People affected by stroke are experts in what it is like to experience and live with stroke. If you're a stroke survivor, your loved one has had a stroke, or you've cared for someone who has had a stroke you can join our Stroke Voices in Research group. The group helps make decisions that affect research, and how research is done.
Stroke research aims to improve the lives of stroke survivors and their families, and people affected by stroke have an important part to play in deciding what research our charity should fund and how stroke research should be carried out.
You don't need any experience of science, medicine or research. There is no minimum time commitment and how much involvement you have is completely up to you.
Annabel is a member of our Stroke Voices in Research group she said: 'My partner had a stroke eight years ago. It really changed what I hoped to do in my retirement. I was excited to travel with him but after his stroke he's not interested in travelling. Although we're happy together, I do have to work round his needs at all times.
I started as a member of the Stroke Voices in Research group as I wanted to explore what might help me understand stroke. The role is exactly what I was looking for.
In the role, I've done things like review stroke researchers applications for funding and have a say in the future direction of the Stroke Associations plan's for research.'
Laura Piercy, Research Engagement Officer at the Stroke Association works day-to-day with the Stroke Voices in Research group and stroke researchers to share information about the stroke research projects we hope to fund and help people get involved in projects.
You can watch her talk about her role working with the group in the video below.
Patient and public involvement in research is where people with experience of a health condition, in our case, people affected by stroke, use that experience, whether that is as someone who has had a stroke, or as someone that has taken care of a loved one who has had a stroke and brings that experience to research.
It's combining that lived experience with the experience of researchers, scientists and healthcare professionals. It's a vital part of the research, to improve it and ensure its meeting the real needs of people affected by stroke.
I'd like to say thank you to people affected by stroke because the courage and determination that you show every day as you rebuild your lives is truly inspiring. You are the experts in life with, and after stroke. And your voices are a vital part of research.
If you would like to join Stroke Voices in Research or if you have any questions, please look at our webpages or contact Laura Piercy, Research Engagement Officer, via research@stroke.org.uk.