A new social group is being launched at Weston General Hospital to provide support and guidance for stoke survivors and their families. The ‘Stroke Café’ at the hospital, which is run by Weston Area Health NHS Trust, will give stroke survivors a safe place to meet and socialise.
It has been launched to tie in with World Stroke Day (October 29), an awareness day which highlights the serious nature and high rates of stroke and encourages better care and support for survivors. The Trust will be displaying stroke awareness information for people to take away as part of its ongoing support to stroke survivors, their friends and families. Information and leaflets can be found on a stand near the reception area of the hospital.
The ‘Stroke Café’ group, which is run with support from the Stroke Association, will hold its first meeting on the 5th November, at 10 – 11.30am, in Costa, near the hospital’s main entrance, and all survivors of strokes, their friends and family are welcome to attend. Meetings will then take place every two weeks, on a Thursday from 10 – 11.30am.
Specialist advisors will also be on hand at the Stroke Café with advice and support designed to help those living with the effects of stroke.
Commenting on the launch of the group, Chris Perry, Director of Nursing for the Trust, said: “We’re pleased to host the Stroke Café at the Trust. It’s a great opportunity for stroke survivors to meet other people who have been affected by stroke and to share their experiences. We’re positive the group will make a big difference to stroke survivors in the local area.”
Sarah Miller, from the Stroke Association, said: “More people than ever before are surviving a stroke. The Stroke Café will provide an opportunity for people to get information about stroke and life after stroke whilst meeting others in similar situations who understand what they are experiencing.
“The peer support will also give stroke survivors opportunities to build social connections and friendships that can continue outside of the groups. It will also provide a place for stroke survivors, carers, staff, and visitors to the hospital to find out more about stroke and stroke prevention. We’re confident the group will help to reduce isolation and depression for those affected by stroke in Somerset.”
For further details about the support group please contact Sarah Miller on sarah.miller@stroke.org.uk or 01179 111496.
The Trust will be displaying stroke awareness information for people to take away on Thursday 29th October, in its ongoing support of World Stroke Day. Information and leaflets can be found on a stand near the reception area of the hospital.