talkhealth Blog

Different Strokes

Eileen Gambrell helped to set up Different Strokes when it started in 1996. She has a personal interest due to a family member who suffered a stroke at a young age. She now works as Operations Manager and looks after the services offered to younger stroke survivors and their families, including the information pack, helpline, newsletter, social media and website. She was part of the research team for the 3 year ‘Work After Stroke’ project with University College London which produced Work After Stroke information resources for stroke survivors, friends and families, employers, and health and social care professionals. She also recognises the need for accurate and up to date information on welfare benefits for those stroke survivors and families who may not be able to return to work. Eileen believes in a holistic approach to recovery which incorporates physical therapies as well as psychological support and counselling for both the stroke survivor and family members. She promotes a ‘self-management’ approach which equips stroke survivors with the confidence and tools to be able to charge of their own recovery.