All Things Stroke

May is Stroke Awareness Month - a time to recognise the impact of stroke and reflect on how services, tools, and communities are evolving to support those affected. 

Helping to shape this support is the All Things Stroke website, a comprehensive resource dedicated to supporting stroke survivors, their families, carers, and healthcare professionals. By connecting people to high-quality local, regional, and national support services, the All Things Stroke website is a 'one-stop-shop' making it easier for people to find the help they need. 

Whilst the website was developed for residents of West Yorkshire and Harrogate, its success has proven it to be a valuable blueprint for other regions to follow, highlighting the importance of integrated, accessible support. 

Raising Awareness

Statistics from the Stroke Association share that: 

• Stroke strikes every five minutes
• 100,000 people have strokes each year
• There are 1.4 million stroke survivors in the UK

Most people are familiar with F.A.S.T - Face, Arms, Speech, Time. This public messaging has been vital in improving early recognition of stroke and saving lives. However, whilst awareness of how to spot a stroke has increased, awareness of what happens after a stroke is still limited. 

Navigating Life After Stroke

Following discharge from hospital, many people find themselves adjusting to life after stroke without knowing where to turn for practical advice, ongoing support, or information tailored to their individual needs. 

The All Things Stroke website was created to address these gaps, offering guidance on a variety of topics - from managing fatigue and emotional wellbeing to returning to work, driving, and rebuilding confidence and independence. 

Heavily shaped by stroke survivors and carers, the website brings together trusted information, practical resources, and lived experience to help people navigate life after stroke at their own pace. Acting as an online directory, it covers all stages of care - from prevention to recovery and long-term support. 

Topics for stroke survivors include:

• Pain
• Fatigue
• Physical effects
• Vision
• Communication
• Memory & thinking skills
• Mental health and emotions
• Medication
• Equipment
• Healthy lifestyles
• Intimacy and sex
• Work (for employers & employees)
• Benefits & money
• Housing & accommodation
• Driving after stroke
• End of life

Topics for carers include:

• Where Can I Access Support & Information?
• Navigating a Discharge from Hospital
• Support in Your Area
• Working Carers
• Young Carers
• Looking After Yourself
• Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health
• Dealing with Emotional Control / Abuse
• Finance & Benefits

The All Things Stroke website was facilitated by West Yorkshire & Harrogate ISDN, and developed through a co-production group which included leading charities, healthcare professionals, and people with lived experience of stroke. Aphasia Support are proud contributors, helping to represent the needs of stroke survivors and carers affected by aphasia.

If you haven't already, please take a moment to explore the All Things Stroke website and share it with anyone who may find it helpful.

For further information, visit: wyh-allthingsstroke.nhs.uk