CompletedInterventional

Delivering inclusive, accessible support for psychological adjustment after stroke

Adjusting to life after a stroke brings major emotional challenges, but many people find it hard to get psychological support. The WAterS-2 study is exploring an online group course called 'Wellbeing After Stroke'. It uses practical tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people cope with change and rebuild their confidence. Run by the University of Manchester and funded by the Stroke Association, this project tests whether NHS healthcare staff can be trained to lead these groups safely and effectively. The team wants to ensure the course works well for people with communication difficulties and people from ethnic minority backgrounds. Adults who had a stroke at least four months ago and feel they need help adjusting may be eligible. Taking part involves attending eight weekly online group sessions and sharing your feedback through simple questionnaires.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Manchester

Enrolment target

Start

05 Dec 2024

Estimated completion

01 May 2025

Stroke

What is this study about?

A stroke can change everyday life in an instant. While physical recovery is often the main focus, the emotional impact can be just as significant. Many stroke survivors experience feelings of loss, worry, and difficulty adapting to their 'new normal'. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of mental health professionals in the NHS who specialise in stroke care, leaving many people without the emotional support they need.

To help fill this gap, researchers created the WAterS programme (Wellbeing After Stroke). This uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a type of talking therapy that helps people accept difficult feelings, focus on what matters most to them, and learn positive ways to cope. Because specialised psychologists are not always available, this study trains other NHS healthcare workers to run these supportive groups online.

The new WAterS-2 study aims to make this group programme even more inclusive and accessible. The researchers want to ensure it properly supports people who face speech or language challenges after their stroke, as well as people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. By testing the course, researchers hope to see if it can become a routine NHS service in the future.

Key takeaways

An online group course designed to help stroke survivors manage emotional challenges.
Uses proven tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to improve wellbeing.
Specially adapted to include people with communication difficulties and diverse backgrounds.
Involves eight weekly online group sessions lasting up to two hours each.
Completely free to join, funded by the Stroke Association, and delivered through the NHS.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults aged 18 and over in the UK who had a stroke at least four months ago. You must feel that you are having difficulty adjusting to life after your stroke and need extra emotional support. You will also need access to the internet and a suitable device (such as a computer or tablet) to join video calls, along with enough English to take part in group discussions.

If you have a family member, friend, or carer who regularly helps you, they can also take part as a supporting partner to give their feedback on the experience. NHS staff who work with stroke survivors can also join to receive training and deliver the group sessions.

The study is not suitable for people who are currently experiencing severe depression or anxiety, or who feel at risk of harming themselves. In these situations, more urgent, one-to-one specialist care is needed, and the study team will provide information on how to access appropriate expert support.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you aged 18 or older and living in the UK?
Did you have a stroke at least four months ago?
Do you feel you are struggling emotionally to adjust to life after your stroke?
Do you have an internet connection and a device (like a tablet or laptop) for video calls?
Are you comfortable understanding and using everyday English in a group setting?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part involves joining an online group course that lasts for eight weeks. You will attend one video session each week, with each session lasting up to two hours. Because this is a talking-based support group, there are no medical procedures, blood tests, or new medications involved.

You will meet in a small group with other stroke survivors, led by trained NHS staff. If you need support with communication or technology, a friend, relative, or carer can join the calls with you. Before, during, and after the course, researchers will ask you to complete brief online surveys to share how you are feeling and give your thoughts on the sessions. Meetings are recorded so the research team can check how well the course was delivered, and some participants may be invited to take part in a short follow-up interview to share deeper feedback.

Potential risks and benefits

Joining this study gives you the opportunity to learn practical coping skills and connect with others who understand what it is like to recover from a stroke. Many people find sharing experiences in a group comforting and empowering. Your feedback will also help shape better NHS care for future stroke survivors. However, talking about emotional struggles and life changes can sometimes feel tiring or upsetting. The sessions are run with care, and you will never be forced to share anything you prefer to keep private. Taking part is entirely voluntary, and you can leave the study at any time without affecting your standard NHS care.

Locations (1)

University of Manchester
Approximate
Manchester, England

Common questions

Do I need to travel to a hospital or clinic?

No. All group sessions and surveys take place online, meaning you can join comfortably from your own home using a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Will taking part affect my usual stroke care?

No. The study does not replace or change any of the standard medical treatments, medications, or therapies you currently receive.

Can someone help me during the sessions?

Yes. A family member, friend, or carer can join the study alongside you to provide practical help and share their own thoughts.

What if I have trouble speaking or finding words?

The WAterS-2 course has been specifically adapted to support people with communication difficulties (such as aphasia) so they can participate comfortably.

Does it cost anything to take part?

No. Taking part is completely free, and the research is funded by the charity The Stroke Association.

How to find out more

Emma Patchwood

emma.patchwood@manchester.ac.uk +44 (0)161 2753401 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.