The Stroke Foundation Southern region has a new field officer for Southland.

Raewyn Moate started on Monday, and will be based out of Community House in Kelvin St in Invercargill, working 20 hours a week.

Mrs Moate lives near Gore but is originally from Invercargill.

She has worked with people with disabilities most of her life, she said, and after getting a certificate in social work she wanted a career that would would enhance that.

She was looking forward to "getting out there" and building relationships with the community and with individuals who had suffered stroke.

Otago field officer Judith Hyslop - who was working with Mrs Moate this week as she adjusted to her new role - said the field officer's work also included educating "significant others" around stroke victims.

In today's society this was not just family, she said. This could be neighbours, friends and work colleagues.

It was also about creating a free, seamless and accessible service for stroke victims and their families.

"We try and normalise the language, using a social model, not a medical model," she said.

"Our biggest tool is [the ability] to tell your own story. People find that empowering; they know they're not alone."

Mrs Moate's placement comes a week before Stroke Awareness Week, which runs from September 3 to 9.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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