Press release -
New stroke group launched for young stroke survivors in Basildon
A new support group to help stroke survivors in Basildon has launched at Towngate Theatre café, and will meet on a fortnightly basis at 10am.
Working Age Stroke group has been created by the Stroke Association and will provide a place for people to meet fellow stroke survivors who have had similar experiences.
One stroke survivor who has already joined is mum of two, Emma Reed. Emma, 31, from Corringham had a stroke last October on World Stroke Day (29 October). Emma, who was a childminder at the time, was holding a Halloween party at home with the children when she collapsed to the floor.
Emma said: “I couldn’t believe I had had a stroke at such a young age. In hospital, I soon realised just how many young stroke survivors there are, and how helpful it is to speak to others of a similar age.
“Joining the Working Age Stroke group has really helped me to understand more about my stroke, and also talk to others who have gone through a similar experience.
“I’m now keen to do as much as I can to raise awareness about stroke and the symptoms.”
Michelle Turner, Stroke Support Co-ordinator at the Stroke Association in South West Essex, said: “As a newly formed group, the members will be able to shape the way it develops, which is really exciting. The Working Age Stroke group will be a much-needed place for local stroke survivors and their families to come together and support each other.
‘Around one in four strokes occur in people under 65. Stroke is life-changing, but Stroke Association services, such as this new social group, can really make a difference to lives of stroke survivors. It’s hugely important that stroke survivors feel supported in their local community throughout their road to recovery.”
The group will meet every other Monday and will be a place for young stroke survivors and their partners to share experiences and offer each other support and advice. The next meeting is Monday 18 April.
For more information about the Working Age Stroke group, please contact Michelle Turner on 07940 107844/01702 543602 or Michelle.Turner@stroke.org.uk
Topics
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
