Project stages and timeline

Stage A: co-development

We refined the intervention and research protocols developed in WAterS-1. We also interviewed healthcare providers and commissioners to understand the practical considerations for implementation, including workforce capacity, and how to improve access for diverse stroke survivors.  

This stage informed adaptations to the intervention, training materials and study procedures.

Read a pre-print paper on the Stage A interviews.

Stage B: feasibility testing

We trained and upskilled staff in four NHS community stroke teams to deliver the WAterS-2 group intervention.

Stroke survivors were recruited through participating services and attended eight weekly online sessions. We collected outcome measures (including wellbeing and adjustment) and feedback (including surveys and interviews) from both stroke survivors and staff.

This stage allowed us to explore:

• the feasibility of training and delivery;
• acceptability of the intervention;
• inclusivity and accessibility;
• and considerations for future implementation and evaluation research.

You can read reports on the study on the news and updates page. 

Key stages and dates

1. January – April 2024: Interviews with healthcare providers and commissioners to shape the project. 
2. May – November 2024: Finalising protocols and securing ethics approval for testing phase. 
3. December 2024 – September 2025: Testing phase. Sites recruited, staff trained and delivery of WAterS-2 groups to stroke survivors across 4 NHS sites.
4. October – March 2026: Follow up data collection, analysis, write up and dissemination.

The study is now complete. We are currently sharing findings and developing future research.