A stroke is sudden and shocking for any individual, the leading cause of adult disability and in some cases can affect people severely. In terms of my impairment, I count myself as one of the lucky ones. A stroke can not only leave people with physical, and sometimes cognitive, difficulties, but some after-effects are unseen and they can also be left with low confidence, low self-esteem and poor support. Even those without a lasting physical disability will tell you that the impact on their emotional wellbeing, daily life and planning for the future is huge. Without services and support, many people in the area would be left feeling alone, vulnerable and lost after having a stroke.

The Bristol After Stroke support group operates in Bristol and South Gloucestershire where there are approximately 12,000 people living with stroke. Over the next year then charity expects to support around 1,400 individuals and their families and carers across Bristol and South Gloucestershire to rebuild their lives after a stroke, helping them to feel more confident, less isolated, and, overall, better able to adapt to life after stroke.