Press release -
Stroke Association launches a new community project in the West Midlands
The Stroke Association in the West Midlands have launched a new support project in the Cannock and Stafford communities for stoke survivors and their families.
The volunteers, also known as ‘Neighbourhood Information Champions’, are providing telephone-based information and support to stroke survivors and people with long term conditions in the area.
The Neighbourhood Information Champions are advertised in the local GP’s surgeries, community centres, libraries and other public places. Each poster will point local stroke survivors to their Neighbourhood Information Champion, who will be able to provide the necessary information.
There are approximately 152,000 strokes in the UK every year. That is more than one every five minutes.
Helen Turnbull, the Project Co-ordinator said: ‘The main aim of the project is to provide a central point of contact for people in the communities with long term medical conditions. The volunteers are provided with an information folder containing information about services, classes, facilities and groups in their area. We find that this will help to reduce social isolation and help people live their lives to the full, helping them to cope with their long term condition.’
Helen continues, “We’re really excited about this project, and still on the look-out for more volunteers to join our team. If you would like to volunteer as a Neighbourhood Information Champion, please do get in touch. Each volunteer will be provided with a mobile phone, and will be fully supported by the Stroke Association.”
For more information about becoming a volunteer, please contact Helen Turnbull, Long Term Condition Project Co-ordinator on 07712 327539
To contact a Neighbourhood Information Champion, please call:
Cannock:
Tony 07764 907473
Ann 07764 907516
Alison 07764 907528
Stafford:
Sue 07764 907520
Bob 07860 186385
Wendie 07764 907519
Vilma 07764 907524
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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
