​Salford stroke survivors express themselves thanks to charity workshops

A group of stroke survivors and their carers from Salford are learning to express themselves in new ways, at a variety of creative workshops organised by the Stroke Association.

A group of ten enjoyed the most recent fortnightly sessions held at Beesley Green Community Centre in Worsley. The workshops have been led by artist Danny Morrell from Start in Salford, an arts and wellbeing charity which has been working in Salford for over 20 years. During the workshops they each learnt different art techniques including using watercolours, pencils, ink and charcoal.

Pat Johnson, 75 from Barton, attended the workshops. She had her first stroke in 2011, which affected her right hand side and speech. She said: “I’d dabbled with painting before but the techniques we learnt at the group are all new. I’ve really enjoyed it and would like to think I’ll now carry on. You get a real feeling of satisfaction from producing your own art and it’s very relaxing. The workshops have helped me to become more creative; we’ve all become artists through being involved in the project.”

Joanne Myers, Communication Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association said: “Painting, sketching and drawing all are forms of art therapy which can improve our physical and emotional health. Not only does the group give people the opportunity to express themselves in new ways, it also encourages social interaction and helps to build confidence. We see overwhelming courage in many stroke survivors as they cope with the loss of many things we take for granted, such as being able to say what we are feeling, and the group has enabled them to communicate in new ways.”

Danny added: “Start’s outreach project brings creative activities to anyone over 50 in Salford. It’s been wonderful to see the group develop over the weeks. Despite some of the group having the use of only one hand, they’ve created some very sophisticated artwork that they will be proud of for years to come.”

The Stroke Association has now kick started the next project in partnership with Nelly Globe. The charity engages with people who are in recovery from trauma, through projects such as creating journals and exhibitions to encourage positive life changes.

The weekly workshops began on Monday 12 January with 10 stroke survivors and carers from Salford. They will continue for eight weeks, culminating in an exhibition at Salford Royal to mark Action on Stroke Month 2015.

The Stroke Association provides an Information, Advice and Support Service and Communication Support in Salford, in partnership with Salford City Council and Salford Clinical Commissioning Group.

The Stroke Association is the UK’s leading stroke charity which campaigns to improve stroke care; supports people to make the best recovery they can; and funds ground-breaking research to change the lives of people affected by stroke. For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.