Amy's passion for stroke awareness helps others in the community

She perhaps wishes she didn't know so much but in life you don't always choose your circumstances.

Ms Jennings was 32 when she suffered a stroke six years ago.

The busy accountant's life changed dramatically in an instant.

"I Iost my speech totally as a result of the stroke," she said.

"It is so frustrating for me," she said.

Ms Jennings' speech has slowly improved but she still has difficulty finding words and formulating sentences, a condition known as aphasia.

"I can no longer work due to my aphasia," she said.

"I am still busy, but my priorities in life have changed."

Ms Jennings is currently studying a TAFE course to be an Allied Health Assistant and already assist others with speech exercises who have severe aphasia.

"I am passionate about stroke and brain injury awareness, with a particular interest in aphasia," she said.

With the help of the Stroke Recovery Association Ms Jennings set up the Port Macquarie Stroke Club in 2018.

Stroke survivor Lyn Freeman who attends the club said it was fulfilling to be part of a group where you can use your experience to help others.

"It gives us an opportunity to talk to other people who have been through similar experiences and consequently you have a real understanding and empathy with people you are involved with," she said.

"It helps you to see that a lot of people are worse off and it helps you offer ideas that encourages people to see they can make it too.

"You really do have to try if you have a stroke and come back from it."

Ms Jennings also wants to set up a group for people who have aphasia too.

"To me aphasia means loss of language, not intelligence."

Her husband of 14 years Rob Fish said he was proud of his wife Amy and the important work she is doing.

"Whilst she now lives with a disability, it has been great to see her get on with life and remain very positive," Mr Fish said.

Stroke Awareness Week runs from September 2 - September 8.

The theme for 2019 is F.A.S.T heroes, recognising the people who spotted the signs of stroke and called an ambulance straight away, potentially saving a life.

The Stroke Foundation recommends the F.A.S.T. test as an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke.

Using the F.A.S.T. test involves asking some simple questions:

The Port Macquarie Stroke Club meet on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 10.00am at Garden Village Community Centre, 7 Garden Crescent, Port Macquarie.

All stroke survivors and carers are welcome. It provides a great opportunity for stroke survivors and their carers to come together.