East Sussex stroke survivors to benefit from Stroke Association’s new service

The Stroke Association has officially launched a new Stroke Recovery Service which will support people affected by stroke in East Sussex.

The charity’s new service is funded by East Sussex County Council in partnership with three local Clinical Commissioning Groups: High Weald Lewes Havens, Eastbourne, Hailsham and Seaford, and Hastings and Rother. The charity’s new service will support more than 1,000 stroke survivors across East Sussex each year.

As part of the Stroke Recovery service, a team of six Stroke Association coordinators will work with stroke survivors, their families and carers. They’ll provide essential information, emotional support and practical advice in the aftermath of a stroke.

One stroke survivor who has already benefited from the service is Carol Boydell from Battle. Carol, a retired Planning Officer, had a stroke in May 2015 which left her with problems with her communication and mobility.

Carol said: “When I was in the hospital bed after my stroke, all I could think about was my husband, daughters and three grandchildren. I’ve always been so fit and active, and there I was, lying in a bed unable to do anything for myself.

“I left hospital with slurred speech, a walking stick and unable to do the simplest things we all take for granted, like taking a shower or washing my hair. I felt like a different person and didn’t know what I’d do with myself. After the physiotherapy from the hospital suddenly stopped, I thought that was that – that’s until the Stroke Association got in touch, and everything changed.

“The Stroke Association also supported me introducing me to the charity’s Sing Out for Stroke choir. Joining this group helped to improve my speech, gave me more confidence and most importantly it has improved my wellbeing. It has been a real success and I am so grateful to the Stroke Association for encouraging me to take part in the choir, it’s something I never thought I’d do.

“Not only did the Stroke Association help with my communication problems, they also came round to my home to help me with filling out forms and gave me emotional support. The one thing that’s been most valuable is the Stroke Association’s exercise classes. Attending them gave me back my confidence, made me feel part of the community again, and helped with my mobility. From regularly going along to those classes, I no longer need my stick to walk, and I’m not limping like I used to. They’ve changed my life and I’m so thankful.”

Tara Galloway, Area Manager from the Stroke Association in East Sussex, said: “Stroke has a massive and sudden impact. People’s lives are changed forever - not just for the stroke survivor, but for their family and friends as well. Our new Stroke Recovery Service in East Sussex will help people affected by stroke to rebuild their lives.

“Being able to return to work and maintaining independence and relationships is vitally important for the person to feel like they are heading back to a place of normality. It is also important in helping people to adapt to and accept a new way of life and participate in new activities which is key to recovery. We look forward to working together with East Sussex County Council and the three local Clinical Commissioning to provide a high quality service for stroke survivors and their carers.”

For more information about the Stroke Recovery Service, please contact Tara Galloway on tara.galloway@stroke.org.uk or 01622 351966