New support service available for stroke survivors in Eltham

A new lifeline is being offered to stroke survivors in the Eltham area of London. The Eltham Communication Support Group has been launched to help people who’ve experienced a stroke and their families.

Every year 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke and around 30% of those who survive are affected by communication problems. This can include the ability to speak, read, write and understand.

The opening ceremony was attended by 29 people including the Deputy Mayor of Greenwich, Cllr Barbara Barwick and the Commissioning Manager at Greenwich PCT, Yemi Osho. 

The support service, provided by The Stroke Association, is the second of its kind in the Greenwich region and helps stroke survivors to regain confidence and discover new ways of communicating. At the weekly meetings people can practice their skills within a safe environment with staff and volunteers who understand their needs.

The service is also looking for volunteers who can offer their time to help out at the group, visit stroke survivors at home or drivers to take people to and from meetings. Full training is offered.

Talmadge Kearns, Communication Support Co-ordinator at The Stroke Association said:

“We are looking for stroke survivors who have communication difficulties in the local area to come along to the weekly meetings and take part in the group activities that will aid their recovery. Hopefully they will regain some of the communication skills that have been lost as well as meet people in a similar situation to their own”.

Case study: Stephen Child, 49, from Eltham, had his stroke in March 2008 leaving him with both physical and communication disabilities. Stephen, who will be joining the Eltham group, said at the opening: “You can see other people who’ve had a stroke and see how it’s affected them like yourself. I will be here every Tuesday.”

ENDS

*** Please contact Richard Mountford at The Stroke Association if you would like more information 020 7566 1534***

Notes to editor

The Eltham Group will be meeting weekly on Tuesday mornings at St.Marys Community Complex, 180 Eltham High St, Eltham SE9 1BJ.

For more information call Talmadge Kearns on 0208 697 1636.

The Stroke Association is the only UK charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. The charity funds research into prevention, treatment, better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services which include communications support, family and carer support, information services, welfare grants, publications and leaflets. The Stroke Association also campaigns, educates and informs to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society acting as a voice for everyone affected by stroke.

A stroke is a brain attack which causes brain damage. A stroke can be diagnosed by using FAST – Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Time to call 999. If any of these symptoms are present call an ambulance straight away.

The Stroke Helpline provides information on stroke to the general public and is open between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0845 3033 100.

About stroke:

A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of 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 whilst others can cause permanent or temporary disabilities such as 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.

Strokes can be prevented through lifestyle factors such as a healthy diet - particularly reducing salt intake, drinking alcohol in moderation, not smoking and taking regular exercise

Stroke statistics:

·         Each year an estimated 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke

·         Stroke is the third biggest killer and the leading cause of disability

·         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

·         At least 300,000 people in England are living with moderate to severe disabilities as a result of a stroke

·         A stroke can happen to any one at any time. Around a quarter of strokes happen to those aged under 65, with around 1000 happening to those under 30.

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