The Stroke Association has secured a second year of funding, meaning it can continue to support people impacted by strokes in the Bailiwick.
The charity’s Guernsey branch has just turned a year old.
During its first 12 months of operations in Guernsey it has provided support to 38 survivors and carers.
The service also introduced a monthly Stroke Café at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital and a weekly Communication Club at the Ron Short Centre, in efforts to “address a longstanding gap in stroke-specific support”.
With some new funding from the Lloyds Bank Foundation secured, and match funded by the Stroke Association, the charity said it is now looking to “further expand support and reach more islanders affected by strokes”.
The charity says approximately 80 people in Guernsey survive a stroke annually.
With a second year of secured funding the organisation wants to expand its network to ensure survivors do not have to manage their recovery alone.
The charity’s first on-island engagement officer, Alysa Rixon said: “Over the past year, we’ve seen just how important it is for stroke survivors and their families to feel connected and supported.
“There was very little stroke-specific support available locally before, so it’s been incredibly rewarding to start building a community where people can share experiences, regain confidence and feel less alone.”
To mark both the anniversary and ‘Make May Purple’ Stroke Awareness Month, the Communication Club is inviting the community to a special ‘Sing for Stroke’ event.
It’s taking place on Thursday 7 May, from 14:30 to 15:30 at the Ron Short Centre, with Free Entry but voluntary donations in support of UnLtd.
The Stroke Association also said it wants to better understand the thoughts, opinions, and needs of those locally, and are requesting that survivors and families complete a 15-minute survey on its website, or social media pages, by the start of next month to help shape it’s future services.
“With another year of funding secured, we’re excited to continue growing this support and reaching more people across Guernsey,” said Ms Rixon.
“We’d really encourage anyone affected by stroke to complete our survey so we can make sure future support reflects what people truly need.”