Lack of understanding leaves stroke survivors 'isolated and misunderstood'

There is a lack of support for stroke survivors because most people do not understand what a stroke is and how it affects people, according to a new survey by the Stroke Association.

The findings suggest more than a quarter of the population do not know that a stroke occurs in the brain.

Although two thirds of adults in Wales know someone who has had a stroke, most admit a lack of awareness and understanding needed to support stroke survivors in their recovery.

This "knowledge gap" is preventing survivors getting the support they need from those closest to them, and stopping survivors from making the best possible recovery to rebuild their lives after stroke.

Father-of-two Dave Jones from Ammanford was 36-years-old when he had a stroke in 2017. He had a headache and dizziness and had to leave work. His condition worsened and two days later woke up unable to see.

The findings also reveal the damaging effects that stroke can have on social networks and relationships.

More than one in six of those who know a stroke survivor, admitted spending less time with them because the latter was perceived as not being the same person following the stroke.

Dave joined a Stroke Association group for younger male stroke survivors in Carmarthenshire, which has been a huge support.

The Stroke Association is now launching a campaign called Rebuilding Lives.

It aims to showcase the challenges faced by stroke survivors and those who support them with their recoveries.