Press release -
Merseyside Stroke Group honoured with national award
Merseyside Stroke Group, based in Liverpool, has been recognised for the support they offer local stroke survivors along with their infectious enthusiasm and laughter, with a national Life After Stroke Award.
The group was presented with the Stroke Association’s Stroke Group Award by Kim Woodburn at a star studded ceremony at the Rosewood Hotel in London on Thursday 25 June 2015.
Ian Collins, 54, Chairman of theMerseyside Stroke Group, collected the award on behalf of its members. He said: “I was referred to the group by the Stroke Association and it was a real saviour for me. I was in a bad way after my stroke, but the group helped me to get my sense of humour back and made me realise I could also help others in the same situation. Along with three other volunteers who had all received support, we were given the chance to run the group and seized the opportunity.
“Now we have over 50 regular members and meet on a weekly basis to do creative arts and give people a chance to meet other stroke survivors. We also have a monthly meeting for younger stroke survivors where we host workshops for them to develop new skills. It’s a relaxed group, with a great sense of humour, and it’s fantastic to see people laughing. Our aim is to show people that anything is possible, and a stroke should not stop you from enjoying life.”
The group sustains the meetings and workshops through fundraising. They produce a calendar every year featuring paintings created by the group, which has been hugely successful. The group has also organised art exhibitions, staged creative art showcases and performed a comedy Christmas show to raise vital funds.
Ian adds: “We were absolutely made up when we were told we had won the award. It’s great to be recognised for the support we provide. We’d love to eventually meet twice a week and have even more members, but ultimately we want to keep inspiring people after a stroke and help them realise they’re not alone.”
The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards, sponsored by TONI&GUY Charitable Foundation, recognise the courage shown by stroke survivors and carers as well as the great work and commitment shown by health professionals, groups and supporter organisations.
Jon Barrick, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association, said: “All too often a stroke can leave people feeling very isolated. Merseyside Stroke Group reaches out to stroke survivors when they’re at their most vulnerable, providing friendship, fun and practical support. There is a really positive dynamic that gives people the confidence to get out, try new things and make the best possible recovery. It’s an amazing community. The group thoroughly deserves this award.”
For more information on the Life After Stroke Awards and to view short films about the winners, including the Merseyside Stroke Group, visit www.stroke.org.uk/lasa.
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A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk
