Stroke Association warns cuts to services will have a huge impact on East Sussex stroke survivors and carers

East Sussex County Council met on 26 January to discuss its budget. It proposed ceasing funding of the Stroke Association’s support services in the county. This recommendation will now go to a full Council meeting on Tuesday 9 February for ratification.

Sandra Field, Regional Head of Operations in the South East Coast, said:

“Stroke survivors, their carers, and loved ones are distraught and up in arms at the prospect of losing this lifeline of support in their recovery. We strongly encourage councillors to stand up for the 4,000 stroke survivors, and 2,000 carers (that we supported over the past six years) in their wards and oppose this proposal.

“If the funding is withdrawn, both the Communication Support Service and Exercise and Education courses will cease completely from May 2016. Only the Stroke Association’s Information, Advice and Support Service will remain, but reduced by two thirds.

“Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and our services are vital to recovery and the prevention of further avoidable strokes and deaths.

“This Council’s proposal means that we will help fewer people. The impact will be devastating not only for stroke survivors but their carers too. It is outrageous that this is even being considered by local councillors.

“In the South East there are around 17,000 strokes a year and over 150,000 people living with stroke. Through the Stroke Association, these people have been supported to make the best possible recovery, but this proposal puts that at risk.

“Although people can recover from stroke with the right support, too many survivors are written off and denied their right to recovery. Our services provide this lifeline. We are calling on residents in East Sussex to get in touch with their local councillors to stop this now. We also want people to join the Stroke Association and our service users at the council meeting on 9 February to make it clear to the council that we’ll fight this all the way.”

If you’d like more information on how this proposed cut affects you or would like to support the Stroke Association, please contact Sandra Field, Regional Head of Operations, at the Stroke Association on Sandra.field@stroke.org.uk, or 01622 351967.

For more information about stroke visit www.stroke.org.uk or call the Helpline on 0303 303 3100.

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