Check out our spring edition of Stroke News, where we look at the different ways stroke survivors can support their physical and mental well-being on the road to recovery.  

In our cover story, survivor and talented landscape designer Miria Harris shares how reconnecting with nature was a huge part of her recovery. She also offers insight into how her lived experience with stroke helped her design our first ever fully funded garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.  

We also catch up with Jonathan, who tells us how picking up gardening as a hobby improved his mental health.  

Annette shares how reconnecting with her community and meeting other stroke survivors through our support services helped rebuild her confidence after struggling with aphasia, and Duncan reflects on the challenges and successes he’s had since being diagnosed with epilepsy after his stroke.  

We also offer an introduction to the ancient Chinese martial arts practices of Tai chi and Qigong. Focusing on slow, intentional movements, these practices can help stroke survivors improve their mobility and balance while also assisting in relaxation, stress relief and overall well-being. 

In our latest Stroke Helpline articles, we discuss common bladder and bowel problems after stroke, as well as the various schemes available to help individuals with disabilities cope with travel costs.  

Plus, we chat to researcher Dr Kathleen Vancleef about her team’s innovative new tool that makes diagnosing stroke-related visual perception problems easier and more accessible.   

With all this and more, please read, share and subscribe! As I will be stepping into Christine Webster’s role while she is on maternity leave, please contact me at agnessa.kasumyan@stroke.org.uk for story ideas.