Press release -
Stroke Association’s choir hits the right notes
Local stroke survivors, carers, volunteers and health professionals are in perfect pitch once more as the Stroke Association’s Community Choir re-launches in Manchester.
The charity created the singing group in September last year with a seven week project, aiming to enable stroke survivors and the local community to discover their musical side. The Stroke Association has now received support from Greater Manchester, Lancashire and South Cumbria CVD Strategic Clinical Network, to enable the group to continue throughout 2015.
The choir will re-launch on Monday 02 February and will meet each week at Z-Arts on Stretford Road, with sessions led by local composer and musical director, Carol Donaldson. The Stroke Association is now calling out for more members to get involved and encouraging stroke survivors with aphasia to join the choir.
Joyce Booth, Family and Carer Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association, added: “The pilot project for the choir last year was a huge success, culminating in fantastic performances on World Stroke Day and at the Stroke Association’s Life after Stroke Awards.
“We’re thrilled that we’ve received support from the Strategic Clinical Network to enable to project to continue. We’d love to welcome more singers to the group; whether you’re an absolute beginner or an expert, it’s fun and friendly for all involved. We all come away from the sessions feeling exhilarated; it really helps to lift your mood.”
Ann Williams, 67 from Stalybridge, is a member of the Community Choir, even performing her own original music at several Stroke Association events. Before she had a stroke in May 2013, Ann was a successful folk musician performing gigs across the North West alongside her daughter Shelley.
She said: “Being a part of the choir has been so special, it’s given me a real sense of achievement and made a huge difference to my confidence. Hearing the choir singing my music has been wonderful and I am so proud to perform with them. I would encourage anyone to get involved.”
The Stroke Association is also calling out for volunteer drivers who may be able to transport stroke survivors to the venue. The choir will run from 6pm-7:30pm each Monday at Z Arts, Manchester and members are encouraged to make a £3 donation per session. To find out more about the choir please email contact Joyce Booth on 0161 330 4006 or email joyce.booth@stroke.org.uk.
For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.
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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
