Stroke Association warns cuts to services will have a huge impact on East Sussex stroke survivors and carers

Tara Galloway, Head of Stroke Support for the Stroke Association, said: “In January 2018 the Stroke Association was made aware that East Sussex County Council were considering the cessation of £80,000 of funding for the Stroke Association’s support services in the county.

“If this vital funding is withdrawn, the Stroke Association’s Communication Support service, Stroke Recovery service, Six Month Review service and Education and Exercise programme, will all come to an end in May 2018.

“Stroke is a leading cause of disability, and our services have helped thousands of people in the local area cope with the massive and sudden impact the condition can have. The support we provide helps people live independently in their own homes, return to work, and rebuild their lives.

“The Council’s proposal will mean that from May 2018, there will be no support for anyone who is affected by stroke in East Sussex. It is outrageous that this is even being considered by local councillors. In the South East there are around 17,000 strokes a year, and over 150,000 people are living with the impact of stroke.

“We urge local councillors to stand up for the 4,200 stroke survivors, and 1,850 carers that our services have supported since 2009, and oppose this proposal.

“We are also calling on residents in East Sussex to contact their local councillors about the proposals to close these crucial services for stroke survivors and carers. We are inviting residents to join the Stroke Association at the next Council meeting on Tuesday 6 February at 10:00am, at County Hall on St Anne's Crescent in Lewes, to join us in fighting these plans every step of the way.”

To find out more information on how this proposed cuts affects local services, or to find out more about contacting a Councillor about these plans, please visit https://e-activist.com/page/19221/action/1

For more information about stroke visit www.stroke.org.uk or call the Helpline on 0303303 3100.