Ann was introduced to the Stroke Association’s Online Community by her Stroke Support Coordinator, who began supporting Ann when she came out of hospital.

“I was feeling down because I wasn’t able to see anybody or do anything. It was a way of trying to keep me motivated and to stop me getting into a pit of depression. Posting on the forums was something I could do for myself.

“For me, joining the Stroke Association’s Online Community was about being in touch with other people in a similar situation to me and feeling validated in a way that you don’t get from anywhere else.” 

Reassuring place

Initially sceptical about signing up, Ann says she quickly realised what a supportive place the forums were once she had read some of the posts.

Ann said: “I had the details for a few weeks before signing up. I wasn’t entirely sure how an online community could help me. Eventually I thought, what have I got to lose?

“To begin with, I just read what other people were posting. Once I realised how nice everyone was and that it could be anonymous, I bravely wrote my first post. And I am so glad I did!”

“I introduced myself and shared my stroke story so far. The responses were overwhelmingly supportive and welcoming. Other people started sharing their experiences of similar problems with mobility and fatigue, and how they had seen improvements over time. It gave me a boost at a time when I needed it the most.

“Doctors are wonderful but they treat medical problems — not the invisible effects of stroke, like loneliness and isolation. It was the first time since my stroke that I had felt fully seen, heard and hopeful.”

Ann, stroke survivor

As she gained confidence, Ann began posting more regularly. After a few months, she was honoured when the Stroke Association invited her to become a volunteer moderator for the forums.

Light at the end of the tunnel

Three years on, Ann remains an active part of the Online Community, using her experiences to help others on their stroke journey.

Ann said: “The Online Community helped me to see the light at the end of tunnel and I wanted to share that with other people. I know first-hand how frightening stroke can be, so being able to reassure people in the early stages felt like a very worthwhile thing.”

She takes pride in welcoming new members, sharing information about the forum and offering reassurance.

Ann said: “I always make sure to welcome people and let them know that we are here and the approach is very flexible - you can dip in and out of the forum whenever you like.

“It’s a brilliant way to connect with others with lived experience, not just for stroke survivors but for carers, families and friends too. People join from all over the world so there’s usually somebody not too far behind who will answer your question.

“I make sure to make it clear that we’re not medical professionals, but we answer from our own experiences and share strategies that we have found helpful.”

Community

Two moments stand out for Ann as a reminder of the impact the Online Community can have.

She said: “One of the things that made me smile a lot recently was a post from one of our regular members who has been stuck inside because of his physical problems.

“We had been chatting about mobility, and I shared that investing in a mobility scooter had helped me to get around quicker and feel safer crossing roads. A few days later, he bought himself one and posted a photo of his local park. He now posts regular photos from his trips out and says it has absolutely changed his life.

“Another memorable time was on Christmas day. It can be a lonely time for some people and one year, I spent the whole day messaging someone back and forth with words of support. It’s nice to still see the person pop up on the forum today, so I know our chat was helpful on a difficult day.”

Beyond helping others, Ann acknowledges how much the Online Community has supported her own recovery and wellbeing — whether it’s been inspiring her to continue with her exercises after hearing other stroke survivors’ experiences, improving her cognitive skills by engaging with online discussions or making friends for life via the forums.

Since her stroke, Ann has returned to her job as a civil servant and continued to make a difference in her professional life. In 2024, the team she led were given a special recognition award for their performance.