I have worked at the Stroke Association for over 15 years, in a variety of roles, after first joining as a volunteer. My journey began following my mum’s major stroke in 2005. When her initial hospital and community therapies came to an end, we suddenly found ourselves without the support we needed. At that time, there was nothing available in our area until 2010.

The Stroke Association was able to start a new service in Hampshire. My mum finally started to receive support, especially with her communication needs. Our area also really needed a Stroke Support Group, so I happily help set one up as a volunteer. From there I began my new career, really motivated to make sure that other families weren’t left feeling as alone as we had been.

I worked in local stroke support roles until 2021 where I then took on my current role as a Delivery Manager of one of our national support offers – Weekly Volunteer Calls. I have a wonderful team of five colleagues and nearly 300 volunteers! The majority of our volunteers have a lived experience of stroke, they are matched with stroke survivors and carers earlier on in their journey. Our volunteers make weekly telephone calls for eight weeks.

People who have used the service tell us it is a chance to share experiences, feel more understood, connected and supported. This helps build confidence, understand stroke better and to learn new ways to cope with the impacts of stroke. I know I would have hugely benefitted from speaking to another carer in those early days, if the support had been available.

The service was first set up as a response to COVID when face-to-face support was paused. Since this time the service has grown and developed into really valued support for thousands of people. I am really proud to oversee Weekly Volunteer Calls and excited to be part of our charity’s efforts to ensure we can continue to reduce the post code lottery of support available to people.

What women inspire you?
We are lucky to have fabulous female leaders in the Stroke Association. I have felt continuously inspired to push myself to develop as a leader and progress in my career. But the biggest inspiration in my life is my mum. She had her whole life turned upside down aged 46; she lost so much. She has rebuilt her life in such a positive way, despite disability she always pushes forward.

Why are you passionate about working here?
Because I want all people affected by stroke to get the support they need.

What’s an achievement at the Stroke Association you’re most proud of?
The development and growth of Weekly Volunteer Calls! A support service that can be accessed across the UK is really important, and I am proud to be a part of this.