The Stroke Association Conversation Library

Every day in the UK, another 240 people wake up to the life-changing impact of a stroke.

Mums, dads, grandparents, young people, even children – anyone can have a stroke. It can leave people unable to move, see, speak or swallow.

Penny Smith talks to three inspiring stroke survivors, revealing their heartbreaking stories of survival and strength after having a stroke.

Listen to their stories below...

‘She couldn’t talk, she couldn’t eat. Where’s this going to leave us? We were in a state of shock.’

- Naomi's mum

Sophiemaycheets · Stroke Association Interview - Ruth

'I was worried about what was going to happen to everyone around me.'

- Trevor

Sophiemaycheets · Stroke Association Interview - Trevor

'My right leg doesn’t work 100% properly so I have to use a walking aid.'

- Angharad

Sophiemaycheets · Stroke Association Interview - Angharad

No survivor should have to face life after stroke without stroke support

Stroke is a traumatic, life-changing event that robs survivors and their families of the life they knew. It is just the start of a long and gruelling journey. But stroke survivors do not have to face that journey alone.

The Stroke Association provides stroke support for every survivor and their loved ones for as long as it takes.

When a stroke happens, the national Stroke Support Helpline is there to help.

They listen to and answer people’s immediate questions. One call to the Stroke Support Helpline opens up a world of wider support, connecting survivors and their families to other services like Stroke Support Coordinators, local support groups and peer-to-peer support.

Whether someone needs information or guidance, or a chat when times are tough, the Stroke Support Helpline is just a phone call away on 0303 3033 100.

'Dave, who works for the Stroke Association, was very empathetic, he knew what I was going through'

Stroke Support Coordinators provide a vital lifeline to survivors and their families trying to make sense of the new and terrifying world of stroke, one in which they might otherwise feel isolated and alone. They work one-to-one with survivors to understand their needs and tailor their support to what matters most. Including helping survivors to make sense of their diagnosis and medication and providing crucial emotional support after the trauma of a stroke.

Learn more

Finding strength through support

By phone • At home • In the community

stroke.org.uk

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