Community, connection, and lived experience sit at the heart of stroke recovery — and in this episode of Head‑Cast, Greg Hollingworth from Different Strokes brings all three to life.Greg shares his own journey as a working‑age stroke survivor and explains how peer‑led support has transformed recovery for thousands of people since the charity began in 1996. This conversation goes beyond clinical pathways and into the real, human work of rebuilding life after stroke.In this episodeGreg’s personal story and how his stroke shaped his commitment to helping othersThe founding and evolution of Different Strokes, supporting working‑age survivors for 30 yearsWhy peer support offers something that traditional medical advice often can’tHow community, shared stories, and honest conversations provide hope and realismThe charity’s approach to personalised support, exercise groups, and mental‑health resourcesHow lived experience drives volunteer leadership and shapes the charity’s directionFundraising, upcoming events, and how to get involvedThe challenges of COVID and how the community adapted and stayed connectedSetting boundaries, pacing, and learning to live in the presentThe role of humour, storytelling, and practical wisdom in emotional healingKey TakeawaysPeer support matters — it offers relatable encouragement that clinical care alone can’t provideStories reduce stigma and help survivors feel seen, understood, and less aloneVolunteer‑led organisations can create deep impact through authenticity and empathyFlexibility, patience, and presence are essential in recoverySupporting charities sustains vital community resources for survivors and familiesGreg’s journey is a reminder that recovery is not just medical — it’s communal. When survivors connect, share, and lift each other, healing becomes possible in ways no leaflet or appointment can replicate.If you or someone you know has been affected by a stroke, reach out. Support is here, and recovery is possible.

In this episode, Sheila Chingono shares her powerful story of surviving a stroke, her journey through recovery, and her mission to raise awareness around stroke prevention and inclusivity within the legal and medical communities. Her insights challenge misconceptions and highlight the importance of representation, resilience, and purpose.In this episode:• Sheila describes her experience of having a stroke while driving and how awareness and quick action saved her life.• The importance of accessible infrastructure in legal and healthcare settings is discussed, including challenges with older court buildings.• Sheila's advocacy work as a BASS Ambassador (Black and Asian Stroke Survivors) and her efforts to address health disparities in Black and Asian communities.• The emotional and physical realities of stroke recovery, including ongoing issues like limited dexterity, muscle spasms, and the use of innovative tools like functional electrical stimulation (FES).• Reflection on systemic issues, such as underrepresentation of minorities in judiciary roles and creating inclusive public services.• How her faith and purpose now guide her work and her passion for inspiring others to see their potential beyond disabilities.

This episode features an in-depth discussion between Phil and Stroke Physician Mr Paul Bolaji on the latest advancements in virtual reality for stroke rehabilitation, global disparities in stroke care, and innovative solutions in Africa. Experts share insights on how technology and policy can transform recovery outcomes.#stroke rehabilitation, #virtual reality, #healthcare innovation, #Africa health disparities, #neurorehabilitation, #stroke care policyKey TopicsVirtual reality in stroke rehabilitationGlobal disparities in stroke careInnovative healthcare solutions in Africa

summaryPhilip discusses his personal journey with stroke, the importance of fundraising for the charity 'Different Strokes,' and insights into stroke treatment advancements like thrombectomy. He shares his upcoming cycling challenge to support stroke survivors and plans to visit the Erasmus Stroke Medical Centre in Rotterdam. key topicsStroke recovery and supportFundraising for 'Different Strokes' charityAdvancements in stroke treatment: thrombectomyPhilip's cycling challenge for stroke awarenessVisit to Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam

In this conversation, Mimi Hayes shares her incrediblejourney as a brain injury survivor, detailing her experiences from the initial symptoms to the misdiagnosis, brain surgery, and the long road to recovery. She discusses the role of comedy in her healing process and how she has turned her challenges into a source of inspiration for others. Mimi's story highlights theimportance of advocacy in healthcare and the power of humour in overcoming adversity. In this conversation, Mimi Hayes and Phil Woodford explore the intersection of humour and trauma, the challenges of transitioning from teaching to comedy, and the cathartic power of writing about personalexperiences. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding disability, the struggles with healthcare and rehabilitation, and the societal perceptions of brain injuries. The conversation also touches on the complexities of datingafter trauma and the journey of returning to ice hockey after a significant life change.#brain injury #comedy #recovery #misdiagnosis #healthcare #resilience #public speaking #personal story #advocacy #mental health humour #trauma #teaching #writing #disability #healthcare #brain injury #dating #icehockey #rehabilitation #Colorado #Denver #StrokeRehab

Episode 16 – The TRICEPS Trial: Can Vagus Nerve Stimulation Improve Arm Recovery After Stroke?In Episode 16 of Head-Cast, host Phil Woodford speaks with Professor Arshad Majid from the University of Sheffield about the groundbreaking TRICEPS Trial — an innovative stroke rehabilitation research study exploring whether Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (TVNS) paired with therapy can significantly improve arm function after stroke.Upper limb weakness is one of the most common and life-changing consequences of stroke. The TRICEPS Trial is investigating whether non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation, delivered alongside targeted rehabilitation, can enhance neuroplasticity and support meaningful functional recovery.In this episode, Phil and Professor Majid discuss:What the TRICEPS Trial is and why it matters​How vagus nerve stimulation works in stroke recovery​The science behind neuroplasticity and motor rehabilitation​Who may benefit from this approach​What this research could mean for the future of stroke treatment in the UK and beyondThis is a must-listen for stroke survivors, clinicians, therapists, researchers, and anyone interested in the future of stroke recovery, rehabilitation innovation, and neuroscience research.#LifeAfterStroke #StrokeStrategy #StrokeResearch #NIHR #Spasticity #StrokeTherapy #VagusNerve

Welcome to Episode 15 of Head-Cast.In this episode, I reflect on recent challenges travelling by train with a disability, highlighting the ongoing barriers faced by disabled passengers across the UK rail network. I also discuss stroke care in the North West, acknowledging the important progress made by Lancashire Teaching Hospitals in delivering a 24/7 Stroke Thrombectomy Service. While this is a major and welcome step forward, I speak candidly about the harm caused to local families by the prolonged delay—despite funding being agreed nearly five years ago—and why timely access to thrombectomy is critical for saving lives and reducing long-term disability.I’m joined by Mathew Berryman, a stroke survivor from Adelaide, Australia, who shares a deeply honest account of the events surrounding his stroke. Together, we explore stroke recovery, volunteering, the importance of stroke research, and what it feels like to live with a less visible disability. We also have an open and necessary conversation about sexual intimacy after stroke, and why clinicians should not shy away from discussing intimacy and relationships during rehabilitation.This episode brings together lived experience, systemic challenge, and global perspectives on stroke care, disability, recovery, and life after stroke.#stroke podcast #Head-Cast #stroke survivor story#disability and transport #accessible rail travel#stroke thrombectomy#24/7 thrombectomy service#Lancashire Teaching Hospitals#invisible disability#stroke recovery#sexual intimacy after stroke#rehabilitation conversations#volunteering after stroke#stroke research

in Episode 14 of Head-Cast, Phil Woodford talks with stroke survivor and thriver Simon Harris about life after stroke, personal care challenges, the limits of the FAST campaign, digital inclusion, and the need for a digital home for stroke survivors to connect, share experiences, and access support online.

Episode 13 – Jason Parker: Stroke Survivor & New Chair of the Stroke Association UK** Note this Episode includes discussion around suicide***In this inspiring episode of Head-Cast, host Phil Woodford sits down with Jason Parker, who survived a life-changing stroke in December 2019 and has recently taken on the prestigious role of Chair of the Stroke Association UK.Jason shares his powerful stroke experience, his remarkable rehabilitation journey, and how surviving a stroke reshaped his purpose. Phil and Jason explore what it means to lead one of the UK’s most important stroke charities, Jason’s vision for improving stroke care, his focus on supporting survivors and carers, and the ambitions he brings to this vital national role.This episode offers hope, leadership insight, and an honest look at life after stroke—perfect for stroke survivors, carers, clinicians, and anyone interested in stroke recovery, charity leadership, and patient-centered advocacy.

*** Note - Sound quality issue for this episode, sorry ***In Episode 12, I sit down with Professor Arshad Majid, a leading voice in stroke rehabilitation research, to explore the groundbreaking TRICEPS RESEARCH trial — a study investigating whether Trans-Cutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS), paired with rehabilitation therapy, can help improve arm function in people experiencing upper-limb weakness after stroke.Professor Majid explains how tVNS works, why stimulating the vagus nerve could enhance neuroplasticity, and what this could mean for the future of stroke recovery.