​South Tyneside Life After Stroke Group celebrates re-launch in Make May Purple

A support group for stroke survivors in South Shields is relaunching with a new and improved venue and calling out for volunteers, in its mission to help people in the area come to terms with a life after stroke.

The Stroke Association’s South Tyneside Life After Stroke Group is run by volunteers and will now meet once a month at Trinity House, 134 Laygate in South Shields. The group will officially re-launch with a purple themed open afternoon on Wednesday 31 May, during the Stroke Association’s annual awareness month: Make May Purple.

The Stroke Association is encouraging new members to come along to find out more about the group, and appealing for local volunteers to give up their time to help support the group.

Sharon Falkinder, 44 from South Shields, had a stroke in 2015 which affected her communication and left her with right sided weakness. Sharon now attends the group each month. She said: “It’s great to talk to other people who have been through similar experiences. I find the group very relaxing and enjoy meeting new people. It’s helped me with my communication as well. It’d be great to have more volunteers come along to help out at the group, as well as more members.”

Jane Evans, Communication Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke can be absolutely devastating, but with the right help and support, people can make fantastic recoveries, and that’s what the group is all about. The group puts on a range of activities including exercise, relaxation, quizzes, speakers, meals and outings.

“We’d love to see more stroke survivors, carers, and volunteers from the area come along and join us at the group. It’s hugely important that stroke survivors feel supported in their local community as they are on the road to recovery. We’d encourage anyone to come along to the re-launch on 31 May and see what it’s all about.”

South Tyneside Life After Stroke Group meets on the last Wednesday of each month at Trinity House, 134 Laygate, South Shields, NE33 4JD. To find out more, call Donna Stott on 0191 4978322 or email Donna.Stott@stroke.org.uk.

Across the UK, more than a million people are rebuilding their lives after stroke. By supporting Make May Purple you can help us to make sure stroke gets the attention it deserves and to raise vital funds for innovative research into stroke care and treatment. To get involved with Make May Purple and help to change the story for stroke survivors, visit www.stroke.org.uk/makemaypurple