Contrary to common belief, stroke isn’t just something that affects the elderly. Byron Bay’s David Roland is determined to make life after stroke easier for fellow stroke survivors of working age.
The 62 year old writer, teacher and psychologist has been selected to join the Lived Experience Working Group as part of Stroke Foundation’s Young Stroke Project.
With around 20 strokes a day impacting Australians under the age of 65, the Young Stroke Project is designed to help working age Australians (aged 18 to 65) find their ‘new normal’ after stroke.
The project will run for three years. It’s been funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
Partnership
The Young Stroke Project will team up with stroke survivors, their partners and families to determine each person’s unique needs, and then develop information and resources to meet those needs.
A diversity of voices will be heard, with a wide range of communities to be represented.
Topics to be dealt with include:
- study, volunteering and work
- friends, relationships, parenting, family
- recreation, activity, self-care, self-compassion, recovery
- grief, loss, trauma, discrimination, acceptance, renewal and growth
- accessing, navigating and influencing the service system
Stroke Foundation said that the stroke community will be central to the project’s success, with both lived (personal) and professional (expert) experience to be valued.
Find out more
For further information you can contact the Young Stroke Project Coordinators Beverly and Simone via email: youngstrokeproject@strokefoundation.org.au.
Anyone can listen to a great series of free podcasts designed for stroke survivors at enableme.org.au.
You can also contact StrokeLine health professionals on 1800 787 653 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, AEST).
