News from the East of England region
This page provides news updates about our East of England region.
Three new voluntary groups in the region.
Three new voluntary Stroke Association Stroke Support Groups are opening in the East of England. The Stroke Association Colchester Wayfinders Support Group had it's first meeting in October, whilst The Stroke Association Halstead Firm Friends Stroke Club has been up and running for a month or two. The Stroke Association Felixstowe Area Stroke Support is due to commence at the beginning of November.
The groups are run by volunteers, some of whom have had a stroke, for stroke survivors, their families, friends and carers.
Stroke groups can offer a lifeline to people who have been affected by stroke, as often the full impact of stroke is not realised until the person is discharged from hospital. The groups offer long-term support in a friendly social setting, and a varied programme of activities promotes confidence, alleviates social isolation and offers valuable respite to carers.
Stroke Development Service - Luton
A Stroke Development Service is due to start at the beginning of November to cover the population of Luton. The service will be managed by our Stroke Development Officer, Rebecca Chatterton. Further details can be obtained from our Helpline on 0845 3033 100 or by emailing our Information Service.
A Family and Carer Support Service for South West Essex
A Family and Carer Support Service commences in South West Essex on 1 September 2009. This is a visiting service for people who have been affected by stroke that gives practical information and emotional support to individuals and their families and carers. For further information please contact our Helpline on 0845 3033 100 or email our Information Service.
A New Communication Service for the East of England
A new Communication Service has started in the Colchester area, with groups meeting each Monday and Thursday mornings during term-time. Our Communication Support Service works to improve communication in people who have difficulty speaking, understanding speech or writing because of a stroke. For further details please phone our Helpline on 0845 3033 100 or contact our Information Service.
The launch of The Stroke Association's Stowmarket Stroke Support Group
Congratulations to the volunteers and members of The Stroke Association's new Stowmarket Stroke Support Group on their official launch on Thursday 12 June.
The launch party was held at The Hillside Community Centre in Combs, Stowmarket, Suffolk and was attended by the town's Mayor, local doctors and representatives from the Rotary Club, Women's Royal Voluntary Service and the town council.
The club will meet every Thursday morning from 10am-12pm at The Hillside Community Centre.
Speaking at the event, Peter Rose, The Stroke Association's Regional Manager for the East of England said, 'This group will offer valuable long-term communication support for stroke survivors in Stowmarket and the surrounding area. Establishing a club of this sort involves a lot of hard work and commitment and we would like to congratulate everyone involved in this successful launch.'
For further information about stroke clubs or stroke services please contact our Helpline on 0845 3033 100 or email our Information Service.
Other news
The UK Stroke Forum Conference 2008 will take place in Harrogate from 2-4 December 2008. For more information please visit the UK Stroke Forum website or contact Sally Atkinson, UK Stroke Forum Co-ordinator, on 0121 441 4044
