Press release -
Stroke Association launches new pilot service in Bedford
The Stroke Association has launched a new pilot service in Bedford to help local stroke survivors rebuild their lives after a stroke.
The charity’s six month review service commissioned by Bedfordshire CCG, gives local stroke survivors who have had a stroke in the last six to eight months, the opportunity to speak to someone about how they’re feeling, and to raise any concerns they may have about their stroke.
One person who has already benefitted from the Stroke Association’s six month review service in Bedford is Janet Powell. Janet had a stroke in March 2016 at the age of 77. Janet felt unwell one morning and began to feel numbness on her left-side of her body. After checking her blood pressure and calling her GP for advice, her GP referred her to A&E immediately after recognising the signs of stroke.
Janet spent over two weeks in hospital where she was left with weakness in the left side of her body as well as fatigue. She said: “I am very grateful to the Stroke Association for all of her help and support after my stroke. Without them, it’s scary to think that I could have had another stroke due to my high blood pressure.
“The local coordinator from the Stroke Association pushed to get me a GP appointment as I couldn’t get one myself. She was so helpful and has provided me with endless information, advice and reassurance that I am not alone. Without her I would be scared to think of what could have happened to me after my stroke.
“I am determined not to let me stroke stop me from doing the things I love. I just know my limits and have to be mindful to look after myself. I am so proud of my courage, acceptance and the way I have worked to improve my left-sided weakness after my stroke. I’m really enjoying the gym and taekwondo classes the Stroke Association have helped me find.”
Sara Betsworth, Regional Head of Operations at the Stroke Association, said: ‘Stroke is life-changing. This incredibly cruel condition strikes in an instant, and affects over 100,000 people living in the East of England.
“Stroke Association services, such as this new six month review pilot service, 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.’
For more information, please contact Wendy Jephcote on 01284 760006 or email wendy.jephcote@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 one of the largest causes of 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
