The use of person-centred, supportive self-management has made a significant difference in the recovery of people affected by stroke.

This important approach has been made available by NHS Lanarkshire in partnership with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS).

People affected by stroke lack confidence, fear another stroke and feel anxious and depressed.

NHS Lanarkshire and CHSS recognised there was a need to do more to improve people’s recovery by using self-management skills to help them build their confidence, give them back a sense of control and foster coping mechanisms.

The initiative aimed to make supportive self-management accessible to people affected by stroke to support them to live as full and independent lives as possible.

Person centred self-management support includes:

• Individual support – delivered via professionals or peer supporters who have received training in self-management approaches

• Group support – the Stroke Lifestyle Management Programme offers recovery support for people who have had a stroke and are living with the long-term consequences. The course aims to build on participants’ own recovery strategies, using discussions, safe and appropriate exercise and relaxation

• Online support.org is a free self-management website for anyone who has had a stroke. It can help the user gain control of their life by helping to set goals and supporting them to achieve them

• Peer support – a COSMIC (Champions of Self-Management in Care) Network was set up to offer opportunities for people who have experienced stroke to volunteer to develop their ability and that of others to self-manage and to promote self-management (org.uk).

These approaches have had a significant impact and shown positive results. Over 200 people have taken part in the lifestyle group and an evaluation has shown statistically significant improvements in several areas including coping levels, self-efficacy, levels of anxiety, depression and stress, and self-perceived progress.