Too many stroke survivors and their families from across Scotland feel they are abandoned when they leave hospital and say they are left without the support they need to help them cope with the emotional impact of stroke.

A new report published today (Wednesday 1 May) by the Stroke Association reveals that the full emotional impact of the condition can be as devastating as the physical effects.

 

The charity’s report, Feeling Overwhelmed, is based on the findings of a UK survey⁽ⁱ⁾  of people affected by stroke (2700 UK respondents), including 166 people in Scotland. While Scottish respondents rated hospital care  highly, they said that the emotional strain on survivors and their families when they return home is underestimated and often overlooked by health and social care services, leaving people inadequately supported.

 

The report findings reveal;

• Over half of stroke survivors (65%) felt depressed and two thirds (65%) experienced anxiety as a direct result of their stroke. They also reported high levels of fear of a recurrent stroke (55%), anger (53%) and lack of confidence (73%)
• Over a third of stroke survivors (37%) said they felt abandoned after leaving hospital and nearly half (46%) had received no information or practical advice to help them cope with the emotional impact of stroke
• Stroke can also have a negative impact on relationships. Just under half of stroke survivors (47%) have experienced difficulties in their personal relationships with a husband, wife or partner as a result of stroke. Of these nearly three in ten had broken up with their partner or are considering doing so.

 

When Marie Garvey’s husband had a stroke, she never realised how much it would change both of their lives. “I found it very hard to speak with a professional without my husband being present - except the speech therapist -who was wonderful.  My main aim was to keep my husband feeling confident and upbeat but at times I needed to let people know that he 'just wasn't the same person' as he was prior to the stroke.  The problem is that professionals have never met the person with stroke until they become unwell - so it is hard for them to see the deficits. I cannot believe how lucky we have been and that my husband is STILL improving...it is quite amazing.”

 

Maddy Halliday, Director Scotland for the Stroke Association said: “Stroke leaves survivors, and families shocked, shaken and anxious as their lives are often irreversibly changed in an instant. There are over 100,000 stroke survivors in Scotland, and our  aging population means this number is likely to increase in the years ahead. .  Stroke survivors often receive vital support from unpaid carers, usually a partner or family member – family and friends, so stroke touches many more lives.

 

Life after stroke presents many challenges for survivors and their carers and this survey shows that the emotional impact of stroke is one of their greatest difficulties.  It is vital that everyone affected by stroke gets the support they need to avoid or minimise emotional and mental health difficulties where possible and to overcome them if they arise.”

 

The report also reveals that stroke causes an emotional shockwave for unpaid carers. They say that the emotional effects of caring are the most difficult aspect to cope with;

• Seven in ten (73%) experienced anxiety, 81% felt frustrated, 55% are not getting enough sleep and five in ten (55%) reported that they felt depressed
• Nearly half reported feeling stressed as a result of being a carer (49%)
• Over half (58%) said that the relationship with the person who had a stroke had suffered or changed

 

Dr Christine McApline, lead stroke clinician from Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board says: “Depression, anxiety and fear of another stroke are common feelings amongst those touched by the condition and in the most extreme cases people can be left feeling suicidal. Better understanding, recognition and response to the emotional effects of stroke by health and social care professionals is essential.  We know that with the right emotional, psychological and physical care more stroke survivors will have the opportunity to make their best possible recovery.”

 

The Stroke Association is calling for:

• Psychological and emotional support to be recognised as equally important to recovery as physical rehabilitation and incorporated into the assessment process
• The emotional needs of stroke survivors to be identified and supported as early as possible , which may  prevent mental health problems which can impact on, and delay, recovery
• The emotional needs of unpaid carers of stroke survivors to be recognised by health and social care professionals and appropriate support made available to them
• Information, practical advice and emotional support to be made available to everyone who has had a stroke or is supporting someone affected by stroke.

 

The report marks the start of Action on Stroke Month 2013. To find out more, please visit; www.stroke.org.uk/strokemonth

 

The Stroke Association offers a range of services for stroke survivors to support them in their life after stroke. For more information on stroke and support available contact the Stroke Helpline on: 0303 3033 100.

Ends

 

For further information, case studies, interviews and images please contact Angela Macleod on 0131 555 7244 or email Angela.MacLeod@stroke.org.uk

 

For urgent out of hours media enquiries only please call 07799 436 008. ISDN facilities available.

 

 

Notes to Editors

 

1. Emotional impact survey conducted by the Stroke Association. 2,711 people affected by stroke completed the survey between Sept – Dec 2012.

 

• A stroke is a brain attack, which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. Around 150,000 people have a stroke in the UK every year (13,000 in Scotland) and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over one million people in UK living with the effects of stroke (112,000 in Scotland)

 

• The Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and we’re leading a community of people to change the world for people affected by stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk/scotland

 

Strengthening Stroke Research in Scotland: What should the Stroke Association be doing? 

 

Wednesday 8 May 2013, 1.45 – 5.15pm

Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Britannia Building, Room B024.

 

 

Background: Stroke Association

The Stroke Association has been funding stroke research across the UK for many decades. We currently invest around £3 million a year in stroke research across the UK, including Scotland, which is about 10% of total investment in stroke research in the UK. 

 

Since we opened our Scotland national office in April 2007 we have been developing and strengthening our working links with researchers, people affected by stroke and practitioners in Scotland.

 

In December 2012 we launched a new UK report on the impact of our investment in stroke research since 1992. To view the report click on the following link:

www.stroke.org.uk/research

 

In 2013 we are reviewing and updating our UK research strategy to strengthen our contribution to stroke and stroke-related research across the UK.

 

The Stroke Association's current research investment and interests spans stroke prevention, acute treatment, rehabilitation and long term care. There are also many key stakeholders including people with direct experience of stroke, researchers, clinicians, service providers, policy makers and other research funders. 

 

 

Purpose

This seminar will support review and development of the Stroke Association’s future UK research strategy and help strengthen our research collaborations in Scotland. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Draft Programme

 

Chair              tbc

 

1.45                Arrival and tea/coffee

 

 

2.00                Welcome and introductions (Chair)

 

 

Presentations with Q&A

 

 

2.15                Impact of Stroke Association research investment to date (Professor Marian Walker, chair Stroke Association Research Strategy Committee)

 

                        Presentation and Q&A

                       

2.45                Stroke survivors', carers' and health professionals' research priorities (Dr Alex Pollock, NMAHP Research Unit)

 

                        Presentation and Q&A

 

3.15                Stroke Association UK Research Strategy (Dr Dale Webb, Director Stroke Association Research and Information Department)

 

                        Presentation and Q&A

 

 

3.45                Overview of Stroke Association research activities in Scotland to date

(Maddy Halliday, Director Scotland, Stroke Association)

 

 

4.00                Break

 

 

4.15-5.15       Discussion:  (Chair/all)

 

Strengthening Stroke Research in Scotland:  What should the Stroke Association be doing?

 

 

 

Invitees

We have invited a wide range of colleagues to this meeting to reflect the breadth of relevant topics in current and future stroke research and the diverse range of stakeholders.  We have invited researchers, clinicians, policy makers and people with direct experience of stroke. We have invited people with interests spanning epidemiology, health economics and public health;  acute care and rehabilitation; long term care and self management; disability and equality; research policy and investment and knowledge into action.

 

 

Research Interest	Name and Designation
Epidemiology Health Economics	Scottish Government Andy Deas,  Stroke Programme, Information and Services Division, Scottish Government http://www.isdscotland.org/stroke/   University of Edinburgh, Centre for Population and Health Sciences Dr Snorri Bjorn Rafnsson, Honorary Fellow, http://www.cphs.mvm.ed.ac.uk/people/staffProfile.php?profile=srafnss2   Professor Sarah Wild http://www.cphs.mvm.ed.ac.uk/people/staffProfile.php?profile=swild     University of Glasgow Dr Emma Mcintosh (Health Economist) http://www.gla.ac.uk/researchinstitutes/healthwellbeing/staff/emmamcintosh/
Prevention/Public Health	NHS Health Scotland   Dr Andrew Fraser, Director of Public Health Science, NHS Health Scotland http://www.healthscotland.com/contact/contacts.aspx?directorate=4   Lynda Brown, Public Health Advisor http://www.healthscotland.com/contact/contacts.aspx?directorate=4   Scottish Collaboration on Public Health Research and Policy Professor John Frank, Director, and/or relevant colleagues https://www.scphrp.ac.uk/people   Scottish School of Public Health Research Professor Harry Campbell http://ssphr.ac.uk/people/   University of Stirling Professor Sally Haw Chair in Public and Population Health http://www.nm.stir.ac.uk/people/sally-haw.php

Acute Stroke Care and Rehabilitation

University of Aberdeen Dr Mary MacLeod, Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Medicine and Therapeutics* http://www.abdn.ac.uk/ims/staff/details.php?id=m.j.macleod   University of Edinburgh Professor Gillian Mead, Stroke and Elderly Care Medicine (and Vice Chair Stroke Association Scotland Committee) http://www.geriatric.med.ed.ac.uk/gillian_mead.htm Professor Peter Sandercock, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences (and member of Stroke Association UK Research Awards Committee) http://www.ccbs.ed.ac.uk/members/profile.asp?staffID=14 Professor Joanna Wardlaw, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences http://www.ccbs.ed.ac.uk/members/profile.asp?staffID=11     University of Glasgow and Glasgow Stroke Managed Clinical Network (MCN) Professor Peter Langhorne, Institute of Cardiovascular Medicine and Clinical Sciences http://www.gla.ac.uk/researchinstitutes/icams/staff/peterlanghorne/   Dr Christine McAlpine,  Clinical Lead for Stroke, Glasgow and Clyde Stroke MCN (and member of Stroke Association Scotland Committee)   Professor Keith Muir, SINAPSE Chair of Clinical Imaging, School of  Medicine (and Stroke Association UK Trustee and member of Scotland Committee)   http://www.fom.gla.ac.uk/research/profile.php?id=4fddeaec8294     Institute of Health and Wellbeing: Mental Health and Wellbeing – person tbc http://www.gla.ac.uk/researchinstitutes/healthwellbeing/research/mentalhealth/

 

 

Stroke Rehabilitation

Care Inspectorate Edith McIntosh, AHP consultant http://www.scswis.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7563&Itemid=363     Edinburgh Napier University Dr Dorothy Horsburgh, Lecturer http://www.napier.ac.uk/fhlss/NMSC/Staff/Pages/Dorothy_Horsburgh.aspx     Nursing Midwifery and Allied Health Professional Research Unit  (Glasgow Caledonian University and University of Stirling) http://www.nmahp-ru.ac.uk/   Dr Marian Brady, Director Stroke Programme (and member of Stroke Association Scotland Committee) Dr Sara Joice, Research Fellow Dr Alex Pollock, Research Fellow Professor Brian Williams, Unit Director http://www.nmahp-ru.ac.uk/unit-staff/     University of Edinburgh Dr Lisa Salisbury, Research Investigator http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/health/people/people-directory?person_id=30&cw_xml=profile.php     University of Strathclyde Professor Madeleine Grealy (exercise psychology) http://www.strath.ac.uk/humanities/courses/psychology/staff/grealymadeleineprof/   Professor Catherine Mackenzie (speech and language therapy) http://www.strath.ac.uk/humanities/courses/speechlanguagetherapy/staff/mackenziecatherineprof/   Professor Philip Rowe (bio-engineering) http://www.strath.ac.uk/biomedeng/staff/rowephilipprof/

Primary Care; Long  Term Support and Care; Self Care and  Management

Glasgow Caledonian University Dr Lisa Kidd, Research Fellow in Public Health, School of Health and Life Sciences (self management) http://www.gcu.ac.uk/hls/staff/drlisakidd/   Dr Maggie Lawrence, Deputy Director, Centre for Evidenced Based Care for Older People (secondary prevention and rehabilitation) http://www.gcu.ac.uk/jbicentre/ourteam/ Fredericke Van Wijck,  Reader in Neurological Rehabilitation http://www.gcu.ac.uk/iahr/researchgroups/musculoskeletalandneurologicalrehabilitation/ Institute of Research in Social Services (IRISS) Alison Petch, Director http://www.iriss.org.uk/   Scottish Health and Social Care Alliance and Joseph Rowntree Foundation Dr James McCormick, advisor; (and member of Stroke Association Scotland Committee)   Scottish Primary Care Research Network and School of Primary Care, University of Dundee http://www.sspc.ac.uk/spcrnaboutus-item Professor Frank Sullivan http://www.sspc.ac.uk/fsullivan     Social Services Research Group, Scotland Eleanor Cunningham, Secretary http://ssrg.org.uk/ssrg-scotland/         University of Dundee Dr Thilo Kroll, School of Nursing and Midwifery   Dr Jacqui Morris, University of Dundee     University of Glasgow Professor Frances Mair, Dept. of General Practice and Primary Care   Dr Katie Gallacher, Dept. of General Practice and Primary Care http://www.gla.ac.uk/researchinstitutes/healthwellbeing/research/generalpractice/   Professor Sally Wyke, Deputy Director, Institute of Health and Wellbeing (self care and management) http://www.gla.ac.uk/researchinstitutes/healthwellbeing/staff/sallywyke/

 

 

Disability and Equality; Access to Services and Self Directed Support	University of Glasgow,  School of Social and Political Sciences:   Dr Charlotte Pearson (independent living and equality) http://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/socialpolitical/staff/charlottepearson/     Dr Mhairi McKenzie (access to services) (http://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/socialpolitical/staff/mhairimackenzie/   University of Strathclyde Professor Kirsten Stalker, Professor Disability Studies http://www.strath.ac.uk/humanities/courses/socialwork/staff/stalkerkirstenprof/
Research Policy,  Strategy and Funding   General                   Stroke	Scottish Government, Chief Scientist Office (CSO) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Research/by-topic/health-community-care/chief-scientist-office   Professor Andrew Morris Chief Scientist   Research Managers: Dr Alan McNair (Experimental and Translational Medicine Research) Dr Peter Craig - (Health Services and Public Health Research)     National Advisory Committee for Stroke (NACS) Professor Martin Dennis - Chair NACS; Scottish Government Clinical Advisor for Stroke; stroke consultant NHS Lothian; Division of Clinical Neurosciences University of Edinburgh http://www.dcn.ed.ac.uk/dcn/staff/displaystaff.asp?RecordId=96     Tom Pilcher, Clinical Priorities Team, Health and Social Care Directorate, Scottish Government   Scottish Allied Health Professionals Forum Gill Alexander, chair and Stroke AHP Consultant, NHS Glasgow and Clyde   Mark Smith, Member and Stroke AHP Consultant, NHS Lothian   Scottish Stroke Nurses Forum Research Action Group Dr Anne Rowat, Chair  and lecturer Edinburgh Napier University Scottish Stroke Nurses Forum Research Action Group http://www.napier.ac.uk/fhlss/NMSC/Staff/Pages/Anne_Rowat.aspx   Campbell Chalmers Member SSRN; Member NACS; Stroke Nurse Consultant, NHS Lanarkshire     Scottish Stroke Research Network Dr Matthew Walters, Chair Claire McFarlane, Manager http://www.ssrn.org.uk/index.php   Stroke Association (also see other sections) Dr Mike Cornbleet, Chair, Stroke Association Scotland Committee   Graham McGuire, Stroke Survivor; lay member of UK Stroke Research Network; member of Scottish Reference Group for People Affected by Stroke (hosted by Stroke Association); member of Edinburgh Speakablility   Dr Dale Webb, UK Director Research and Information, Stroke Association   Professor Marion Walker, Chair of Stroke Association UK Research Strategy Committee http://www.stroke.org.uk/research www.stroke.org.uk/scotland
Knowledge into Action	NHS Education Scotland   Professor Brian Durward, Director Educational Development and member of Stroke Association Scotland Committee http://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/contact-us/contact-finder/brian-durward.aspx   Dr Ann Wales, Programme Director, Knowledge Management http://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/education-and-training/the-knowledge-network.aspx   and Co-chair of Scottish Stroke Knowledge into Action Community (SSKIA) http://www.knowledge.scot.nhs.uk/sskiacommunity.aspx     Stroke Association Maddy Halliday, Director Scotland;  (also interim Co-ordinator of SSKIA)   Eric Sinclair, stroke survivor; Chair Scottish Reference Group for People Affected by Stroke; co-chair of SSKIA   Christine Quigg, Stroke survivor; member of Scottish Reference Group for People Affected by Stroke   http://www.stroke.org.uk/scotland

 

 

A spectacular night of James Bond, martini and explosions organised by Balhousie Care Group has raised £25,000 for the Stroke Association.

 

Around 250 guests attended the annual Balhousie Care Group charity ball, held at Fingask Castle in Rait, Perthshire, which paid tribute to 50 years of James Bond.

 

The proceeds from the ball, held on Friday, March 15, have been handed over to the Stroke Association, marking the launch of its new fundraising partnership with Balhousie Care Group, which cares for up to 1,100 people in 27 homes.

 

The Stroke Association supports stroke survivors to help them make the best possible recovery and campaigns for better stroke prevention and care, as well as funding research.

 

Tony Banks, chairman and founder of Balhousie Care Group (pictured below with Maddy Halliday, Director Scotland of the Stroke Association) said he was pleased the event raised so much cash for the Stroke Association.

 

 

“We are over the moon to have raised so much money at our first fundraiser for our new chosen charity, the Stroke Association, which has close links with Balhousie Care Group as we care for many people who have had strokes and understand the challenges they can face,” he said.

 

“The charity’s aim is to support people and enable them to live as meaningful a life as possible, which is very closely aligned to our own. We can see many benefits to working closely with the Stroke Association and continuing to raise money to fund research into strokes and encouraging prevention and cures.

 

“I’d like to thank everyone who supported the ball and helped us to raise £25,000. It was another fantastic night with great entertainment, a delicious meal and a packed dancefloor all night!”

 

The partnership between the charity and Balhousie Care Group will include awareness raising and training for staff to help them better understand the effects of a stroke.

 

Maddy Halliday, Director Scotland of the Stroke Association, said: “I am absolutely delighted to have the support of Balhousie Care Group both from the funds raised at the ball and those funds to be raised in the future. 

 

“Any funds raised in Scotland will stay in Scotland to be used to help prevent stroke and help support those affected by stroke to make the best recovery they can. We rely on donations like these so we are extremely grateful.”

 

Fingask Castle was illuminated in coloured lights as guests arrived for a 007 themed drinks reception, and was later "blown up” with a special pyrotechnics display to the sound of Adele’s Skyfall.

 

While paying homage to all the Bond greats, revellers enjoyed a five course gourmet dinner prepared by executive chef Jonny Greer from Dundee’s Landmark Hotel, followed by the fireworks display then dancing to local band Trilogy.

 

A raffle and auction, compered by Grant Stott, included a set of Ultimo underwear signed by Mel B and a special lunch at the House of Lords with Downtown Abbey creator Julian Fellowes.

Do you work for Deloitte? Do you know someone who does? If you do, this is your chance to help stroke survivors across the UK get the support they need.

We’re pleased to announce that the Stroke Association is part of the staff vote to be Deloitte’s National Charity Partner 2013 – 2016. This means we need as many votes from as many Deloitte staff as possible between now and 5 April 2013.

We believe in life after stroke and we’re hoping that the staff at Deloitte do too. 152,000 people experience a stroke every year. There are 1.1 million people across the UK living with the effects of stroke today, not to mention their friends and family, carers and supporters. Deloitte staff can make a real difference to the lives of stroke survivors by offering their support and voting for the Stroke Association. Money raised will be spent on making sure that stroke survivors receive the long-term support they need.

Deloitte staff, please share in our vision of a world where there are fewer strokes and those who do experience a stroke get the help they need. Please vote for the Stroke Association now.

Our Director Scotland, Maddy Halliday, will be leaving the Stroke Association at the end of May 2013.

Maddy leaves to take up a new role as CEO of a new Scottish Charity, the Life Changes Trust.

 

Maddy joined the Stroke Association in April 2007 as our first Director Scotland.  Over the last six years Maddy has worked with other Association staff and volunteers to establish and grow the Association's operation in Scotland and has also worked closely with many internal and external colleagues to support improved stroke prevention and care in Scotland. 

 

A new Director Scotland will be recruited as soon as possible.  The new Director Scotland will also be supported by a new Deputy Director Scotland, Elspeth Molony, who starts in April. 

 

Maddy Halliday says:  "I will be sad to leave the Stroke Association as I have enjoyed my work immensely.... but I know that with the support of a great staff and volunteer team and the contributions of many wonderful and supportive external colleagues and partners, the work of the Stroke Association in Scotland will go from strength to strength in the years ahead."

 

The Stroke Association is calling on people  to get their nominations in for the Life After Stroke Awards (LASA) before the closing date on 1 March.

With over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke, the charity is seeking nominations to honour the stroke survivors, carers, organisations or groups who have shown dedication, determination and courage in the world of stroke.

The ceremony will take place at London’s Dorchester Hotel on 26 June 2013. Nine categories including Adult Courage, Creative Arts and Fundraiser of the year will be presented by a host of celebrities.

This year the charity is welcoming the first patron of the awards, ‘Apprentice’ star Karren Brady.

Karren said; “I was in danger of having a stroke myself and so this is a cause that is very close to my heart. I’m still at very high risk and know how frightening the condition can be. A stroke happens in an instant but its effects last a lifetime. The Stroke Association is doing great work supporting people affected by the condition and celebrating life after stroke.

“I am thrilled and delighted to be the first LASA Patron and am calling on everyone affected by stroke to nominate someone they know for these very special awards.”

In 2012 Bert Goodbourn from Essex received the Courage Award (over 65) from newsreader and presenter Angela Rippon OBE. Celebrities attending the event included West End star and singing sensation Louise Dearman, rugby star and stroke survivor Michael Lynagh and Olympic medallist Shelley Rudman.
Chris Clark from the Stroke Association says; “As stars of stage and screen are being honoured for Oscars, BRITs, Grammys and BAFTAs, this is the chance to shine the spotlight on stroke survivors, their carers and professionals working in the world of stroke to celebrate some of the amazing achievements made.”

You can make your nomination online at www.stroke.org.uk/LASA. Alternatively, you can call 0207 566 1540 or email lasa@stroke.org.uk and we can send you a form in the post.

ENDS

For further information please contact the Stroke Association’s media team

Notes to Editors

• A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. Around 150,000 people have a stroke in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over one million people in UK living with the effects of stroke.
• The Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and we’re leading a community of people to change the world for people affected by stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke.

 

Jim McCormick is a well-known and well-respected commentator on welfare and social issues.

Here he describes the reality of welfare reform and the serious impact the welfare-to-work and tax credit reforms are going to have on the people living on lower incomes.

www.thirdforcenews.org.uk/2013/01/a-sour-start-to-2013/

 

13,000 people will have a stroke in Scotland this year - yet, many of those strokes are preventable. Stroke Association is striving to change those statistics. We can do it with your help. 

We invite you to join us as a “Speak out for Stroke” awareness or campaigning volunteer. 

• As an awareness volunteer, you will be giving talks to groups and distributing information leaflets on stroke and stroke prevention in your local community. 
• As a campaigner, you will be helping influence politicians and service planners and help shape improvements to stroke prevention and care.

We provide full training for both roles. Our next round of training is in March in Edinburgh.

For more information contact Lynne Kalman at volunteeringscotland@stroke.org.uk or call 07 540 513 416.

There are free, Training sessions on Stroke Advocacy and Self Directed Support being held in Glasgow in February, and Perth in March.

And there's also a free Stroke Advocacy and SDS Awareness session being held in Glasgow in February.

 

The training sessions on Stroke Advocacy and Self Directed Support are on:

Thursday 14 February at The Alliance, Venlaw Building, 349 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4AA

Wednesday 13 March at PKAVS, The Gateway, North Methven Street, Perth, PH1 5PP

 

The session training team will include stroke survivors and/or carers along with Charlotte and Karen, the project managers. A draft programme is attached. The information on self directed support and on supporting people with communication needs is likely to be relevant to people living with the effects of other conditions or disabilities.

Some of you may have been to the previous stroke advocacy training. If this is the case, you may wish to attend for the afternoon session on self directed support only. You are most welcome to come along for the whole day of course and it would be very helpful if you are willing to share your experience of supporting stroke survivors.

The self directed support element of the training toolkit will be made available free to the advocacy movement in Scotland later in 2013. This  will complement the Stroke Advocacy Training Toolkit that all advocacy organisations should have already. If your organisation does not have a copy please contact the SIAA or the Stroke Association Scotland office.

 

These sessions are an important element of our Stroke Advocacy and Self Directed Support project, which is funded by the Scottish Government.The project has two main aims:

• To increase stroke survivors and carers awareness of the potential opportunities available through self directed support
• To support the advocacy movement to understand the possible needs of stroke survivors and their unpaid carers in relation to accessing self directed support.

If you wish to book a place please email us at ASDSscotland@stroke.org.uk by 7^th February 2013.

 

 

We are also running a free Stroke Advocacy and Self Directed Support Awareness Session on Wednesday 13^th February, 11am to 3pm, The Alliance, Venlaw Building, 349 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4AA.

We would like to invite stroke survivors and their families to attend our awareness raising session. We hope the session will help you:

• Find out more about self-directed support
• Hear about the work of the Stroke Advocacy and Self Directed Support Project –our current work and plans for the future
• Discuss what information is needed to help people affected by stroke access and make the most of Self Directed Support

We are keen to hear about your experiences and suggestions.

You are welcome to bring along a support person to these sessions.

Reasonable travelling expenses will be paid to stroke survivors and their unpaid carers.

Please complete and return this form to ASDSscotland@stroke.org.uk by 8^th February 2013.

 

We hope you will be interested in attending one of the above events.

Kind Regards

Karen Irvine and Charlotte Lee (Stroke Advocacy and Self Directed Support Project Managers)

Cold weather sends blood pressures soaring putting people at risk of stroke

The current cold weather spell is putting more people at risk of stroke as blood pressures increase as a result of the freezing temperatures.  High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for stroke and research has shown that colder temperatures can be linked to increased blood pressure, especially in older people.

Although the exact reasons for raised blood pressure in the winter are undetermined, it is believed that cold weather can cause arteries to constrict and the blood to thicken, meaning that the blood has to be pumped harder in order to travel around the body.  As the snow and freezing temperatures set in, the Stroke Association recommends that people should take extra precautions to stay warm and reduce their risk of stroke.

Dr Clare Walton from the Stroke Association offers the following advice for staying warm and healthy during the winter months:

• Eat well. Food is a vital source of warmth, so you should eat regular hot meals, which are low in saturated fat and salt
• Close curtains and shut doors to keep heat in the rooms used the most. The ideal room temperature is 18- 21°C
• Get your blood pressure checked and visit your GP or other health professional if your reading is high
• Keep moving if possible – it can lower your blood pressure and improves circulation
• Wear appropriate clothing. If you go outside put on a hat, scarf, gloves and warm footwear

The Stroke Association runs a number of Know Your Blood Pressure events across the UK throughout the year to encourage people to take control of their blood pressure and reduce their risk of stroke.  For more information visit www.stroke.org.uk

Rachel Seyler, Know Your Blood Pressure Co-ordinator at the Stroke Association says; “It is well known that colds and flu are more widespread in the winter, but there is a dangerous lack of awareness of the link between cold temperatures and stroke.  High blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for stroke and it’s essential you know what yours is, especially at this time of year, when many people experience an increase in blood pressure.  It is vital that people keep warm as the temperatures drop and follow advice about how to stay healthy and safe throughout the cold weather.”

Ends

For further information please contact the Stroke Association press office
 

Notes to Editors:

About study into relationship between blood pressure and outdoor temperature: a large sample of elderly individuals

A large study from France showed that blood pressure in elderly people varies significantly with the seasons, with rates of high blood pressure readings rising from 23.8% in summer to 33.4% in winter. Blood pressure increases were seen in both the systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom) numbers.
In the study, researchers analysed seasonal variation in blood pressure among 8,801 adults over the age of 65 in France over two years.
The results showed both systolic and diastolic blood pressures varied with the weather. Overall, the average systolic blood pressure was 5 points higher in winter than in summer. But researchers say the temperature-related effects on high blood pressure were greatest among those 80 and older.

For more information view the study online here

About stroke and The Stroke Association:

• A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. Around 150,000 people have a stroke in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over one million people in UK living with the effects of stroke.
• The Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and we’re leading a community of people to change the world for people affected by stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke.