​Support for stroke survivors in Northampton grows with launch of new group

A new support group for stroke survivors has launched in Northampton and is inviting residents to come along to a Sip for Stroke fundraiser during Action on Stroke Month.

Brewins Stroke Group has been created in partnership with the Stroke Association and will be run by volunteers, to help people in the area come to terms with a life after stroke. They’ll host the Sip for Stroke event on Wednesday 27 May at Alliston Gardens Youth and Community Centre from 10:30am – 12:30pm.

The group will then meet on the last Wednesday of each month and will have a programme of events, including speakers, social activities and information sessions. The members are calling out to local residents to come and get involved, including more volunteers to help run the group.

Dawn Travill from Northampton is a former Stroke Association employee, and was inspired to help set up the group after sadly losing her father David Brewin to a stroke three years ago.

She said: “My dad did a lot of voluntary work for local charities and was a positive and passionate man. He taught me that if I feel passionately about something then I should do something about it, which is why I want the group to be successful. I’m hoping it will offer support to those who may have lost so much through their stroke, like my dad did. Our group is in its infancy so we’re hoping to grow and encourage new members to come along, as well as invite volunteers to get involved.”

Laura Merrett from the Stroke Association said: “As a newly formed group, the volunteers and members will be able to shape the way it develops, which is really exciting. 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 are on the road to recovery. We’d love to hear from people who may like to get involved with helping to run the group and make a huge difference to stroke survivors in the local area.”

The group was created after the Stroke Association was selected to receive financial support from the Centre for Social Action Innovation Fund. The fund supports the growth of innovations that mobilise people's energy and talents to help each other, working alongside public services. It is a partnership between Nesta and the Cabinet Office and is co-funded.

Liz Roberts, Stroke Clubs and Community Partnerships Manager from the Stroke Association, said: “It is vital that stroke survivors have access to long term support in their own community, to ensure they can make their best possible recovery. As a result of the project we’re investing in our framework of voluntary groups to ensure we can provide long term peer support to anyone affected by stroke.”

You can find more information here: www.nesta.org.uk/project/centre-social-action-innovation-fund. To find out more about the group and how you can get involved, contact 07941 145 682 or email brewinsstrokeassociationgroup@outlook.com