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Anna Bridle (Stroke Association Communication Support Volunteer), Ruby White
Anna Bridle (Stroke Association Communication Support Volunteer), Ruby White

Press release -

Charity seeks local singers

The Stroke Association is encouraging people across West Norfolk to discover their musical side and join a new community music and singing group.

The Communication Support Music and Singing Group will be made up of stroke survivors, carers and volunteers. The group will launch on Thursday 9 November and will meet each week at Swaffham Community Centre. The sessions will be supported by Dr Tina Blaber-Wegg from Playing for Cake, a community musician and Singing for Health Practitioner.

There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year, and around one third will have aphasia. Aphasia affects people’s ability to communicate, whether it is speaking, reading, writing or understanding.

One stroke survivor who will be joining the group is nonagenarian Ruby White, 93, from Swaffham. Ruby had a stroke in March which left her with aphasia.

Ruby said: “I’m very excited to join the Stroke Association’s music and singing group. Since having a stroke, the Stroke Association have been extremely supportive, and helped me to come to terms with what has happened.

“I’ve always loved music, and enjoy humming along to the radio at home, but I’ve never joined a choir or played an instrument before. When I heard about the Choir, I thought it was an opportunity to have a go at doing something new.”

Gemma Smith, Communication Support Coordinator from the Stroke Association, said: “Aphasia has a massive impact on stroke survivors’ lives and some people can find singing can help with their recovery. We hope that the music and singing group will help people discover a new talent or rediscover an old one. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an expert, it’s fun and friendly for all involved.”

To find out more about the choir please email contact Gemma Smith on 01366 377803 or email gemma.smith@stroke.org.uk. For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.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 more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. 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
  • Contacts

    Angela Macleod

    Angela Macleod

    Press contact Communications Officer Scotland press and Stroke Association research communications 0131 555 7244
    Laura Thomas

    Laura Thomas

    Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
    Ken Scott

    Ken Scott

    Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
    Daisy Dighton

    Daisy Dighton

    Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
    Martin Oxley

    Martin Oxley

    Press contact Press Officer South of England 0207 566 1548
    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
    Scott Weddell

    Scott Weddell

    Press contact PR Manager Stroke policy, research and Northern Ireland 02075661528
    Katie Taylor

    Katie Taylor

    Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
    Out of hours contact

    Out of hours contact

    Press contact Media queries 07799 436008
    Kate Asselman

    Kate Asselman

    Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
    Tell us your story

    Tell us your story

    Press contact 07799 436008

    The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

    The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

    Stroke Association
    City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK