Neath Port Talbot Stroke Group win National Award

Neath Port Talbot Stroke Support Group have been presented with a Life After Stroke Award on behalf of the Stroke Association by the BBC One Show host Alex Jones. The star-studded ceremony was held at London’s Dorchester Hotel on 1 November.

In 2014, Jason Haynes, a Stroke Information and Support Coordinator and a small team of stroke survivors decided to start a local support group. They advertised for members fearing that no-one would turn up. However, over 50 people arrived at the group’s first meeting and Neath Port Talbot stroke support group was born.

Three years on, the group is thriving. It regularly hosts events including quiz nights, race days, parties, sponsored walks, blood pressure awareness events, and car boot sales. As well as fundraising, the group holds a range of activities including outdoor pursuits such as archery, falconry, shooting and walks in local areas of beauty, as well as african drumming, creating bonsai trees and overnight paranormal nights in local historical buildings.

Guest speakers are regularly invited to give talks. They also arrange weekend trips to UK attractions and host comedy nights, musical performances and open mic nights for stroke survivors themselves. Some of the members went to Ibiza together this summer and Disneyland Paris last year.

Lucy Thomas who nominated the group said: “Neath Port Talbot is a really vibrant and friendly group. It is a very empowering community because it is run by stroke survivors for stroke survivors and their loved ones. Having a stroke can feel very isolating. A lot of people feel anxious about leaving the house, particularly if they have communication or mobility issues. This group understands that, and everyone is encouraged to take part, try new things and build their confidence. It’s a wonderful atmosphere and you see people blossom.”

Juliet Bouverie, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke can be absolutely devastating, but with the right support, many people can and do make good recoveries. That is what the Neath Port Talbot Stroke Support Group is all about. The group has achieved so much in such a short time and they continue to go from strength to strength. They are a well deserved Life After Stroke Award winner.”

Emma Day the group’s founder said: “Many of us have been debilitated by stroke and found that we have become isolated and had lost confidence. By coming along to Neath Port Talbot Stroke Group and meeting other survivors and their loved ones we have found that we all share a common bond. We want to re-kindle old interests and create new ones, by trying as many different things together, that we would never dream of doing on our own. Neath Port Talbot group is a lifeline for many of us, everyone brings something unique and no two weeks are the same. Unusually, we are a very young group of stroke survivors and loved ones. We are mostly in our 40’s and 50’s or very young at heart. We have around 50 weekly group members and our most recent Comedy Evening was supported by over 170 guests and a Male Voice Choir. We’re here to show everyone that there is life after stroke, and in our group, there’s a lot of laughter and friendship too.”