The pioneering group helping stroke-affected people get back to work

In the UK, a quarter of people who have a stroke are of working age, and more than a third give up their job afterwards. Recently, Sirona’s Integrated Community Stroke Service piloted eight weekly group sessions as part of its rehabilitation programme for people who have had a stroke.

The pilot was developed by health professionals alongside staff from Bristol After Stroke, the Stroke Association, North Bristol Advice Centre and disability employment advisers from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The sessions were supported by Bristol Health Partners’ Stroke Health Integration Team.

The group is the first of its kind locally and topics covered include applying for jobs and preparing for interviews and work; benefits, reasonable adjustments and the Access to Work Scheme; and the role of the disability employment adviser.

So how did the sessions go?

Howard James, from Clevedon, has had two strokes and was referred to the group by his speech and language therapist. The sessions inspired him to ask his former employer for a voluntary role as an activity coordinator at a care home. Two months later he was offered the job on a permanent basis.

He said: “People don’t know what support is out there or how to ask for it and it can leave them feeling very lonely and sorry for themselves. I was given so much information at the sessions, and they were very encouraging.

“Halfway through, I was inspired to contact my former employer. It helped me to fulfil my objective to get back into work. The group is vital because it’s so important people know what support is out there and how to help themselves.”

The sessions were so successful they are now running again with a new group of participants.

Rebecca Sheehy, Bristol After Stroke’s Chief Executive, said: “This collaboration with Sirona, the Stroke Association and the DWP is a great example of the partnership working that is going on in the region to support Life After Stroke…. And Bristol After Stroke is so proud to be part of this important work. 

“We know from feedback from stroke affected people that returning to work after a stroke can be a real challenge. 

“Some may need workplace adjustments, new training or a career change but navigating all of this can be overwhelming. This group seeks to give people the knowledge, understanding and courage to face these challenges.”