Next Steps with Bristol After Stroke (BAS)
Many stroke survivors become less active after discharge from formal rehabilitation despite evidence that ongoing exercise improves mobility, independence, fitness, and reduces the risk of further stroke. Interviews with participants from the Bristol After Stroke (BAS) Next Steps programme revealed a strong desire for continued rehabilitation support, while carers reported feelings of abandonment and uncertainty about how to support recovery at home. The project was developed to address this gap by providing accessible, long-term rehabilitation opportunities within the community.
Rehabilitation Exercise Videos (REVs)
The programme builds on UWE Bristol and BAS’s established Next Steps rehabilitation classes and uses therapist-developed rehabilitation exercise videos (REVs) that have been co-designed with stroke survivors. Trained BAS group leaders and support workers deliver structured exercise sessions within community stroke groups, supported by guidance from a physiotherapist. The programme includes chair-based and functional exercises, written resources, safety guidance, and home-based exercise materials to encourage ongoing participation in rehabilitation beyond formal services.
Fostering Community
Unlike traditional therapist-led programmes, this model empowers trained support workers, volunteers, stroke survivors and community group leaders to facilitate exercise sessions within existing stroke support groups. The approach combines rehabilitation, peer support, social interaction, and education in familiar community settings. It encourages stroke survivors to remain active, learn from others with shared experiences, and access ongoing support without relying solely on NHS services, making rehabilitation more sustainable and accessible.
“Working alongside a stroke survivor facilitator created a supportive and inspiring environment. Participants became more confident, active, and engaged, demonstrating the potential of community-led approaches to support long-term recovery after stroke.”
Stella Fisher – Group coordinator, Bristol After Stroke
What’s the Impact?
Feedback from stroke survivors and carers has informed programme refinement and resource development. Participants reported that community exercise sessions increased motivation, confidence, social interaction, and engagement in physical activity. The project has also strengthened collaboration between UWE Bristol and BAS, created opportunities for student involvement, and generated a scalable model that could improve long-term rehabilitation outcomes while supporting NHS priorities for community stroke care.
“Facilitating the sessions was a hugely positive experience. It boosted my confidence, physical activity, and social connections, and it was wonderful to see so many participants enjoying themselves and supporting one another.”
Debs – Stroke Survivor
Find out more about Deb’s story
Next Steps
The programme is being refined through participant, carer, volunteer, and group leader feedback, with plans for wider implementation across BAS stroke groups. Discussions are underway with the Stroke Association to distribute the programme’s resources nationally, creating the potential to extend the model beyond Bristol. Future work will evaluate effectiveness, optimise delivery, and explore opportunities for broader adoption across community stroke services, helping more stroke survivors access ongoing rehabilitation and support closer to home.
Bio
This year Praveen Kumar, Associate Professor in Stroke Rehabilitation at UWE Bristol and the Project Lead of the programme, was nominated for the JustGiving Awards. Over the years he has witnessed the number of annual referrals received by BAS rise from 180 in 2016, to now approximately 900 referrals each year. Remarkably, Praveen has helped the badminton community to raise nearly £38,000 for Bristol After Stroke.
How to get involved
2026 marks the 9th Badminton Annual Charity Tournament for Bristol After Stroke on 21st November at UWE Bristol Centre for Sports. This year’s tournament is dedicated to the memory of Steve Miller (Occupational Therapist at UWE Bristol), and will celebrate the values he embodied: friendship, resilience, kindness, and community spirit.
This year aims to be the biggest tournament to date with 90 teams competing across four categories: Women’s Doubles, Men’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles and Children’s Doubles. The tournament will also be receiving support from the staff and students of the UWE Bristol Sports Rehabilitation team.
If you are interested in taking part in the event Praveen would love to hear from you! The tournament is designed for players who are comfortable competing at an intermediate to advanced level, so is ideal for any experienced badminton players looking for a fun but competitive day of badminton. Not a keen to play ball? The event is aiming to raise £6,500 and you can show your support by donating through the JustGiving page