By Harjit Matharu

What started as an observation grew into a project that has made a real difference to the lives of stroke survivors and their families across our community.

Recognising a need for a culturally safe space for stroke survivors

After joining the East Berkshire team in 2022, Harjit recognised a lack of support for the local South Asian community. Many stroke survivors and families described feeling isolated and unable to access services because of language and cultural barriers, and a lack of culturally inclusive spaces. Recognising that these challenges were widespread, Harjit gathered evidence community engagement and conversations with stroke survivors and families. She then used these insights to advocate with managers and commissioners for more inclusive support services.

Working together to bring a vision to life

Turning this vision of support that reflects the cultural and language needs of South Asian stroke survivors into reality required teamwork and commitment. Supported by the East Berkshire team, Harjit Matharu, Bally Aujla, and Pritpal Dhaliwal worked together to develop the Meet Up, combining their expertise and dedication to make it a success. Together, we built community relationships, encouraged participation, and created a welcoming space where people felt safe and supported.

When the South Asian Meet Up launched in March 2025, we hoped it would offer valuable support. What followed exceeded all expectations, with growing attendance, new friendships, and a strong sense of community where people could share their experiences in a language they felt comfortable using.

For many attendees, this was the first time they felt truly comfortable engaging in a support service that reflected their culture, language, and lived experience. Seeing people arrive feeling hesitant and leave feeling connected, valued, and empowered has been one of the most rewarding outcomes of the project.

The success of the Meet Up reflects the commitment of everyone involved, from Harjit recognising an overlooked need, to the willingness of stroke survivors and families to share their experiences, and the support of commissioners, partners, and the dedication of every member of the East Berkshire team.

Beyond the number or attendance of sessions, we are most proud of having helped reduce isolation, strengthen community connections, and creating a space where people felt they truly belonged.

Creating a long-lasting legacy

Perhaps the greatest measure of the project's success is what happens next.

From the beginning, our hope was to create something that would empower the community and continue beyond the life of the project itself. We are so proud that three Meet Up attendees have now volunteered to take ownership of the group and continue running it for others affected by stroke. Their journey from receiving support from the group to giving back to support others reflects the impact of the Meet Up and their commitment to ensure the connections and sense of belonging not only last but thrive. Hear about Rushil's experience below:

Stepping up to help others

After a visit at home from a Stroke Support Coordinator, Rushil was told about a local peer support group. The South Asian Meet Up stroke group welcomes all stroke survivors of South Asian Heritage to get together once a month, share stories and support each other in a safe space. Rushil attended, and then became involved as a volunteer to help lead the group.

He said “I applied to be a volunteer to run the group because I thought it would be nice for me to contribute to it and that it would be a good activity that would help me with my recovery at the same time.”

“When I first attended, I think it was probably the first time that I was able to meet other people who kind of understood what I was talking about in a sense… I think it’s been really important to have this group. Particularly for those stroke survivors who don’t speak English as well. I think for them, being able to communicate more freely about their stroke in this group setting has been quite useful for them. I’m looking forward to being part of running the group. I’m feeling good. Others have been saying that they will help and support too, which is quite nice.”

Rutuja also became a volunteer at the group, recognising the need for a space for people to access culturally relevant advice. "Cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke are all more common within South Asian communities, so it’s important we give people the information they need."

We are immensely proud of what has been achieved together, and while this chapter may be coming to an end, the community it helped create is only just beginning.

This blog was written in collaboration by the East Berkshire team.

---

The East Berkshire Stroke Association Support Team works across the region to support stroke survivors and their families to access the right care, information, and community support. The team is committed to delivering inclusive, person‑centred services that reflect the needs of the diverse communities they serve.