​Sheffield stroke survivors to benefit from new recovery service

More people affected by stroke in Sheffield will be able to receive support, with the launch of a new Stroke Recovery Service run by the Stroke Association.

There are more than 11,900 stroke survivors living in Sheffield. The new service will provide long-term support, plus emotional and practical advice for them, their families and carers in the aftermath of a stroke

The Stroke Association, which already provides a Reablement service in the area, is working closely with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Sheffield CCG, to launch its new Stroke Recovery Service to help support people in their recovery after stroke, after being discharged from the specialist stroke service.

The service will also provide community activities such as art groups, gardening and walking activities, to combat the isolation often experienced by stroke survivors and their families. These will try to help improve their quality of life, and support people to participate in their community in the longer term recovery after stroke.

Around a third of stroke survivors experience depression after a stroke. In partnership with the Stroke Clinical Psychologist Team, the Stroke Association will provide counselling sessions for stroke survivors who require specialist emotional support following discharge from the stroke service.

In addition, the service will provide support for carers to help them understand the impact of stroke and also help them cope with the sudden change in circumstances and responsibility and how to care of themselves.

Elaine Roberts, Director of Stroke Support for England at the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke can have devastating consequences. People’s lives are changed forever - not just for the stroke survivor, but for their family and friends too. With our new service in Sheffield we will help people affected by stroke to regain their confidence, reconnect with their community and hopefully achieve a better quality of life. We look forward to working closely Sheffield CCG, Sheffield City Council and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals to provide a high quality service for stroke survivors and their carers.”

Dr Amanda Jones, Clinical Lead for the Sheffield Stroke Service, said: “Many patients often highlight that when they are discharged from formal stroke service care, they often feel isolated and don’t know who to turn to for specific support and advice, so we welcome this new service and look forward to working closely with the Stroke Association in further improving the stroke service in Sheffield, particularly in the long-term.”

The charity celebrated the launch of the new Stroke Recovery Service with over 60 health professionals, stroke survivors and carers at an event at The Source Skills Academy, Meadowhall, in collaboration with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Sheffield CCG.

The event outlined the Stroke Association’s plans to develop additional long term support in the community for stroke survivors and carers in Sheffield, while also promoting recent development in stroke nationally. Speakers including Dr. Amanda Jones, Clinical Lead for Stroke Services; representatives from the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Integrated Care System and Elaine Roberts, Stroke Association Director of Stroke Support (England).

Stroke survivors and their carers who feel they would benefit from the new services can contact the Stroke Association by emailing jennifer.gardner@stroke.org.uk. For more information or for details about volunteering please call 0161 745 8222.

For more information about the Stroke Association, please visit www.stroke.org.uk or call the Helpline on 0303 303 3100.