Actors' skills helping stroke patients to communicate

Actor Richard Briers talks of how he and fellow actors are helping stroke patients on the road to recovery in the latest edition of Stroke News, The Stroke Association’s quarterly magazine, published on Wednesday 15 December.

The Good Life star is supporting an innovative service running in hospitals and stroke clubs throughout the country, where professionally trained actors read to patients recovering from their strokes. The service aims to entertain and motivate patients who may feel isolated after their strokes. Stroke can often affect communication, resulting in difficulties in speech, reading and writing. Through directly interacting with patients, the actors help people redevelop these skills.

“Having someone who comes in regularly to see patients and spend one-to-one time with them makes them feel cared about,” comments Richard.

“It also shows that there are people who are interested in them and how they are getting on and are adjusting to their life after a stroke. The visits can also help to give people a real lift, which will hopefully speed up the recovery process. Most importantly it cheers people up by offering hope, companionship and reassurance.”

Richard has nothing but admiration for people who have had a stroke. “Recovery from stroke can often be a slow process and many people show real bravery when they are coming to terms with its effects. If it were me in that situation I can only hope to be able to be as strong as them.”

Other articles that are featured in this edition include tips on how you can lower the amount of salt in your diet and reduce your risk of stroke, as well as all the latest news on The Stroke Association’s campaigns, fundraising activities and research into stroke.

To read the full interview with Richard Briers call 01604 623 933, e-mail SNSubscription@stroke.org.uk or go to the Stroke News section on the website.

For more details please contact the Media Team at The Stroke Association on 020 7566 1500 or e-mail press@stroke.org.uk

Notes to editor

1. Stroke News is a free quarterly magazine published by The Stroke Association, for all people affected by stroke and professionals who care for them. The magazine features the latest developments in stroke medicine and rehabilitation, topical information on stroke, and ways that readers can get involved with fundraising events for The Stroke Association in their area. Readers can find out about the experiences of others who are affected by stroke through the pages dedicated to regional stroke clubs, people and letters.

2. Each year over 130,000 people in England and Wales have a stroke. Of all people who suffer from a stroke, about a third are likely to die within the first 10 days, about a third are likely to make a recovery within one month and about a third are likely to be left disabled and needing rehabilitation. Stroke has a greater disability impact than any other medical condition. A quarter of a million people are living with long-term disability as a result of stroke in the UK.

3. The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. It funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services. These include dysphasia support, family support, information services, welfare grants, publications and leaflets. We also campaign, educate and inform to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society and we act as a voice for everyone affected by stroke.

4. The actor's reading service is offered by the charity Interact. For further details visit www.interactreading.co.uk

5. A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Most strokes occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Some strokes are caused by bleeding in or around the brain from a burst blood vessel. When the blood supply is disrupted, parts of the brain become damaged or destroyed. Some strokes are fatal whist others can cause permanent or temporary paralysis to one side of the body and loss of the ability to speak, read or write. Recovery may be slow and can vary from person to person.

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