​Rochdale stroke survivors get active with Stroke Association’s new Moving Forward programme

The Stroke Association has launched its new Moving Forward After Stroke programme in Rochdale, to help local stroke survivors get more active.

Working with partners GM Active, the charity has developed a free 12 week exercise and education programme for stroke survivors across various locations in Greater Manchester. The programme will see participants come together each Thursday at Rochdale Leisure Centre, to help reduce their risk of another stroke, and improve their levels of fitness.

The two hour sessions will cover topics including simple lifestyle changes, healthy diet, and improving mood, as well as an exercise class with a Link4Life instructor qualified in stroke rehabilitation.

Stroke survivor Colin Barker, 78 from Syke, attended the session alongside his wife Christine. A former Lancashire fusilier, Colin had a stroke in November 2018 which left him with weakness in his right side and affected his communication.

Colin said: “I was very fit when I was in the army and I want to feel that way again. I really enjoyed meeting new people at the first session and look forward to progressing with the exercises each week.”

Eamonn Greene, Stroke Association Support Coordinator, said: “More people than ever before are surviving a stroke, which is fantastic news, but the condition can be devastating, leaving far too many people facing a lifetime of disability. The Moving Forward After Stroke programme sessions will help local stroke survivors improve their mobility and fitness, while also learning how to help prevent another stroke in the future.

“The programme also enables Rochdale stroke survivors and carers to meet others who are also rebuilding their lives life after a stroke, build their confidence and lift their mood. We’re excited to bring this new programme to the city in partnership with GM Active and look forward to seeing how it progresses.”

Paul Gardner, Programme Manager Health & Wellbeing, said: “This programme will enhance and complement the work of the Active Living Team really well in using physical activity and exercise to help support the management of variety of long term health conditions. We are excited to be working with the Stroke Association and GM Active partners to offer this specialist exercise programme which will provide some real benefits for people to live well after a stroke, and also to help prevent recurrence in the future.”

Clare Morley, spokesperson for GM Active, said: “We are delighted that several of our members are working in partnership with the Stroke Association on this innovative programme that can really make a difference to the lives of stroke survivors. Following the launch in Stockport just a few weeks ago, it’s great to see the programme rolling out in Rochdale already, and our members are looking forward to implementing it more widely very soon.”

The programme is open to stroke survivors at any stage of their recovery. To find out more and join the next Moving Forward After Stroke programme, contact Eamonn Greene at the Stroke Association on 075155 97171, or email Eamonn.greene@stroke.org.uk.