Bob Slater
Rotary's Life After Stroke Program
LAS is a Rotary Community Services District Endorsed Program (DEP) that is Vocational based.
Rotary in conjunction with Stroke Association of Victoria (SAV) sources Rotarians and Friends of Rotary who can assist Stroke Survivors to re-engage with community activities and/or paid work.
SAV organises Peer Mentors (stroke survivors) to assist with early confidence building, and Rotary is called in later when the stroke survivor is ready to re-engage in the community or work and is finding difficulty and/or does not have the confidence.
Reason for Program
Approximately 12,000 Victorians per year have a stroke, and 65% survive. Stroke survivors are of all ages and an increasing number are younger and of working age.
Rehabilitation is generally 12 months and few have sufficient sick leave and other leave entitlements that ensure they retain their employment. Even those who have their jobs held may not be able to resume duties due to permanent physical and/or cognitive impairment.
Assistance in the form of mentoring and advocacy by Rotarians with appropriate vocational experience and connections can make the difference. LAS is the process whereby the right Rotarian is found for each participating stroke survivor in order to find a satisfying engagement.