Press release - 30 January 2018 09:51

Support for stroke survivors in West Norfolk grows with launch of new exercise group

The Stroke Association has launched a new exercise group to support people affected by stroke in West Norfolk.

The Stroke Association’s Wellbeing Tai Chi group will take place at Reffley Community Hall, every Thursday from 11:30am. The charity is inviting anyone affected by stroke in West Norfolk to come along and get involved.

Diane West, Stroke Association Support Coordinator in West Norfolk, said: “Stroke has a massive and sudden impact, and it’s a leading cause of disability. People’s lives are changed forever - not just for the stroke survivor, but for their family and friends as well.

“Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art, which can improve people's balance, muscle strength and endurance, as well as providing psychological benefits. The Tai Chi classes will involve physical movements, along with breathing exercises and mental concentration.

“We look forward to working with local Tai Chi teacher, Glenn Belton, to help more people recover from the devastating impact of stroke.”

For more information about the Wellbeing Tai Chi group, please contact Diane West on 07983 499 510 or email Diane.West@stroke.org.uk

Topics

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

Angela Macleod

Press contact Communications Officer Scotland press and Stroke Association research communications angela.macleod@stroke.org.uk 0131 555 7244

Laura Thomas

Press contact Communications Officer Wales Laura.Thomas@stroke.org.uk 07776508594

Ken Scott

Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands ken.scott@stroke.org.uk 0115 778 8429

Daisy Dighton

Press contact Press Officer London and East of England daisy.dighton@stroke.org.uk 02079401358

Martin Oxley

Press contact Press Officer South of England martin.oxley@stroke.org.uk 07776 508 646

Vicki Hall

Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services vicki.hall@stroke.org.uk 0161 742 7478

Scott Weddell

Press contact PR Manager Stroke policy, research and Northern Ireland scott.weddell@stroke.org.uk 02075661528

Katie Padfield

Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising katie.padfield@stroke.org.uk

Out of hours contact

Press contact Media queries press@stroke.org.uk 07799 436008

Kate Asselman

Press contact Artist Liaison Lead kate.asselman@stroke.org.uk 07540 518022

Tell us your story

Press contact stories@stroke.org.uk 07799 436008

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.