Dream, Believe, Achieve is about helping people get their lives back on track after a stroke.

The National Stroke Foundation program offers life management tools, links to relevant community services and tips on how to reduce the risk of another stroke.

It will be delivered by stroke survivor Belinda Bailey.

Ms Bailey had been working as a registered nurse for 13 years when she had a stroke three years ago, aged 30.

Getting better was her first and only priority. After spending two weeks in intensive care, she was then in hospital and rehabilitation for another two months.

She said returning home was unexpectedly difficult, with social, financial and emotional challenges.

"I want to help people who are going through what I've been through.

"You find that you're really well supported in hospital and in rehabilitation as well, but once you go home you do get lost a little.

"You feel a little isolated and abandoned by that help."

The program was written by two Bendigo men who had suffered strokes. It has been trialled in Bendigo, and is part of a research project in Adelaide, but this is the first time it has been offered to the public.

Footscray was chosen as one of three pilot sites for the program because Western Health provides care for a high number of stroke survivors.

Those taking part must be 18 and over, and be discharged from hospital or rehabilitation.

Ms Bailey said the program had improved her life and she encouraged others to take part.

"It's about improving health outcomes, confidence and quality of life."

Dream, Believe, Achieve will begin running this month at the Footscray Library, in Heidelberg and Frankston.

More information can be found at www.strokefoundation.com.au/self- management-program

Bookings: Belinda Bailey, 96701000.