Stroke survivors across Wythenshawe will receive more support to help prevent social isolation, with the launch of a new Stroke Association Stroke Cafe in Newall Green.
Stroke has a huge impact on people’s wellbeing, leaving many feeling lonely and isolated. From Thursday 16 October, stroke survivors, their families and carers can attend the monthly Stroke Café from 10am till 1pm, at the Tree of Life Centre on Greenbrow Road.
The friendly monthly sessions will enable anyone affected by stroke to receive support and advice, while meeting others in a similar situation. The Stroke Café is one of three monthly groups launching across Manchester which will also lead to the development of six fortnightly social groups across the city, such as exercise activities or art sessions. These will be developed with the Stroke Café members, who will be involved throughout the creation of all the activities.
Helen Gilbertson, Community Stroke Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “More people than ever before are surviving a stroke. But many stroke survivors tell us that after all the effort to save their lives they then feel abandoned when they return home.
“The Stroke Café will provide an opportunity for stroke survivors to live more independently, while meeting others who are also experiencing a life after stroke. The peer support will give stroke survivors opportunities to build social connections and friendships that can continue outside of the groups. We’re confident the group will help to reduce isolation and depression for those affected by stroke in Wythenshawe.”
Currently the Stroke Association runs an existing Stroke Café, which meets once a month at Trinity Baptist Church in Gorton. Christine Halford had a stroke in September 2012 and attends the Stroke Cafe each month, where her daughter Natalie volunteers.
Natalie said: “As a result of a rare severe pain condition, I use a wheelchair to get about as walking is too painful, but I lost my confidence as a result. When my mum had her stroke we were both isolated in the house until we were able to go to the Stroke Cafe, which was a lifeline for us both.
“The Stroke Association has not only supported my mum but also myself, as it’s really helped to build my confidence. Before being a volunteer, I hadn’t been out on my own for four years. Now when I volunteer I have the confidence to go on my own, knowing that if I need help while I’m there there’s always somebody to do so.”
The charity is also calling out for volunteers to help with the Stroke Café and drive service users to and from the venue. For more information, contact Helen Gilbertson on 0161 742 7482 or email helen.gilbertson@stroke.org.uk.
The Stroke Cafes are a project of the Manchester Reducing Social Isolation & Loneliness in Older People programme 2014-16. Grant Funding from North, Central & South Manchester NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups in partnership with Age Friendly Manchester. Managed by Macc. Further information at: http://bit.ly/maccrsi
The Stroke Association provides an Information, Advice and Support Service in Central and North Manchester, in partnership with Manchester City Council and Central Manchester Clinical Commissioning Group. For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk