My volunteering experience

My name is Tom. I had my stroke seven years ago.

I couldn't talk properly, I couldn't remember the day before, remember previous days. It was like waking up to nothing.

I was working as a chef at the time and returning to work was tough. The kitchen was too busy...and noisy...and because of my aphasia, responding to orders being given quickly was very challenging. I had to give up my job because of that. Shortly after, I met someone from the Stroke Association. She was so enthusiastic, and suggested I join their support café. It was there, I got the chance to talk about my stroke experience and meet others like me. My confidence started to return slowly, and as it did, I started to accept my stroke and rebuild my life again. I have been volunteering for the charity for about eight years now.

I work mainly as a community connector, which involves creating connections with other stroke survivors and local groups and attending events to share my lived experience of stroke. More recently, I have been involved in a campaign about communication problems after a stroke.
I just love getting involved with what the Association does. I feel great being a volunteer for the charity and I’d like to encourage others to get involved too.

Please help raise awareness of stroke and support others who have been affected by stroke. For more information, email: EngagementTeamScotland@stroke.org.uk

Give it a shot, it has made a real difference to my life.