Beatrice Wolffe
Beatrice Wolffe

Press release -

Local stroke support group celebrates thirtieth anniversary

A support group for stroke survivors in Barnet has celebrated its 30th anniversary.

The Barnet Trinity Stroke Group first opened its doors to local stroke survivors in September 1987, and has been helping local people ever since. The meetings give local stroke survivors the opportunity to support each other, share experiences, make new friends, rebuild their self-confidence, and develop new skills.

Beatrice Wolffe, 91, from Finchley had a stroke in 2004 and has attended the Barnet Trinity Stroke Group for the past ten years. Beatrice said: “The group has been vital in my recovery. It’s made such a difference to meet other stroke survivors and to know that I’m not alone.

“My fondest memories over the past ten years would have to be our boat trip on the River Thames, and the support I’ve been able to give to other stroke survivors.

“Not a week goes by at the group where I haven’t smiled or laughed. It’s the perfect medicine after stroke. Stroke can be very isolating, but the family I’ve formed at the Barnet Trinity Stroke Group has guided and supported me every week.”

John McGlone, Head of Volunteering and Community Development at the Stroke Association, said: “The Barnet Trinity Stroke Group is run by volunteers who go above and beyond to make such a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

“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. The Barnet Trinity Stroke Group helps people affected by stroke rebuild their lives.

“I am delighted that the group is continuing to provide ongoing support to help people get back into everyday life. Its success is a credit to the team, and I would like to thank everyone involved for all their hard work.”

The Barnet Trinity Stroke Group meets every Thursday from 10:30pm to 12:30pm at Trinity Church Centre. If you would like more information about the Barnet Trinity Stroke Group, please contact btsg@btinternet.com or call 07934 968805.

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 07776 508 646
    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 Padfield

    Katie Padfield

    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
    240 City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK