Showcase the Street: innovation in the use of technology for stroke rehabilitation

I was immediately struck by the warmth of the environment that provides a weekly hub for people recovering from stroke. Although I had already heard about the project’s innovative use of technology for stroke rehabilitation, seeing it for myself brought its impact to life. What became overwhelmingly clear throughout my visit was how much this project means to the people who use it – participants, carers, volunteers and staff alike.

Seeing the partnership in action
The project felt both natural and intentional. Staff described it as an “unlikely” collaboration at first, blending the digital, creative energy of Showcase the Street with the clinical knowledge and lived experience of the Stroke Club team – but everything I saw suggested that it is a genuinely powerful combination. The Stroke Club lead talked openly about how responsive and proactive the Showcase the Street team has been, going out of their way to source equipment and adapt activities based on participant needs.

From my conversations, it was clear that partnership is not just a feature of the model, it is the foundation. Joint delivery at Showcase the Street’s Tech Hub, supported by volunteers, enables structured six-week VR rehabilitation blocks, followed by ongoing weekly drop-in sessions that offer low-pressure, long-term engagement. Watching the sessions unfold, with staff and volunteers supporting people with their balance, encouraging participation and simply chatting, made the collaborative effort feel genuinely person-centred.

Participant experiences
Speaking to people who attend the project gave me a deeper understanding of how important this work is. Many people described the staff and volunteers as the heart of the programme, providing support and friendship. Participants were honest about the difficulties they have faced after their stroke, including loss of confidence, fear of falling, isolation and reduced independence. One talked openly about difficult experiences in hospital and how this made their return to the community more challenging.

The Stroke Club, hosted at Showcase the Street’s Tech Hub, felt like a place of hope. I watched people playing VR golf, completing balance games and taking part in cognitive activities. What stood out was the enjoyment in the room as participants laughed, challenged each other, tried new things and rediscovered activities they once loved. People said that it is more fun than traditional exercise and rehabilitation, provides routine and an opportunity to meet new people and spend time with friends.

The impact of the partnership project clearly extends beyond physical improvement. Participants told me how the project helped them regain confidence, lifted their mood and supported their mental health. It helps people to stay positive and happy and feels like a support group. Some now play cognitive and VR-based games at home, to support their recovery outside the sessions.

“It helps me to stay positive… It’s been fun, like having a support group.” (Participant)

Benefits for families and carers
Carers’ perspectives highlighted a different but equally important set of project outcomes. One explained that attending with her husband gave her peace of mind, but it also offered her space, such as time to read, talk to others and feel part of a supportive community. Carers appreciate that the sessions are free, accessible and welcoming. They also value the wider social opportunities, such as festive events, which bring families and participants together in a positive, community-centred way.

“There are lots of opportunities to socialise.” (Carer)

“It is relaxed and informal.” (Carer)

“It has improved his confidence and independence.” (Carer)

Benefits for volunteers
I also spoke to some project volunteers, some students and others working full-time elsewhere. Their commitment was clear, and they talked about how rewarding it was to see participants’ progress. Several volunteers described the programme as unlike anything offered in statutory rehabilitation. The combination of technology, social interaction and flexibility offered a unique experience, that they felt was improving outcomes while also shaping them as future physiotherapists or community practitioners.

“Now I have some community rehab experience.” (Volunteer)

“It benefits my mental health; it is really rewarding.” (Volunteer)

“I have never seen anything like it before… It is totally different…” (Volunteer)

A safe, sociable and empowering environment 
What stayed with me was the atmosphere, with participants chatting, laughing, trying equipment and genuinely enjoying themselves. The Stroke Club lead described this as “Rehab without them knowing it’s rehabilitation.” There was no sense of pressure, just encouragement. If someone didn’t want to do something, they didn’t have to. But more often than not, watching someone else give it a go inspired them to try.

“We’re doing rehab without them knowing it’s rehabilitation.” (Stroke Club Lead)

“They are laughing when they are leaving.” (Volunteer)

“The connection makes a big difference.” (Carer)

The role of Tackling Inequalities funding
It was clear how central the Tackling Inequalities Fund has been to the project. Staff were open about the fact that without this, funding sessions might not be free, the dedicated staff post in the Tech Hub would not exist and the programme would not have grown in the way it has. The funding not only supports delivery but also gives the partnership time to evolve, experiment and build a truly sustainable model. Staff described Showcase the Street’s long-term funding commitment as “a relief” and “essential for continuity,” particularly in an area of Dundee with high deprivation.

“The funding has provided capacity for delivery… It provides for sustainable growth. Having funders that understand that is important.” (Operations Manager, Showcase the Street)

A model with future potential
The team spoke about ambitions to expand the model, including working with people with other neurological conditions, supporting younger people and ASN school groups, securing a minibus to reduce transport barriers and sharing learning with groups across Scotland
Professionals from health, social care and other areas have already visited, and interest continues to grow.

“I don’t think there’s a model like this anywhere else in Scotland… We want to keep growing. We are keen to engage with younger people… and others with neurological conditions.” (Operations Manager, Showcase the Street)

Leaving the Tech Hub, what stayed with me was the strength of connection between staff, volunteers, participants and families. This project doesn’t just fill a gap in rehabilitation provision, it creates a community where people feel seen, valued and supported to move forward at their own pace.

The partnership between Showcase the Street and the Dundee Stroke and Exercise Club is a shining example of what community-based rehabilitation can look like when innovation, compassion and flexibility come together. Seeing it in action reminded me just how transformative the Tackling Inequalities funding has been – not only in supporting recovery, but in helping people rebuild confidence, joy, and connection after life-changing events.

“It opens doors to recovery.” (Stroke Club Lead)