A new support group for stroke survivors has launched in Newton Aycliffe, to help people in the area come to terms with a life after stroke.
The Stroke Association has created the group, which will be run by volunteers and meet twice a month on Wednesdays from 10-12pm, at the Pioneering Care Centre on Carer’s Way. The charity is also calling out for more volunteers to help run the group, including a chair person, secretary and treasurer.
Rebecca Girvan from the Stroke Association said: “As a newly formed group, the volunteers and members will be able to shape the way it develops, which is really exciting. Whether it’s simply social support, visits from speakers, exercise sessions or even art therapy, the group will be a great opportunity for stroke survivors and carers to meet other people who have been affected by stroke.
“It’s hugely important that stroke survivors feel supported in their local community as they are on the road to recovery. We’d love to hear from people who may like to get involved with helping to run the group and make a huge difference to stroke survivors in the local area.”
The group was created after the Stroke Association was selected to receive financial support from the Centre for Social Action Innovation Fund. The fund supports the growth of innovations that mobilise people’s energy and talents to help each other, working alongside public services. It is a partnership between Nesta and the Cabinet Office and is co-funded.
Liz Roberts, Stroke Clubs and Community Partnerships Manager from the Stroke Association, said: “It is vital that stroke survivors have access to long term support in their own community, to ensure they can make their best possible recovery. As a result of the project we’re investing in our framework of voluntary groups to ensure we can provide long term peer support to anyone affected by stroke.”
You can find more information here: www.nesta.org.uk/project/centre-social-action-innovation-fund. To find out more about the group and how you can get involved, call Rebecca Girvan or Donna Stott at the Stroke Association on 0191 487 9988.