Effects of stroke
Physical effects
Alzheimer's Society
Helpline: 0845 300 0336
Information and local support for people affected by all types of dementia and their carers. The website has information on coping with memory loss.
Bladder and Bowel Foundation
Helpline: 0845 345 0165
Information and support for people with bladder and bowel disorders.
Brain and Spine Foundation
Helpline: 0808 808 1000
Information on a wide range of neurological conditions of the brain and spine. Helpline is staffed by neuroscience nurses and other health professionals.
British Pain Society
The largest UK association for health professionals involved in the treatment of pain. Includes a section for patients, which has FAQs, publications and information on pain clinics and pain management programmes.
British Society of Gerodontology
Works to protect, maintain and improve the oral health of older people and produces guidelines for the oral healthcare of stroke survivors.
Changing Faces
UK charity that supports and represents people who have disfigurements of the face or body, including facial paralysis caused by stroke.
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
Helpline: 0303 123 9999
Provides information on all types of visual impairment, including living with sight loss, registering as partially sighted, benefits and your rights as a person with visual impairment. Can refer to specialist advice services, support groups and the RNIB Emotional Support Telephone Service.
The Sexual Advice Association
Helpline: 020 7486 7262
Information about and support with a wide range of sexual problems. You can download factsheets from the website, and there are links to other sources of support.
Communication problems
Afasic
Helpline: 0800 269545
Supports children and young adults with communication disability, as well as their parents and the professionals working with them. Has a network of support groups, publications, training and online message boards.
Aphasia Help
An aphasia-friendly website that has clear and simple information about stroke and aphasia. Has a penpal section that allows you to make contact with other users of the website.
Aphasia Now
A website created by people with aphasia for people with aphasia. Lists support groups and different resources. Also features news, articles, research and a forum for swapping information.
Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP)
Allows you to search for a local speech and language therapist within the UK. Also offers useful resources, materials and therapeutic ideas for people with aphasia.
Communication Aid Centre
Telephone: 0117 3403946
This is the NHS Communication Aid Centre for the south west region of England. It offers assessment for suitable communication aids, plus advice and training.
Connect
Telephone: 020 7367 0840
Information and support for people with aphasia to help them re-connect with life. Connect runs support services in London and works with partners to develop services elsewhere in the UK and Ireland.
Interact Reading Service
Provides a professional, interactive reading service for stroke patients in some English hospitals and stroke clubs in London and the south east. Aims to provide stimulation and interaction as an aid to rehabilitation.
Speakability
Helpline: 080 8808 9572
Supports people affected by aphasia and their carers through a national network of self-help groups and a range of published materials. Has an online discussion forum and runs workshops and training sessions.
Psychological effects
Alzheimer’s Society
Helpline: 0845 300 0336
Information and local support for people affected by all types of dementia and their carers. The website has information on coping with memory loss.
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BCAP)
Allows you to find a local counsellor or psychotherapist who is a member of this organisation. You can search for a counsellor with a special interest, if necessary.
Counselling Directory
Phone: 0844 8030 240
An online directory enabling you to search for counsellors and psychotherapists in your local area to meet your individual needs. The website provides a full profile for each counsellor or psychotherapist.
Relate
Helpline: 0300 100 1234
Relationship counselling and sex therapy, face to face, by phone or online. Allows you to find a therapist in your local area.
Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH)
Provides supports for people experiencing mental health problems, homelessness, addictions or other forms of social exclusion. Services include care at home, outreach, crisis intervention and housing support.
The Sexual Advice Association
Helpline: 020 7486 7262
Information about and support with a wide range of sexual problems. You can download factsheets from the website, and there are links to other sources of support.
United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
Provides information about psychotherapy and how to choose a therapist. Also allows you to find a local therapist who is a member of this organisation.
Read our publications:
Physical effects of stroke
Communication problems after stroke
Depression after stroke
Emotional changes after stroke