offers a unique source of inspiration. No matter your chosen form of expression—be it crafting, writing poetry or stories in your native language, performing traditional dances, drumming, or exploring any art form that resonates with your heritage—your participation enriches the project.
Who Can Join?
Stroke survivors, carers, and family members from all backgrounds within East Birmingham are warmly invited to take part.
Ways to Participate
Share your experiences using any creative medium: painting, drawing, writing, music, dance, drumming, or other cultural art forms. All languages and traditions are welcomed and encouraged.
Why Get Involved?
By sharing your journey, you celebrate your strength and help inspire others, raising awareness throughout our community.
Where to Join In?
You can attend sessions for stroke survivors, families, and carers on Tuesdays from 10am to 12pm at St Giles Church Hall, Church Road, Sheldon, B26 3TT. Alternatively, you may arrange for a session to be held at your community group or participate from your own home.
We are committed to making this project inclusive and accessible.
If you or your community group are interested in joining Arts4Stroke East Birmingham, we encourage you to reach out and take part in this creative initiative. Together, we can build connections, promote understanding, and enrich our community with the diverse stories of those affected by stroke.
For more information or to express your interest, please contact:
Donna Belk, Chair of East Birmingham Stroke Club: Phone: 07450574953
Email: donna.northfieldstrokeclub@outlook.com
Let’s work together along with professional arts therapists , musicians, drummers, dancers to turn personal journeys into powerful works of art, bringing hope and inspiration to everyone impacted by stroke in East Birmingham.
We offer flexible ways to get involved: we can arrange an arts session at your community group or provide resources for you to participate from home or within your existing group.
At the conclusion of the project, we plan to host an exhibition at a local hospital and other community venues during October of 2026. These exhibitions will help raise awareness of stroke survivors in the East Birmingham area.
In addition, with the collaboration of former poet laureate Spoz and the Word Association, we are excited to announce the forthcoming publication of a book that will gather stories and poems from participants of all backgrounds. This unique collection will provide a powerful platform for sharing lived experiences and creative reflections, amplifying the voices of stroke survivors and their supporters. Through the written word, we hope to further inspire, connect, and celebrate the resilience found within our community.
Press Enquiries contact: Carole Lowe arts4stroke25@gmail.com