A new peer support stroke group will meet at PICAL every fortnight from April 16.

The group is the initiative of the Stroke Association of Victoria and is for survivors, carers and anyone interested in the health issue to meet to discuss topics from NDIS to mobility aids.

Association chair Julian Williams said the Cowes group would meet every fortnight at 11.30am at PICAL's Warley Street headquarters and every alternate week at Wonthaggi's football and netball club.

"In the first eight to 12 weeks after a stroke, a patient will be looked after by health services, but we are a long-term support network that helps survivors after they're sent home," Julian said.

"That's the time when there can be mental health challenges, including even for partners."

Cowes resident Stephen Fullarton had a stroke while out surfing nearly four years ago and he said he speaks to stroke survivors around the island who need support.

"There's a huge need here. I don't know how many people on the island have had a stroke but a lot I know," Stephen said.

"The first thing people want to do is talk about it. They have access to the physical support side, but what they really need is support, to know what they're going through is not unusual."

Stephen said while he has resumed many activities including driving, his balance means he won't return to the surf, and he lives with a perpetual background noise that sounds like road noise.

"I can't surf because of my balance but a lot of people reckon I never really could surf anyway," he quipped.

The Stroke Association of Victoria is a not-for-profit relying on donations and volunteers, details: www.strokeassociation.com.au/ or email info@strokeassociation.com.au