Testimonial 2

Hi! I am a 47-year-old male stroke survivor. I had my stroke when I was 40. As I found out stroke doesn’t discriminate on the basis of age. People think it only happens to older people but as I can testify it doesn’t. It happens to any age group.
I have been a member of WAGS for a few years along with my partner/carer.

To have a support group like this is invaluable. As a group we are all there for each other to help and support. We ride the highs as well as the lows together. At our meetings it is quite informal. We tell jokes, say what goals or improvements we have reached during the previous month, as well as share any news that might be of some importance. No matter how small you think your news is members are interested in what you have to share. However if you don’t want to say anything you are not pushed. You can do it in your own time. We try to organise some outings for the group in which everybody has an input.

Can’t wait for the first Saturday of the month to roll around!

We started a men’s group that meets every Friday. It is called Scallywags. Many stroke survivors feel the frustration of not being able to so some of the things that they were able to do pre-stroke. In the men’s group we can let off some steam but we also laugh and joke around and we try to organise some group outings as well as our weekly get togethers.

As a stroke survivor both groups have been so helpful during the slow and sometimes frustrating recovery that occurs post-stroke. Especially so during those times when recovery appears to be non-existent. Because of both groups you learn that most importantly you and your carer are not alone and you always have a shoulder to cry on or someone to laugh with.

I have found a support group where everyone improves the quality of life to both stroke survivor and carer. It is truly unbelievable.
Keep smiling and be positive.