Emilia Clarke’s Charity Speaks Out on Support for Young Stroke Survivors
Emilia Clarke, well-known for her role in Game of Thrones, has been actively involved in advocating for better support for young stroke survivors through her charity, SameYou. The charity was established in response to Clarke’s own experience with a brain haemorrhage at the age of 24. SameYou has highlighted the lack of sufficient assistance for young stroke survivors after they leave the hospital, challenging the common misconception that strokes only impact older individuals.
Clarke, alongside her mother Jenny, who co-founded the charity, expressed concern over the challenges faced by young stroke survivors post-discharge. They noted the absence of adequate support systems to help these individuals rebuild their lives, maintain employment, and regain independence. The charity has been a vocal proponent for improved rehabilitation services for young stroke survivors, with a focus on addressing the unique needs of this demographic.
The mother-daughter duo was recently honoured with MBEs for their dedicated work in supporting individuals with brain injuries. Clarke, now 38, shared her personal vulnerability post-injury and highlighted the scarcity of rehabilitation staff, underscoring the importance of prioritising rehab services within the healthcare system.
Jenny Clarke emphasised the necessity for tailored solutions to assist young stroke survivors, including mental health support and access to enhanced recovery services. She pointed out the significant gap between the support survivors and their families require and what is currently available, stressing the urgent need for a shift in priorities to better serve this vulnerable group.
One poignant story shared within the article highlighted the challenges faced by a young stroke survivor, Chris Moon, and his former wife Hannah. Moon, who had a stroke at 29, detailed the struggles he encountered with limited speech therapy, inadequate mental health support, and difficulties returning to work. The couple eventually separated, citing the lack of appropriate post-stroke care and support for their situation.
Mrs Moon emphasised the crucial role of real-world support in aiding recovery and lamented the dearth of services tailored to young stroke survivors’ needs. Despite these obstacles, she found solace in SameYou’s SameChat service, a peer support initiative for young stroke survivors and their families.
In response to these challenges, the Stroke Association noted that over 88,000 individuals in the UK survive a stroke each year, with many facing a long and arduous journey towards recovery. The NHS has acknowledged the evolving needs of stroke survivors, pledging to collaborate with charities like SameYou to enhance rehabilitation and post-stroke support services.
Through initiatives like fundraising challenges and peer support programmes, organisations like SameYou continue to advocate for better outcomes for young stroke survivors and push for systemic changes to address the gaps in current care pathways. As the conversation around post-stroke support evolves, the voices of survivors and their advocates become increasingly vital in shaping a more inclusive and effective healthcare system.