Different Strokes is thrilled to announce Ailie Mess as the recipient of a Peer Support Champion award for 2024. We had the joy of catching up with her to find out more about her own relationship with stroke, what inspired her to volunteer and how it feels to be an award winner.
Ailie Mess’s stroke came at a time when life seemed full of promise and adventure. She reflects: ‘I was a young business student, thoroughly enjoying my course; looking forward to completing it and beginning my career.’ Little did she know that her 21st birthday celebration in February 2018 would mark the beginning of a profound shift. ’I was on a birthday trip to Iceland with my boyfriend. The pinnacle of our adventure was a visit to the Blue Lagoon – one of my bucket list items! However, excitement turned to worry as I suddenly felt dizzy and disoriented while tying my shoes. Later, I found myself in an Icelandic ICU, surrounded by medical staff and unable to move. The diagnosis: a stroke.’
In the aftermath of her stroke, Ailie’s path to recovery was fraught with challenges. ‘My main difficulties following the stroke were processing, concentration, fatigue, muscle weakness (both sides), memory and communication issues.’
‘I had originally thought that my recovery would be quick and simple, due to my lack of knowledge of strokes. I can vividly remember the moment that I learned it would be at least a year before I was back to anything close to my ‘normal’ self. My heart broke. In a brief moment on holiday, my life had been turned upside down.’
The Invisible Impact
Despite the support of loved ones, Ailie found people struggled to understand the cognitive struggles she faced. Something that many survivors will relate to: ‘Most of my difficulties were cognitive, therefore invisible to others – making it very hard for them to grasp the severity of the situation. My closest family and friends kept open minds, which helped, but there would still be occasions where someone’s initial reaction would seem ignorant and at times upsetting. This was worsened by the fact that I regularly encountered others who didn’t seem to have any empathy or consideration for the fact that I literally had brain damage and proceeded to treat me as if I just had the flu!’
We asked Ailie what inspired her to get involved with Different Strokes as a volunteer: ‘The motivation stemmed from my own recovery journey, where I found a lack of support for my age group. friends and family empathised but couldn’t fully understand and existing resources were geared towards older people. I felt isolated and unsure of what recovery should look like for someone my age.
When I discovered Different Strokes, it resonated with me. When they were looking for volunteers for the befriender service, I wanted to offer the support and understanding I had craved during my own recovery. Becoming a volunteer became healing in a way, allowing me to provide the support I had needed, and be part of making sure others wouldn’t feel alone in their journey.’
Offering Support to Others
The Teen and Young Adult Befriending service, launched in 2020 and connects young stroke survivors aged 16-25 with volunteers who understand their experiences firsthand. Additionally, the volunteers also host a weekly Instagram Befriender Hour which provides another avenue for support, allowing users to ask questions and connect with volunteers in real-time.
We asked Ailie to describe her role in more detail: ‘The service is pretty personalised, with some callers preferring a one-off conversation, others might seek more ongoing support. Each interaction begins with an introduction, followed by active listening and addressing any specific questions or concerns they may have.’
‘We launched the service just before COVID and the lockdowns, so when access to other services was limited. It was great to be able to offer support and be there for people during a time that so many of us felt really isolated.’
When asked if she has a standout moment in her voluntary work, Ailie smiles and her face lights up; ‘One standout moment was a call from a long-term caller. She contacted me to share a big milestone for her. I felt such pride, like a big sister! I have gone through the highs and lows alongside her. I know how hard the journey has been and it’s so lovely to be able to celebrate her achievements from a place of true understanding.’
‘Volunteering has helped me recognise my own journey and progress too. It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and the acceptance I’ve found in openly sharing my story. Initially, my life revolved around recovery and medical appointments, but now I’ve reclaimed a sense of normality again and can talk about my experience more comfortably. It’s important to me to raise awareness and show younger stroke survivors they’re not alone.’
Becoming an Award Recipient
Ailie recalls the moment she found out she was one of our Peer Support Champion Award Winners for 2024; ‘I got the call from Austin (Different Strokes CEO) while I was in Tesco bagging up the shopping – I almost didn’t answer it! My fiancée, Callum was looking at me grinning away wondering what was going on! I was in total shock, I didn’t expect it at all! I am very grateful for the nominations and the recognition. It is a bit of a pinch-me moment!
There is also much more to celebrate in Ailie’s life, as she updates us how life is now, six years on from her stroke: ‘I’m getting married in 2025 to my fiancé, Callum. I recently got promoted to Administrator Team Lead for the occupational health company that I work for. The last few years have flown by, and I plan to continue enjoying life. When I look at my progress in those six years, it is a great reminder of how far I have come; from working part-time when I signed up to volunteer – to now managing full-time work. Even to the physical side, back then I couldn’t have coped with the demands of walking our dog, Alfie but now it is part of my every day.’
And her advice for fellow stroke survivors is clear. ‘For young stroke survivors feeling isolated, my advice would be biased, but I’d recommend reaching out to us. A call or message can be whatever you need it to be, whether frequent or just a one-off. You can even hand-pick someone from our website whose story or effects resonate with you, making it a laid-back and supportive experience.
To those considering volunteering, I say absolutely do it! While it can bring up challenges, it’s a cathartic experience that’s rewarding for both parties involved. As long as you’re comfortable with sharing your own experiences, it’s a two-way street of support and understanding.’
Genise Turnbull, Family Officer for Different Strokes has been running the Befriender service since its inception, she said:
‘I’ve had the privilege of supporting Ailie in her role as Befriender. Ailie has always been passionate about using her own experiences to help others. The Peer Support Champion award is a fitting tribute to her dedication to make a difference to fellow survivors.
I couldn’t be prouder of her remarkable achievements in both her own recovery and her volunteer work. Her empathetic nature and cheerful spirit have made a real difference to the young people she has supported over the years.’
Peer Support Champion 2024: Ailie Mess
June 4, 2024
No Comments
Different Strokes is thrilled to announce Ailie Mess as the recipient of a Peer Support Champion award for 2024.
Read More »
Fundraising Hero 2024: Mark Paterson
June 3, 2024
No Comments
Mark receives our annual award for his amazing fundraising in 2023!
Read More »
Launch of New Virtual Meetings for Carers
May 31, 2024
No Comments
We are excited to announce the launch of our new Virtual Meetings for Carers, a dedicated space for those who tirelessly support stroke survivors.
Read More »
Save the Dates for Our Autumn 2024 Events
May 17, 2024
No Comments
Different Strokes is thrilled to announce three upcoming events for stroke survivors this Autumn.
Read More »
Join Our Webinar: Beyond Barriers; Enhancing Your Experience in Public Places
May 14, 2024
No Comments
Join Genise and Sheelagh from the Different Strokes team as they delve into the realm of assistance and support while navigating public spaces.
Read More »
Stroke Action Plan for Europe’s latest Stroke Service Tracker data reveals too many inequities exist in stroke care and support
May 14, 2024
No Comments
Today’s launch of the latest data from the Stroke Action Plan for Europe (SAP-E) Stroke Services Tracker (SST) paint a comprehensive picture of stroke care and support across Europe, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges, and the continued need for nationally targeted interventions.
Read More »
The post Peer Support Champion 2024: Ailie Mess appeared first on Different Strokes.
