Bush Theatre partnership supports brain injury and stroke survivors
Bush Theatre partnership supports brain injury and stroke survivors
05 June 2025
Over six months, the group of seven people built relationships with each other, exploring their experiences and experimenting with creative methods to capture their thoughts, words and feelings, culminating in a performance titled ‘We Should Start Again’, a powerful exploration of their experience of rebuilding their lives again after brain injury and stroke.
The performance included a collection of poetry on the theme of recovery, and filmed monologues telling the participants’ personal stories of stroke or brain injury and movement.
One participant, Abigail, shared the positive psychological impact of the project. She said: “It was good for me mentally, being around people and talking more, and just showing more grace and compassion to others.
“I felt more compassion and more patience for myself. It helped me have extra patience.”
She shared that the project also helped her realise the importance of perseverance: “Anything is possible if you want to participate. Being in the group encouraged me not to disappoint. At the end of the day, you don’t give up.”
Participants designed the performance to raise awareness of brain injuries and stroke, show what recovery looks like and reduce stigma and shame.
In a reflection session after the performance, the group wrote a collaborative poem about their experience of the programme, which you can read below:
We began this journeyAt the base of the mountain, looking up. We stepped forward with
Courage and curiosity,
Carrying hopes of
Shared experience. Then came the storm.
We were surprised by unexpected experiences,
And we found each other in
Our shared stories. Now we stand,
At the top of the mountain, beneath a rainbow
Where anything is possible. Now we know
Being yourself is good enough.
We carry pride between us.
Anything is possible when you believe.
This project was made possible through Bush Theatre’s Local Partnership Scheme, which partnered with us to deliver this project over six months.
Head of Community at Bush Theatre, Holly Smith, said about the partnership: “It was a privilege to partner with Imperial Health Charity, working with their Stroke and Brain Injury Survivors group.
“The group were so passionate about wanting to share their personal stories and experiences to inspire others to hold on to the hope of recovery and living a fulfilling life, which is such a brave and courageous act.
“Thank you to Imperial Health Charity for their fantastic and dedicated support. We really appreciate it! We are deeply proud of our partnership with them and hope to continue to work together into the future.”
Our Community Arts Engagement Manager, Eve Annesley, said: “It was a privilege to work alongside Bush Theatre to help this group share their powerful stories of recovery and resilience.
“We are very grateful to Bush Theatre for choosing us as their partner for this project and for their generous and inspiring approach.”
Visit our Beyond Our Walls page to find out more about the creative sessions we offer in the community.
Photos of final performance by Ylenia Margarecci
