Our leisure time is valuable and taking part in hobbies and interests is an important part of daily life after stroke. Doing something you love for fun, relaxation or learning can help you to feel good and enjoy life.
Getting involved in a leisure activity can also be rewarding in many ways. It can raise your confidence, improve anxiety or low mood, or help you to get fit. It can also help your recovery by giving you enjoyable time communicating, thinking and learning, or being physically active. Joining in social activities with others can also help with your wellbeing.
Can I do my usual activities?
You might be able to go back to an old interest. But it can sometimes be difficult to return to a favourite hobby because of the effects of stroke. If that’s the case for you, it might be possible to adapt an activity so you can take part. That could mean learning to do something in a different way. An occupational therapist might be able to help you find ways to return to your hobbies.
There might be a practical solution, such as using some technology or equipment. Or you might be able to do your activity with support from another person, such as having a partner for country walking if you find it difficult on your own. Many organisations can offer adapted and inclusive activities for people with health conditions or disabilities. You might find you can take up an activity after making more progress with your recovery.
If you need help finding support with your recovery, contact our Stroke Support Helpline on 0303 3033 100.
Finding new interests
If you are not able to return to your previous hobbies, think about your interests and abilities. Are there any new activities you can try that might suit you? Get your friends and family involved. They might come up with ideas you had not thought of. There may be local groups or organisations offered adapted activities that you can join. You might need to try a few different things before you find the right fit.
I've taken up more hobbies since my stroke. Doing things like bingo, or joining groups online or in person, is a good way of connecting with people.
Tracy, stroke survivor
Ideas for leisure activities
Here are some suggestions for hobbies after stroke to get you thinking.
- Art and crafts – drawing, painting, pottery, making models or cards.
- Music – listening to music, playing an instrument or going to concerts.
- Needlecraft – patchwork, knitting, embroidery or tapestry.
- Photography – taking photos or visiting exhibitions. There may be a local photography club in your area.
- Writing – letters, stories, or poetry, or writing to a pen friend.
- Our getting moving after stroke section has lots of ideas for being more physically active, plus exercise videos for stroke survivors.
- Every Body Moves has a postcode search tool to help you find inclusive and adapted sports and exercise near you.
- Walking – a great, free way to get active and see new things. Local walking clubs often organise walks to suit all abilities.
- Animals –birdwatching, visiting wildlife reserves, dog walking.
- Gardening – growing vegetables at an allotment, visiting flower shows. Read our 10 tips for gardening after a stroke.
- Days out – visiting art galleries, museums or historic buildings and gardens.
- Cinema or theatre – some venues have regular clubs, or accessible shows such as audio-described or subtitled films.
- Cooking – trying new recipes, baking, learning about healthy eating. You can watch cooking videos made by stroke survivors for some recipe ideas and tips on preparing food with one hand.
- Puzzles and games – jigsaws, crosswords, sudoku, board games or computer games.
- Reading – books, newspapers or magazines. Many are available in accessible formats such as large print, braille or audio.
Activities you can try near you
Visit your local library
They may have details about local clubs and events. Libraries also often stock books in large print and on CD. Many also offer computers with internet access, audio books, eBooks and online newspapers. The government website can help you search for your nearest council-run library.
Contact your local council
Your local council has details of day centres and other clubs near you. Many councils have this information on their website.
Try learning something new
Many areas offer adult learning, either at a college, museum or library. You can try courses in arts and crafts, technology, music, exercise and many more. You can also find courses run by a business or individual, such as dressmaking or pottery at a local craft centre. Contact the centre for details of courses. Although you will usually have to pay for these courses, some centres offer concessions if you are disabled or on certain benefits.
Visit your local leisure centre
Some local sports centres and swimming pools offer discounted membership or specialist classes for people with disabilities. Leisure centres should be accessible for people with disabilities.
You may be able to find a tailored exercise programme for people with health conditions. Or your GP may be able to refer you to group fitness sessions with a specialist coach. Other activities like diabetes education groups take place at leisure centres.
Leisure centres sometimes offer movement and relaxation activities like yoga, Zumba or meditation. These can be a good way to get moving after a stroke, help you feel good and improve your mood.
Activities from the Stroke Association
Stroke Support Groups
Stroke Support Groups offer support to stroke survivors and their families. They are usually led by volunteers, often stroke survivors or carers themselves. They meet regularly, usually in local community venues. Some meet online via video meetings.
Groups provide you with a safe space to feel listened to and understood. You can ask questions, share recovery tips, and learn from each other to find new ways of doing things.
Each group is different, but many offer activities. This may include everything from speakers, outings or art classes, through to communication and exercise sessions.
There are groups all over the UK. Visit our support groups page to find a group or call our Stroke Support Helpline on 0303 3033 100.
Online stroke activities
The Stroke Association offers regular, free online activities sessions, run by our friendly staff or volunteers. They’re a great way to meet new people from your own home. You can learn about the effects of stroke, share experiences or take part in exercise groups, social quizzes or other activities. Stroke survivors tell us they understand more about stroke and feel more confident after joining these sessions.
You can visit our online activities hub to find out more and sign up.
Online community
We also have a vibrant online community forum where you can connect with thousands of people who understand stroke first-hand and can relate to your recovery. You can post about things important to you, ask questions and share your own experiences.
Stroke News
Stroke News is our magazine for everyone affected by stroke, produced three times a year. The magazine offers a wealth of valuable information, including personal stories from stroke survivors and their families. You can read it online or request a print or audio copy by calling 0300 3300 740.
Other sources of help and information
Arts and crafts
Article and blogs about disability and art. Has a directory of organisations that specialise in disability arts including theatre, creative writing and painting.
Tel: 01652 628 240
Needlecraft supplies like specialist tapestry frames and embroidery rings.
Days out
If you’re planning a day out, contact the venue first or look at their website. They can tell you about accessibility, and any concessions you and a carer may be entitled to.
Historic sites and events throughout England.
Tel: 0844 800 1895
Information about places to visit and things to do across the UK, with details on accessibility at each venue.
Rough Guide to Accessible Britain
Online guide for people with disabilities, with over 200 ideas for days out. Includes accessibility information, as well as reviews and tips from disabled visitors.
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
Tel: 01767 680 551
Their website has information about all their UK nature reserves, including accessible facilities.
List of accessible UK Wildlife Trust sites, where you can visit woodland, wetlands and other habitats to see wild birds, insects and plants.
Sports and outdoor activities
Has a postcode search tool to find inclusive sports, clubs and activities near you.
Tel: 023 8060 4100
Sites around the UK where people of all ages with disabilities can try sailing.
Gardening
Gardening with Disabilities Trust
Provides information and advice for disabled gardeners. They also have a grant scheme to help people with disabilities continue gardening.
Tel: 0118 988 5688
Helps older and disabled people to continue gardening. The website also has tips for new gardeners and ideas on making your garden more accessible.
Music
National arts charity which uses technology to support disabled people to make music.
Photography
Disabled Photographers’ Society
Promotes photography for people with disabilities. The website has a discussion forum and information about helpful accessories. They also have an adaptations coordinator who can advise on equipment.
Puzzles and games
Tel: 01302 965 195
Sells a range of products including large print crossword books and playing cards, card holders and jigsaws with pieces twice the usual size.
Reading
Tel: 01296 432 339
Lending library of audio books. Members can stream or download audio books or request a memory stick in the post.
Tel: 0203 886 1028
Charity which provides trained actors to read to stroke survivors in hospital, at stroke clubs or at home via phone or video calls.
Tel: 020 7407 9417
Audio library service providing audio books, magazines and newspapers.
Tel: 0141 776 3395
Provides a free service transcribing text to audio for people with visual problems. Also has a large library of publications in audio format.
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
Helpline: 0303 123 9999
The RNIB Library gives people with vision problems access to audio, braille and music resources. Their Talking Books service offers audiobooks on CD, USB and by digital download. You can also subscribe to RNIB Newsagent, which offers newspapers and magazines in a variety of audio formats. The RNIB shop also sells large print puzzle books.
Cinema and theatre
Search tool to find cinemas showing accessible films with audio descriptions, subtitles, or autism and dementia-friendly screenings.
Website listing theatre shows in London, with accessible venue and performance information.
Radio
Helpline: 0800 028 8660
A group for people with disabilities who are interested in amateur radio. They can lend equipment to members.
Resources
The information on this page can be accessed in the following formats:
- Download this information as a
- Order a printed copy from our shop
- To request a braille copy, email helpline@stroke.org.uk
Useful Links
National Talking Newspapers and Magazines