Launching Our Stroke Journey to better

Launching Our Stroke Journey

to better support Indigenous communities

An important collaboration between Stroke Foundation and Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council has developed of a new resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander survivors of stroke, families and carers.

The booklet—called Our Stroke Journey—is being launched as part of the 2021 National Stroke Week, which runs from August 2 until August 8. It contains information about what to expect when recovering from a stroke and outlines the support that is available for those in need. The booklet features the personal stories of people who have either had a stroke themselves or supported family through their recovery. Its language and content have been developed in close collaboration with survivors of stroke and their families, health professionals, researchers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations. Stroke Foundation National Manager StrokeConnect Jude Czerenkowski said Our Stroke Journey is a much-needed resource. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are twice as likely to be hospitalised with stroke than non-Indigenous Australians.

Proud Noongar man, Justin, has generously shared his story of having a stroke at just 32 years old. He talks about his recovery through speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and lifestyle changes. Justin says his advice to any other young person who has a stroke is to be patient and not try to rush the recovery. “I rushed a lot of things to try and get back to how things used to be. Try and relax—when a stroke happens, life changes, everything slows down. Take your time.” Rebecca also shares her perspective in the booklet. The proud Yamatji/Ngadju woman is an Aboriginal Brain Injury Coordinator and is passionate about supporting people in recovery. “We are there to support the families of our clients and help in any way that we can, where possible. I just want everyone I work with to know that someone cares about their rehab and recovery and wants them to get better. That’s the most important part of my job.”

Our Stroke Journey

Helping our mob after stroke

Keep this with you from hospital to home

“This booklet covers everything Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander people need to know to take their place at the centre of their care, look after their health and live a good life after a stroke.” Ms Czerenkowski hopes that publicity about the new resource during Stroke Week will encourage people to share with friends or family who may need information about stroke recovery. Our Stroke Journey will be available from the Stroke Foundation’s website. It will be shared with health workers who work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. StrokeLine (1800 787 653) can provide copies on request. Stroke Foundation is grateful to everyone who contributed to developing Our Stroke Journey and in particular wants to thank those who share their personal stories for the booklet, the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council, and The Elizabeth and Barry Davies Charitable Foundation.