Press release -
Life after stroke grows in Burnley with launch of new support group
A new social group has launched in Burnley to provide support and guidance for stoke survivors and their families.
Stroke Association volunteer Susan Schofield, 50 from Nelson, has created Fun 4 Strokes East Lancs. She hopes the new group will give stroke survivors a safe place to socialise.
The group, which is run by volunteers with support from the Stroke Association, held their first meeting at Howard Street Community Centre in Burnley last month. Group members took part in activities designed to help those living with the effects of stroke, and enjoyed freshly baked scones, bingo and card games. They’ll now meet at 1-3pm on the third Wednesday of each month.
Susan herself has experienced the devastating impact of stroke, as she cares for her partner Steven Lyons. Steven had a stroke six years ago, which left him with right sided weakness and no speech.
Susan said: “Steven can’t go out and have a social life on his own, but he is really comfortable around other stroke survivors who understand what he has been through. I formed the group to give stroke survivors like Steven the opportunity to meet up and make new friends. Everyone can join in with fun activities, enjoy talks from local organisations and have a laugh. This is the first time I’ve ever done anything like this so I’m hoping local people will come along and get involved. We’d love to welcome new members and volunteers to the group.”
Andrea Walsh, Communication Support Coordinator from the Stroke Association, said: “As a newly formed group, the members will be able to help shape the way it develops, which is really exciting. Whether it’s social support, visits from speakers, or even art therapy, the group will be a great opportunity for stroke survivors and carers to meet other people who have been affected by stroke.
“It’s hugely important that stroke survivors feel supported in their local community as they take steps on the road to recovery. We’d encourage anyone in the area who has been affected by stroke to go along and meet the group.”
Fun 4 Strokes East Lancs meets at 1-3pm on the third Wednesday of each month at Howard Street Community Centre in Burnley. All are welcome. For further details, contact Sue on 07521 811581. There is a £2 charge for all guests.
For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.
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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 around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. 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
