More Than Memories: how stroke survivors shaped the Stroke Association’s in-memory offering
Grief is a deeply personal journey, and for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one to stroke, the impact can be particularly profound. The Stroke Association understands the importance of providing sensitive and meaningful ways to remember and celebrate the lives of those lost and has recently undertaken a significant project to enhance our in-memory offering. Crucially, this transformation was driven by the very people we support.
Recognising the power of lived experience, we established an in-memory co-design group in June 2023. This group comprised four stroke survivors, each with unique personal experiences of bereavement. Their diverse perspectives proved invaluable throughout the project, ensuring that the resulting changes resonate deeply with those navigating the complexities of grief and mourning.
Over the course of seven workshops, spanning 18 months, the co-design group played a pivotal role in shaping every aspect of the Stroke Association’s in memory programme. Their contributions were far-reaching, impacting everything from naming conventions to the design of physical materials and the user experience of the website.
One of the most significant outcomes of this collaboration was the renaming of the Stroke Association’s tribute pages. Formerly known as Remembrance Funds, these pages have been thoughtfully rebranded as More Than Memories Tributes. This new name, chosen by the group, reflects the desire to move beyond simply remembering and to truly celebrate the lives and legacies of loved ones.
The co-design group also helped to create a range of new physical assets, designed to provide tangible ways for people to connect with and honour the memory of someone special. These include three new ‘Thinking of you’ card designs, each carefully crafted to express gratitude with sensitivity and compassion. New memorial collection boxes were also developed, providing a dignified and respectful way for mourners to contribute to the Stroke Association’s vital work. Finally, the group helped create a comprehensive tribute welcome guide, designed to support and guide those setting up a More Than Memories Tribute page. You can view the digital version here: www.stroke.org.uk/tribute_
The digital experience was also a key focus for the co-design group. They rigorously user tested the in-memory section of the Stroke Association website, providing invaluable feedback on both the design and content. Their insights led to significant improvements, making the online platform more user-friendly, intuitive, and supportive for those navigating the grieving process. You can view our website here: www.stroke.org.uk/ways-to-
By placing the voices of those affected by stroke at the heart of this project, we hope that we have created a truly meaningful and supportive resource for those grieving the loss of a loved one. The More Than Memories Tributes and associated materials represent not just a rebranding, but a genuine commitment to honouring lives and supporting those left behind.
If you have any questions about how the Stroke Association supports people fundraising in memory, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us by emailing remembered@stroke.org.uk. Further information specifically for funeral directors can be found here: www.stroke.org.uk/ways-to-
