From Little Things, Big Things Grow

28 May

Finding a Voice After Stroke

Hi, I’m Michael and I’m a stroke survivor.

After my stroke, I discovered that I still had a voice - a luxury not all stroke survivors are fortunate enough to retain. That realisation changed something in me. It pushed me to step up in different ways to advocate for stroke survivors and the realities of life after stroke.

One of those ways is this blog, The Disabled CEO. Another was joining the Board of Stroke Recovery Victoria (SRV).

The Third Stage of Stroke Recovery

SRV is a registered not-for-profit organisation supporting stroke survivors, their families, and carers through recovery and reintegration into the community.

Most people understand the first two stages of stroke recovery:

Hospitalisation
Hospital-based rehabilitation

But there’s a third stage that receives far less attention.

The moment survivors return home.

That’s when reality hits. Organising ongoing rehabilitation. Navigating the NDIS and insurance systems. Adjusting to disability. Managing the emotional and practical impacts of stroke - not just for survivors, but for carers and families as well.

This is the space SRV focuses on.

To support people through this stage, SRV establishes and operates Regional Stroke Recovery Centres (RSRCs) across Victoria - creating local communities built around support, guidance, and connection.

Building Something in Cowes

I joined SRV while it was establishing two new Regional Stroke Recovery Centres in Cowes and Wonthaggi. But it’s Cowes that really stayed with me.

By asking questions and talking to the local community, we were introduced to a community centre that offered us a room every second Wednesday at a peppercorn rent. The local newspaper ran an article about the new “stroke recovery centre” opening in town.

Then we were introduced to a former councillor who had suffered a stroke.

As a local businessman and former councillor, his story was already well known in the community after he suffered a stroke while surfing. He became what I’ve previously described as “our guy” in the local militia model - someone local, respected, and trusted who could help build momentum within the community itself.

From Strangers to Friends

Initially, various SRV Board members drove down from Melbourne every second Wednesday to help get the group running.

Most attendees were retired, and in most cases their spouse had become their carer. Again and again, they spoke about the isolation stroke had created in their lives. Even well-meaning friends often couldn’t fully understand the day-to-day struggles facing both survivor and carer.

Suddenly, there was a safe room filled with people who did understand.

A place to share stories. Frustrations. Victories. Humour.

Gradually, this collection of strangers became friends.

A Community Takes Shape

Today, the fortnightly gathering - and we deliberately call it a gathering, not a meeting - is run locally by “our guy.” We no longer need to send someone down from Melbourne each fortnight.

The group now heads to lunch at the RSL after each gathering to continue socialising. They organise coffee catch-ups, slow walks, and other activities on different days as well.

What started with six regular attendees has grown to more than fifteen people attending each session - and it continues to grow as word spreads.

SRV has also connected the group with Bass Coast Health, allowing information about the support network to be provided directly to families in the stroke unit. A reminder that support should not end when someone leaves hospital.

More Than Recovery

Watching this group evolve has reinforced something important for me: recovery isn’t just medical.

Recovery is community.
Recovery is connection.
Recovery is knowing you are not alone.

The quality of life for both survivors and carers has improved significantly because they found each other.

And it all started with a room, a conversation, and a handful of people willing to show up.