Stroke survivors in Guernsey will benefit from new clubs and other community support opportunities being set up.
Funded by the Stroke Association, working with UnLtd and Health Connections, the new opportunities include a ‘Communication Club’ and other regular events targeted at different needs that survivors experience.
Starting this week the new ‘Communication Club’ will launch at the Ron Short Centre.
Running every Thursday between 14:00 and 15:30 it will help the one in three stroke survivors who experience aphasia, said Alysa Rixon (pictured top with a stroke survivor), the local Stroke Association engagement officer.
“The group is specifically designed to support people living with aphasia, a communication difficulty which can affect speaking, understanding, reading, and writing after a stroke,” she explained.
Dr Rob Harnish, Managing Director of UnLtd said the club will provide other new opportunities too.
“We’re delighted to be collaborating with the Stroke Association to launch the new Communication Club at the Ron Short Centre. Stroke survivors with aphasia often feel cut off from everyday life. This group will provide an informal, safe and supportive place to meet others and practice communicating. Together, we can help to rebuild confidence, one conversation at a time.”
Speech and language therapist Ailsa Cleveland added: “The Communication Club is such a valuable space for people with aphasia. It provides a safe and welcoming environment where communication can be practised in meaningful, everyday ways. Members have the opportunity to strengthen their skills, increase confidence, develop independence, and make connections with others.”
In addition to the ‘Communication Club’, the regular monthly drop in sessions will continue at Le Marchant Stroke Café at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.
Held in the dining room of Le Marchant Ward on the third Wednesday afternoon of every month, the café is set up to offer a welcoming place for stroke survivors and their families to meet others who understand what they are going through.
From 30 September, stroke survivors and their relatives will also be able to join the Health Connections Talking Café at Waitrose, Rohais, every Tuesday between 10:00 and 11:30.
These sessions will provide another opportunity to connect socially in the community and learn more about support available on the recovery journey said Bella Farrell, CEO for Health Connections.
“Community connection is at the heart of recovery, and we’re pleased to welcome stroke survivors and their families to our Talking Café at Waitrose, Rohais. Sharing experiences with others who understand can make all the difference – both emotionally and practically”.
Ms Rixon said all of these group and individual opportunities have been enabled by the Stroke Association working with local organisations to meet stroke survivors’ needs.
“These groups build on the Stroke Association’s commitment to ensure that every stroke survivor has access to the emotional and practical support they need to rebuild their lives. Research shows that peer support is a vital part of recovery, helping people adjust to life after stroke, reduce isolation, and regain independence.”
Guernsey residents can also follow the new Stroke Association Guernsey Facebook page for updates on peer support groups, events and other local developments.