Support for you

CHSS offers a range of advice, support and practical help for people affected by a stroke and their families and carers.

Advice Line

Our Advice Line nurses provide confidential advice, support and information on all aspects of living with stroke. Whether you need someone to talk to or you are looking for details of local services, the Advice Line will help with any information you or your family needs if you have been affected by a stroke.

To contact the Advice Line nurses:

  • Call 0808 801 0899 (FREE from landlines and mobiles)
  • Email adviceline@chss.org.uk
  • Text NURSE to 66777

Information

We have a range of booklets, factsheets and online information to help you and your family after a stroke. These are available free of charge if you live in Scotland. You can download any of our stroke booklets and factsheets. Or to order a printed copy:

Self Help 4 Stroke is a self-management website for anyone who has had a stroke. If you have had a stroke, self management can help you to:

  • Find out more about stroke
  • Develop new skills and ways to help you manage your health
  • Work in partnership with healthcare professionals
  • Take ownership of your health and the care that you receive

Supporting you to get your life back on track after a stroke

CHSS offers a range of support for people who have difficulty with communication, physical and everyday tasks after a stroke. These may differ depending where you live in Scotland. The aim is to help you to increase your confidence and to support you to do the things you want to do when you are back home, so that you can live more independently.

Support is provided through one-to-one support or in a small group, whichever works best for you. CHSS staff and trained volunteers will work with you to help you achieve your individual goals.

In some areas of Scotland, CHSS can provide support from a stroke nurse or occupational therapist to help you (and your carers and family) as you leave hospital after a stroke. The stroke nurse or therapist will work with you and support you and your family for up to a year after you leave hospital. They can help you to:

  • Adjust to life after stroke, including making changes to your lifestyle to help reduce the risk of further strokes and other long-term conditions
  • Make sure that you receive the practical, emotional and social support that you need
  • Return to work if appropriate
  • Resume previous hobbies and interests or take up new ones
  • Prevent you becoming socially isolated or lonely
  • Manage your condition better

Your hospital stroke care team will need to refer you for this service if it is available in your area. Contact the Advice Line nurses for more information.

Support groups in your local area

Once you are back in your community, you may find it helpful to make contact with other people who have been affected by a stroke.

CHSS has a number of support groups across Scotland for people who have been affected by stroke or other long-term condition. The groups offer a wide range of support including exercise, social activities and an opportunity to talk to others who understand what you are going through.

These groups are run by people living with stroke or other long-term condition and are supported by CHSS.

To find out what support is available in your local area call our Advice Line nurses on 0808 801 0899.