Support for stroke survivors in Basingstoke grows with launch of new support group

The Stroke Association is launching a new venue for a local support group to help more people affected by stroke in Basingstoke.

The Basingstoke Area Stroke Support group meets every Wednesday from 2pm. The group, which has been running for over ten years now, is moving to Hill Rise Hall on Bach Close, on Wednesday 25 April 2018. The charity is inviting anyone affected by stroke in Basingstoke to come along and get involved.

One stroke survivor who has been attending the group since it opened its doors in 2008, is mother of three, Pat Sweetingham. Pat, 55, from Oakley, had a stroke in 2003 when she was just 40 years old. The stroke left Pat with severe weakness in the right side of her body, and with a communication difficulty called aphasia.

Pat said: “The group has helped me to talk and I have gained long term friends here. It’s a special place, and has made a huge difference to me and many other stroke survivors. After coming to the group for two years, I became a volunteer for the Stroke Association to help them run the group. Volunteering is great because whilst you help others, you feel good and help yourself to improve.”

Samantha Malkin, Stroke Association Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “The Basingstoke Area Stroke Support group is a much-needed place for local stroke survivors and their families to come together and support each other.

‘Stroke is life-changing, but the Basingstoke Area Stroke Support group's work 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.”

The new venue launch will take place on Wednesday 25 April 2018 from 2pm to 4pm. Members will meet at Hill Rise Hall, Bach Close, Brighton Hill, Basingstoke RG22 4JZ.

For more information, please contact Jo Waller on BasingstokeSAVG@stroke.org.uk or 07429 620459.