The power of sharing personal stories
- Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
- Type: News Item
- Published: 23rd February 2023
The Stroke Association are calling for people with lived experience of stroke to share their story
The Stroke Association, like many other health-related charities, rely on the stories of people affected by stroke, to inform the activities we do in Scotland. Stroke stories help to raise awareness of stroke-related issues to people who can influence change. The Stoke Association are always keen to hear stories about peoples’ lived experience of stroke, to learn more, action, and to influence for stroke improvements across Scotland
The Stroke Association carried out two campaigns last year, brought to life by telling real stories of people affected by stroke.
One campaign focused on the psychological impact of stroke, and the lack of care being offered to people dealing with those consequences. One woman shared her story of dealing with the emotional effects of stroke. Her story featured in our campaign report and a media release. Two further stroke survivors talked about their personal experience of stroke at an event, attended by politicians, clinicians, and the public alike. Towards the end of the year, there was a debate held in The Scottish Parliament about the issue. The sharing of these stories resulted in media coverage, significant interest of the issue in The Scottish Parliament and social media engagement. We know the telling of real-life stories positively contributes to stroke improvements and look forward to seeing reference to the psychological effects of stroke in the Scottish Government’s forthcoming Stroke Improvement Plan.
The Stroke Association also worked with Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland and with clinicians across Scotland to get funding reinstated for a national thrombectomy service. Thrombectomy is a game-changing treatment for stroke. The campaign was both one of political influencing and of public awareness. We achieved extensive media coverage and rich conversations with decision makers. The result was one of a full re-instatement of funds. And the sharing of stories played a massive part in that.
The lack of stroke awareness isn’t going to change quickly, so we must carry on our awareness raising efforts. To do that, we need to continue to hear and tell the stories of people affected by stroke. We must make the devastation of the condition real, dispel the myth that stroke an only happen to older people and highlight that with the right support, lives can be rebuilt after stroke.
Please get in touch if you, or anyone you know, might be able to help us in our efforts by sharing their story. People can get involved in as much or as little as they wish. Please contact Angela.Macleod@stroke.org.uk or call: 07810 118184 to find out more and register your interest.
End of page.
End of page.
You may also like:
Could you help shape the future of Human Rights in Scotland? Apply to join the SNAP2 Leadership Panel
Continue readingVisit the Defib finder website to find the defibrillators closest to you.
Continue readingSubmit your nomination for high-quality person-centred care and support by Friday 14 March 2025.
Continue readingScottish Recovery Network are hosting a series of workshops on peer support in suicide prevention across Scotland this April.
Continue readingHave your say on what you would like to see from a future Contact Scotland BSL service.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE and Scottish Government have produced several resources on heathy aging, in support of the Women's Health Plan.
Continue readingApril is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, a fantastic annual opportunity to raise awareness of bowel cancer.
Continue readingThe UN ICESCR Committee has issued its recommendations and several reflect points made by the ALLIANCE and our members.
Continue readingEPI-SCOT aims to understand how knowing the cause of a young person’s epilepsy might lead to more effective treatments.
Continue readingThe report states that community health and social care finances are increasingly precarious, and encourages IJBs to work with partners.
Continue readingThis year has seen continued growth in membership, reach and impact, through our delivery of a diverse range of programmes,
Continue readingCarers Scotland launches their State of Caring in Scotland 2024 research report.
Continue readingThe ALISS team is delighted to announce the launch of ALISS Analytics, a new tool designed to provide easy access to valuable data on ALISS.
Continue readingThe Digital Citizen Panel is pleased to share the first member spotlight, highlighting member Pasna Sallis and her work with older adults
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE responds to the Equality, Human Rights, and Civil Justice Committee's inquiry into the the Public Sector Equality Duty.
Continue readingRaise awareness and support history making for the Deaf Community in Fife.
Continue readingEvery Tuesday the Discover Digital team at the ALLIANCE shares a free and trusted digital tool that supports health and wellbeing.
Continue readingOur response calls for a human rights based approach to outcomes, and to consider how to strengthen the SHRC.
Continue readingResearchers at the University of Strathclyde want to hear your opinions about what the hospitals of the future should look and feel like
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE are establishing a peer network to connect professionals working in Glasgow who are passionate about digital inclusion.
Continue readingA Scotland that Cares campaign calls on the Scottish Government to set a dedicated National Outcome on Care now.
Continue readingSign the petition to oppose funding cuts to the Community Links Service based in West Dunbartonshire GP practices.
Continue readingHave your new say to help develop the 'Being a partner in my care: Realistic Medicine together' app.
Continue readingPublic Health Scotland have published a briefing on transport poverty and health inequalities.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE and Scottish AI Alliance produce a DigiFest24 report with actions and recommendations across the digital health and care sector
Continue reading