​Gateshead stroke survivors get active with Stroke Association’s new Moving Forward programme

The Stroke Association has launched its new Moving Forward After Stroke programme in Gateshead, to help local stroke survivors get more active.

Working with partners GO Gateshead, the charity has developed a free 12 week exercise and education programme for stroke survivors across various locations in Gateshead. The programme will see participants come together each week to help reduce their risk of another stroke, and improve their levels of fitness.

The two hour sessions will cover topics including simple lifestyle changes, healthy diet, and improving mood, as well as an exercise class with a GO Gateshead instructor qualified in stroke rehabilitation.

Joe Harwood, 65 from Swalwell, had a stroke three years ago followed by a second last year. Both strokes left him with weakness in the right hand side of his body, affected his communication and left him feeling depressed.

Joe said: “I wanted to take part I the programme to be more mobile without using my walking stick, while also improving my overall fitness. It’s helped me to realise that a stroke affects you fir life and not just short term. It’s also helped me to come to terms with the fact I may not be able to do everything that I could previously.

“Meeting other stroke survivors has made me realise there are other people going through similar experiences, and that there are people out there who can help. Talking to the other group members has helped me a great deal.”

Emma Palmer, Stroke Association Support Coordinator, said: “More people than ever before are surviving a stroke, which is fantastic news, but the condition can be devastating, leaving far too many people facing a lifetime of disability. The Moving Forward After Stroke programme sessions will help local stroke survivors improve their mobility and fitness, while also learning how to help prevent another stroke in the future.

“The programme also enables Gateshead stroke survivors and carers to meet others who are also rebuilding their lives life after a stroke, build their confidence and lift their mood. We’re excited to bring this new programme to the area in partnership with GO Gateshead. The first sessions have been a real success and we’re looking forward to seeing how it progresses even more.”

Dawn Harvey, Business and Community Development Manager, said: “The 12 week programme has been so successful we now have a weekly class being delivered for those who have completed this which allows them to continue to build strength, co-ordination, fitness and friendships. This is promoted to those who are new to the programme and allows them to see how they can progress, not only in physical fitness but also in confidence.”

The sessions take place once a week at the following locations:

Monday – Heworth Leisure Centre 1:30pm-3:30pm

Thursday – Dunston Leisure Centre 1pm-3pm

Friday – Gateshead Leisure Centre 10:30am-12:30pm

The programme is open to stroke survivors at any stage of their recovery, along with a referral from their physiotherapist or GP. To find out more and join the next Moving Forward After Stroke programme, contact Emma Palmer at the Stroke Association on 0191 497 8326 or emailemma.palmer@stroke.org.uk.