• Stroke survivors tell us that stroke support groups form a vital part of their recovery after stroke. There are a variety of associations and organsiations offering different services and advice including:

Stroke Self Management Program

We have done much research into Self Management Programs and their use in helping stroke survivors get their lives back on track after stroke.   This research has shown wonderful outcomes so far and is now being rolled out in communities across the greater Melbourne area.

The program will start in February, and will run in Frankston, Footscary and Heidelberg. A Stroke Educator runs the program (a health professional) and a volunteer co – facilitated by a stroke survivor/carer from the local community. Volunteers are given a free, three day training workshop prior to the commencement of their program. 

The program is two and a half hours over eight weeks and covers topics such as:

1.    Introduction to the Stroke Self Management Program.
2.    Sharing the stroke journey.
3.    How does stroke make you feel?
4.    Attitudes to stroke recovery.
5.    Moving towards a healthy lifestyle: leisure activities, social support and financial matters.
6.    Moving towards a healthy lifestyle: working with health professionals.
7.    Moving towards a healthy lifestyle: learning to be stroke safe for life.
8.    “Where to from here?”


To register as a volunteer facilitator or participant, or if you would like further information please contact Belinda Bailey, Stroke Educator on
(03) 9670 1000.

StrokeLine 

The National Stroke Foundation’s 1800 StrokeLine provides information about stroke prevention, recovery and support. Our qualified health professionals are here for you when you need comprehensive information and help.
Find out more about StrokeLine.

Stroke Support Strategy

This strategy aims to improve access to appropriate stroke services and support. It draws on information and input from a number of sources including:

• The Walk in our Shoes report

• National Clinical Guidelines for Acute Stroke Management (2007) and the
• National Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery (2005)
• An environmental scan
• A national summit

Services in the community

There may be times when carers or others need to assist the stroke survivor to make contact with others for the purpose of peer support.  Find out more about services in the community.

Carers 

When stroke survivors go home, they often rely on others to help them with everyday activities. These people, the carers, are also affected by the stroke.   Find out more about support for carers.

Support services  

Stroke support groups exist in many parts of Australia and offer support networks for stroke survivors.
Find out more about State Stroke Associations.

StrokeConnect Phone - Sharing, supporting, connecting

Talk to a stroke survivor or carer who has travelled the stroke recovery journey and knows about the challenges you face.

We know talking to another person who has first hand experienced of stroke can help stroke survivors and carers feel reassured, less alone and encouraged in their own recovery journey.

Fellow survivors and carers can:

• Listen and share their own  experiences
• Offer emotional and practical support
• Give understanding
• Answer questions
• Share tips on what might help
• Share knowledge of services and information available

Call the National Stroke Foundation’s StrokeConnect Phone free number 1800 787 653