Stroke survivors find support in Portuguese mutual aid groups
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In Abrantes, Portugal, stroke survivors and their caregivers formed a mutual aid group, the Grupo de Ajuda Mútua (GAM), to share challenges and rebuild their lives.
Anabela Santos founded the group in January 2025 after experiencing an ischemic stroke in 2020 and finding limited support elsewhere. She and others created a space where people recovering from strokes could connect with those who understood their experiences, avoiding isolation.
The GAM of Abrantes now meets monthly and provides a network for approximately 25 to 30 people, survivors, family members, and caregivers, to exchange experiences and receive information from professionals. Many members describe the group as a “second family,” offering emotional support and practical strategies for coping with the lasting effects of stroke, such as physical limitations, speech difficulties, and emotional changes.
Caregivers also benefit from the group, as they often experience significant strain and a shift in their own lives. Fernanda Diogo, who has cared for her husband since his strokes in 2006, emphasized the need for support for caregivers themselves, including access to therapy and specialized care. Marinelma Oliveira left her job five years ago to care for her husband, and expressed exhaustion and a desire for occasional respite.
On Saturday, Abrantes hosted a national gathering of around 420 participants from across Portugal, including the Azores and Madeira, celebrating ten years of the Portugal AVC association.
