A new poll for the Stroke Association found that one in five stroke survivors (18%) said talking to other stroke survivors was the single most important part of their recovery¹.

To mark World Stroke Day (Tuesday 29 October), the charity, which connects survivors with each other to improve recovery from stroke, surveyed over 1,000 UK stroke survivors. And produced three new films that show just how powerful peer support can be.

The films will debut on the charity’s social media channels, telling the stories of three people who’ve recently had a stroke, meeting with survivors further along in their recovery journey to talk to them about their experiences and offer help and advice.

Around 10,000 people survive a stroke every year in Scotland, but surviving a stroke is just the start of a long and traumatic battle to finding their way back to life. A stroke can leave survivors unable to move, see, speak, or even swallow. Mums, dads, grandparents, young people, even children can be stroke survivors, and the impact of stroke on them and their loved ones can be catastrophic.

The research demonstrated just how shattering the impact of stroke can be on the stroke survivor:

• Four in ten stroke survivors (42%) surveyed said they are worried about their future
• Almost half of stroke survivors (46%) felt scared after their stroke
• Over a third of stroke survivors (36%) felt depressed
• Over a fifth of stroke survivors (21%) felt alone
• One in ten stroke survivors (10%) felt suicidal

Recovery after a stroke can take years and it can impact every aspect of the lives of the survivor and their family. Feelings of shock, anger, grief and guilt are common when faced with such a devastating change. Of the stroke survivors surveyed, over a third (36%) said the most crucial thing they needed during their stroke recovery was emotional support, while a third (33%) said the most important thing was to understand what was coming next in their recovery journey.

When a stroke happens, the Stroke Association is here for stroke survivors, and their loved ones, for as long as they need it. Visit www.stroke.org.uk or call the Stroke Support Helpline on 0303 3033 100 for initial information and signposting to appropriate resources.

The charity provides a number of ways to connect stroke survivors with people with lived experience of stroke. These include Stroke Association support groups where survivors can share experiences and make new friends; a weekly phone conversation with a trained volunteer where survivors can talk to somebody who has had a stroke or cared for someone who has; and the charity’s Online Community which connects thousands of people who understand stroke first-hand, providing support throughout recovery.

Juliet Bouverie OBE, CEO of the Stroke Association, said: “Everyone’s experience of stroke is unique, but for many it can feel like they’ve lost the life they had. Our new research highlights that connecting with others affected by stroke is often the most important thing in helping to recover after stroke. Sharing your experiences can help you understand stroke and learn new ways to cope.

“Whether it’s to connect with other survivors at one of our stroke groups, or to speak to someone online or over the phone, we’d encourage anyone affected by stroke to find out more about how we can provide support and put you in touch with others who have been there too.”

The Stroke Association is Scotland's leading stroke-specific charity providing lifelong support for stroke survivors and their families. The charity works with partners in health and social care, funds vital scientific research and campaigns to secure the best care and support for everyone affected by stroke.

Read more here and find out more at www.stroke.org.uk/scotland