Llinos Wyn Parry and Rachel Richards
Llinos Wyn Parry and Rachel Richards

Press release -

NEW PROJECT TO HELP BUILD A STRONGER STROKE COMMUNITY

Many more stroke survivors and their carers across Wales will be now able to receive additional support to help with their recoveries, thanks to the launch of a brand new project ‘Stroke Community Steps’ run by the Stroke Association.

The four-year project funded by the Big Lottery Fund aims to enable people affected by stroke to access community facilities and activities, such as accessible golfing sessions, sailing and art classes. The project also aims to increase the public’s understanding and awareness of stroke and the needs of those affected by it.

Llinos Wyn Parry, the Stroke Association’s Head of Stroke Support for Mid and North Wales, said:

“Our four project officers across Wales will speak to people affected by stroke to determine the support that they need to leave the house, to be more active and to rebuild their confidence after such a life-changing event. She will also speak to carers to discuss how the project can support them.

“Many stroke survivors need support to get back out into their communities so that they don’t end up prisoners in their own homes.

“Through the ‘Stroke Community Steps’ project we now plan to offer that support, be it getting out for a golfing session or meeting up with other stroke survivors like themselves. We’re also here for the carers of stroke survivors and we’ll be working with them directly to understand their needs.”

Bethan Milner’s husband Aaron had the first of several strokes when he was 35, in 2015. Mother of four Bethan hopes the project will help her to meet others who are dealing with the demands of everyday family life and the challenges of returning to employment.

Bethan said:

“We like going to the Stroke Association group for socialising over lunch, but Aaron is the youngest by about 30 years and he’s often said it would be great to hang out and interact with more people his own age.

“I also think it would be great if ‘Stroke Community Steps could help me to meet other carers so that I can share some stories and seek advice and tips on things like going back to college or getting back into work. As the children get older and Aaron gets the support he needs to get fitter so that he can volunteer, I want to find how I can support other people like us to rebuild their life after stroke.”

“Once Aaron gets the support he needs to get fitter, he wants to volunteer. I also want to offer my support to other people like us, as they rebuild their life after stroke.”

Speaking about the project, Rachel Richards, Funding Officer at the Big Lottery Fund, said:

“We believe that ‘Stroke Community Steps’ will make such a difference to the lives of so many people in communities across Wales, and it’s projects like this that deliver on our promise to use National Lottery funding to regenerate and revitalise communities, tackle disadvantage head on and leave a lasting legacy.”

To find out more about the project, please visit www.stroke.org.uk/communitysteps 

Topics

Regions

  • 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 more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. 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

    • Contacts

    Angela Macleod

    Angela Macleod

    Press contact Communications Officer Scotland press and Stroke Association research communications 0131 555 7244
    Laura Thomas

    Laura Thomas

    Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
    Ken Scott

    Ken Scott

    Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
    Daisy Dighton

    Daisy Dighton

    Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
    Martin Oxley

    Martin Oxley

    Press contact Press Officer South of England 07776 508 646
    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
    Scott Weddell

    Scott Weddell

    Press contact PR Manager Stroke policy, research and Northern Ireland 02075661528
    Katie Padfield

    Katie Padfield

    Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
    Out of hours contact

    Out of hours contact

    Press contact Media queries 07799 436008
    Kate Asselman

    Kate Asselman

    Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
    Tell us your story

    Tell us your story

    Press contact 07799 436008

    The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

    The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

    Stroke Association
    240 City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK