Pamela Receives Peer Support Award

We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Pamela, who has been honoured with the prestigious Peer Support Champion Award 2023 for her outstanding volunteer contributions at Different Strokes. Her dedication and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of stroke survivors have earned her this well-deserved recognition.

Pamela joined the community in 2015 whilst recovering from her stroke. She was in the hospital for four months and during that time a nurse recommended Different Strokes. She immediately became an active member of the Facebook Group, sharing her ideas, successes, and hopes, and providing inspiration to others.

In 2020 as lockdown measures took effect, Different Strokes started doing a series of interviews with survivors – Pamela seized the opportunity to share her story which you can watch HERE.

Later as the charity worked to create virtual meetings to help combat the isolation of lockdowns, Pamela was asked if she would step in to volunteer as a virtual meeting facilitator, providing a safe place for stroke survivors to connect, share experiences, and find support. Pamela is on hand to support new people and to help manage conversations so that those present feel heard. She really enjoys the meetings and is grateful that they are so accessible meaning that mobility challenges or transport issues are not a barrier for those who wish to attend.

In addition to her virtual involvement, Pamela embraced the role of a Stroke Survivor User Voice in the North East, spreading awareness about Different Strokes and advocating for change as a stroke survivor. Through training and dedication, she has become a voice for others, making an impact on local NHS services for fellow younger stroke survivors.

Raising awareness that stroke can happen at any age is something Pamela is passionate about. As a long-time fan of Emmerdale, she has been eagerly following the storyline about Marlon – a main character who had a stroke in his late forties. Pamela was 51 when she has her stroke and some aspects of the storyline she has found relatable. She feels that because all strokes are different, the portrayal of one character will never be able to express one universal experience – because it doesn’t exist! However, she feels it has been well-researched and has been great for shining a light on stroke and the impact it has.

Pamela manages to fit in being an active member of her local Different Strokes Carlisle group which she says is like a little community that meets once a month. She is hoping that the group will attract more members and expand its support network. She wants to share that if anyone reading this is close to Carlisle that she would love for you to come along.

When asked about her motivation to become a volunteer, Pamela emphasised the power of knowledge and the importance of sharing it with others. She shared: “A work colleague once told me – Knowledge is power and with any knowledge or skills that you have – you hold the power to keep it close to you, or the power to share with others. That conversation stuck with me all these years and means that everything I have learned, been through, and become aware of since my stroke I aim to share it to help others.”

Pamela’s personal experience with stroke has given her a unique perspective, and despite the challenges, she has worked tirelessly to regain as much of her mobility as possible. Pamela is a passionate believer in working hard at recovery and has been working with a personal trainer on her own goals since her stroke. Having previously been left-handed she has learned to operate right-handed and embrace a positive outlook. Pamela’s ultimate goal is to walk to a pub without the assistance of a stick. With unwavering determination and practice at home, she is inching closer to achieving this remarkable milestone.

Peer support holds immense value for Pamela, as it allows her to connect with individuals who truly understand her experiences. Through empathetic conversations and shared wisdom, she has found solace and encouragement. Pamela recalls a pivotal moment when she hesitated to attend a friend’s Hen Party. She said: “A few years back, I wanted to go to a friend’s Hen Party in a pub and I was so nervous about it. I posted my concerns on the group and one response stood out “I think you should go. If you don’t feel comfortable you can leave, but if you stay at home – you can’t change your mind.” It really encouraged me to push out of my anxiety and comfort zone. It’s these little nuggets of wisdom shared with people who understand, when you need them most, that help.”

Volunteering provides Pamela with the opportunity to connect with fellow stroke survivors and healthcare professionals alike. By sharing her personal experiences, she hopes to offer guidance and support, ensuring others do not feel alone in their journeys to recovery.

Receiving the Peer Support Champion award came as a delightful surprise to Pamela. The recognition of her contribution, whilst not something she would seek, is something she feels proud of. This accolade serves as a testament to her dedication and the positive impact she has made in the stroke survivor community.

To those considering volunteering, Pamela’s message is clear: seize the opportunity to share your experiences and help others on their recovery paths. By offering support and wisdom gained through personal challenges, you have the power to make a difference and inspire others.

Caroline Saunders, Different Strokes Volunteer & Group Coordinator commented:

“Pamela Irving’s remarkable journey as a volunteer and recipient of the Peer Support Champion 2023 award speaks volumes about her resilience and dedication. Having experienced her own stroke, Pamela has embraced various roles within our community, making a significant impact along the way.

During the pandemic, she actively participated in the group – keeping people connected and then going on to provide invaluable support in the virtual meetings. Currently, Pamela serves as an Ambassador, collaborating with her local Integrated Stroke Delivery Network (ISDN) to improve services for fellow survivors in her area. Her unwavering commitment and compassion make her an inspiring role model, and we are privileged to have her as such a valuable member of the team.”