Stroke Recovery Group
If you believe someone is having a stroke, call 999 immediately.
Following a successful pilot project, we are now looking to establish the Stroke Recovery Group as a regular service for people who have experienced a stroke and their loved ones and carers.
We are currently gathering expressions of interest. This will help us understand local demand and plan suitable locations, times and activities.
Why the group is needed
A stroke can alter ordinary life very quickly. Things that were once straightforward may become tiring, frustrating or difficult. Confidence can be affected, and getting out and spending time with other people may feel harder than it did before.
The impact is not limited to the person who experienced the stroke. Partners, relatives and carers may also be dealing with worry, exhaustion and considerable changes in their own lives.
The Stroke Recovery Group would provide an informal and welcoming place where people affected by stroke could meet, take part in simple activities and spend time with others who may be facing similar difficulties.
Proposed activities
For people recovering from stroke, activities may include simple creative work, gentle nature-based activities and games such as dominoes or cards. Activities involving coordination, grip and concentration would be adapted to individual abilities. Nobody would be expected to keep up with anyone else.
These activities would be offered for enjoyment, confidence and social connection. They would not be presented as treatment or rehabilitation.
Loved ones and carers would also have opportunities to spend time together, talk if they wished and take part in their own activities. We recognise that their needs may be different from those of the person recovering from stroke.
There would also be time for everyone to come together informally over refreshments.
Who is involved?
Sessions will be led by a qualified physiotherapist. Her experience will help ensure that activities take account of fatigue, mobility, coordination and communication difficulties. A counsellor will advise on emotional wellbeing, appropriate boundaries and referral routes where somebody may need more specialist support. The group will not provide physiotherapy, counselling or clinical rehabilitation.
Important information
The Stroke Recovery Group will not provide medical treatment, physiotherapy, counselling, emergency support or clinical advice. It will be a social and wellbeing service, not a clinical or rehabilitation service.
The group is not intended for anyone who needs urgent medical or psychological help. If someone appears to require specialist support or clinical intervention, the team will encourage or help them to contact an appropriate health professional or emergency service.
Taking part in conversation
A stroke can affect speaking, finding words, reading or understanding. Nobody will be hurried or expected to speak in front of the group. People can take part in conversation in whatever way feels comfortable and may have help from a partner, relative or carer if they wish. We will ask what makes communication easier for each person. The group is not a speech and language therapy service and cannot provide clinical assessment or treatment.
Further information and support
The Stroke Association provides information and support for people affected by stroke, including family members and carers.