Peer support
High quality information, trained staff, and professional support are all important for people affected by stroke. But there are times when nothing can match the support of another person who’s been through the same thing.
Sharing experiences helps people affected by stroke to realise they are not alone. They feel less isolated, more confident and more motivated.
The Stroke Association sets up peer support networks to help people affected by stroke and their carers to help themselves.
We link up people affected by stroke with others who offer support. For example, we might put somebody who has made a good recovery from stroke in touch with somebody who has recently experienced their own recovery.
We help people get in touch with other stroke survivors who live nearby, or who share similar interests. Peer support forms part of many of our services, but can be commissioned as a separate service or an add-on.
Outcomes
• Reduced isolation and improved social contact
• Information and advice gives people affected by stroke more choice and control
• Improved confidence and motivation
• Respite for carers
• Stroke survivors offering support are making a positive contribution
Return to the Life After Stroke Services model
‘It’s companionship and it breaks the days up. It’s a big empty world for many of them. The thing with the group is, apart from the person who runs it and a couple of the volunteers, everybody there has had a stroke. We’ve all been in the same boat.’ Steve, former paramedic, stroke survivor and peer supporter