​The Stroke Association launches project to archive local stroke survivors’ experiences

The Stroke Association has been awarded a National Lottery grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund to record memories, personal stories and testimonies of local people affected by stroke.

Made possible by National Lottery players, the project, Life After Stroke: Past, Present and Future will explore the experiences of people in Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland who have been affected by stroke. The project will officially launch on Thursday 01 March at Asset Base CIC, Sea Winnings Way in South Shields from 3-6pm.

Life After Stroke: Past, Present and Future will collect personal testimonies of people directly affected by stroke, including experiences from families and carers. These oral histories will map the developments in treatment, attitudes and responses to stroke from 1945 to the present day.

Around 18 local people living with the condition, along with their carers and family members, and 25 other volunteers have signed up to take part in the project.

The Stroke Association will be working in partnership with Momentum Skills, Living History North East, a heritage and oral history specialist and Banyan Arts a creative, expressive arts organisation.

Chris Larkin, Regional Director at the Stroke Association, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Momentum Skills, Living History North East, Banyan Arts and Northumbria University on such an exciting piece of work. We have been working with some amazing people who have incredible stories to tell. It’s wonderful that stroke survivors will have such a vital role in this innovative piece of work.”

Ivor Crowther, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North East, said: “As a result of money raised by National Lottery players, this project will build on our understanding of the past, present and future of stroke and give voice to the stories and experiences of those affected by the condition. We’re pleased to support this project which will develop an archive of an underrepresented part of our heritage and provide volunteering and learning opportunities to many people in the region.”

To find out more about how to get involved in Life After Stroke: Past, Present and Future, contact Ally Miller at the Stroke Association on 0191 4978321 or email Ally.Miller@stroke.org.uk.