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​Washington Life After Stroke Group calls out for new members and local volunteers

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​Washington Life After Stroke Group calls out for new members and local volunteers

A Washington stroke group is calling out for new members and volunteers to join them and help local stroke survivors on the road to recovery.

Washington Life After Stroke Group was created in partnership with the Stroke Association and is run by volunteers to help people in the area rebuild their lives after stroke. The group meets twice a month on the second and fourth Fridays, from 1-3pm at Oxclose Church on Brancepeth Road, Washington.

Hannah Parrington, Peer Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “We have around 12 group members of different ages and backgrounds who all have one thing in common – they’re stroke survivors. The condition 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 and carers, as well as volunteers, from the area come along and join us at our group.”

Among the group members are Malcolm and Sue Hartburn from Washington. Malcom, 71, had a stroke in February 2014 which left him paralysed down his left side and wheelchair-bound.

Malcolm’s wife Sue also attends the group, saying: “After Malcolm’s stroke, we felt very isolated and struggled to get out and about. We wanted to meet other stroke survivors to find out how they were coping with the condition. The group has helped us both so much, as it gives us somewhere to go and socialise. It’s helped Malcolm not to feel different, as everybody in the group is living with the effects of stroke and understands what we’re going through. I’d encourage everyone to come along; it’s very informal and somewhere to have a good chat and a bit of fun.”

Hannah added: “Support from Washington Life After Stroke Group can make a real difference to a stroke survivor’s recovery and mental wellbeing. Without the support of local volunteers, we couldn’t be there for people who need help through one of the most difficult and frightening periods of their lives. Any stroke survivors and carers are welcome to come along to a group meeting and find out more.”

To find out more about Washington Life After Stroke Group call Hannah Parrington on 0191 487 9988. To find out more about Stroke Association Voluntary Groups, visit stroke.org.uk 

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  • 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

    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478

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    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
    City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK