The power of sharing personal stories

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.

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