New Stroke Association service opens in Brighton

The Stroke Association has launched a new service which will support people affected by stroke in Brighton.

The charity’s new Moving Forward After Stroke service will support around 100stroke survivors across Brighton each year. As part of the service, a Stroke Association coordinator will work with local stroke survivors on a 12 week exercise and education course. The coordinator will provide essential information on healthy lifestyle choices, and a personally tailored exercise programme to help stroke survivors with rehabilitation after a stroke.

One stroke survivor who has already benefited from Stroke Association support in Brighton is Chris Hall. Chris, 65, from Brighton, had a stroke in June. The stroke left Chris with weakness on the left hand side of his body, and a speech difficulty called aphasia.

Chris said: “I couldn’t believe that I’d had a stroke, I always felt so fit and healthy. It came out of nowhere. Laying in my hospital bed, unable to use one side of my body was terrifying. I kept think about my family, and especially my granddaughter who loved it when I would run really fast with her in her pram. That’s what motivated me to get better.

“Thankfully the hospital’s Neuro-Rehab Team pointed me in the direction of the Stroke Association’s new service, and I can quite honestly say it’s made such a difference. I really don’t think I could had got to where I am today without the Stroke Association. They were extremely helpful and supportive after I had my stroke.

“It’s vital that people have access to something like this after having a stroke. I’d encourage anyone who has had a stroke to give it a go.”

Martin Haney, Moving Forward After Stroke Coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “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 new Moving Forward After Stroke service will help people affected by stroke to rebuild their lives.

“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. We look forward to working together with [funders] to help more people recover from the devastating impact of stroke.”

For more information about the Moving Forward After Stroke, please contact Martin Haney on 07799436041 or email Martin.Haney@stroke.org.uk