​Stroke Association appeals for local volunteers for a new football project in Poole

The Stroke Association is appealing for volunteers to enable them to launch a new walking football team in Poole, to support stroke survivors on their road to recovery.

The Stroke Association’s walking football team is being launched in partnership with Dorset FA. Claire Whitehouse, Community Stroke Support Assistant at the Stroke Association said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for local volunteers to get involved in a new and exciting project. Dorset FA are offering training for our volunteer coach position, and there are lots of different volunteering opportunities within the team.

“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. Our services across Dorset help people affected by stroke to rebuild their lives. Through social groups such as this walking football team, stroke survivors can be involved in a team, meet other stroke survivors and improve their mental and physical recovery. Being able to return to work, live independently and take control of your life again after a stroke are all vitally important steps on the road to recovery for stroke survivors.

“Volunteers are an essential part of our work, and hugely help us in changing the world for people affected by stroke.”

Volunteers are required to start training in February in time for the walking football group launch in March. To find out more about the group and how you can get involved, call the Stroke Association in Dorset on 01202 636752 or email dorset@stroke.org.uk