Long term support

While hospital care and professional rehabilitation last a few weeks or months, recovery from stroke continues for many years.

People need practical and emotional support to manage the effects of stroke, build their confidence, regain their independence and reintegrate into community life. Our long-term support groups provide this. 

Our co-ordinator will set up a group or several groups in an area. They may include specialist networks, such as a group for younger stroke survivors, or members of a minority ethnic group, and groups for carers.

To begin with the co-ordinator will act as a group facilitator.

But the aim is for groups to become self-sustaining and entirely led by volunteers, with minimal support from The Stroke Association. We have developed procedures and protocols to ensure groups remain viable, financially and practically, in the long term.

Groups include a range of activities requested by members. Groups also provide education and information, including health promotion and stroke prevention advice.

Outcomes
• Reduced isolation and improved social inclusion
• People affected by stroke make better recoveries, reducing dependence on health and social care services
• Improved confidence and motivation
• Respite for carers
• Potential problems can be picked up and dealt with more quickly, meaning fewer hospital readmissions and health problems

Return to the Life After Stroke Services model