New stroke group launched for stroke survivors in Weston-super-Mare

Press release -

New stroke group launched for stroke survivors in Weston-super-Mare

A new support group for younger stroke survivors has launched in Weston-super-Mare. The group will meet monthly at The Summerhouse on Park Way, at 11:30am.

Stroke is usually associated with older people, but one in four survivors is of working age. The Young Strokes group, which has been set up by the Stroke Association, provides a place for younger stroke survivors to meet and share their experiences.

One stroke survivor who will be attending is, father of two, Symon Corns. Symon, 53, from Flax Bourton, had a stroke in August 2016 whilst on holiday in France. The stroke affected movement in the right side of Symon’s body and left him with a communication disability called aphasia.

Symon said: “I was on the beach when I had my stroke. I got up to say I was feeling unwell and that we really needed to go home when it suddenly started. Then I couldn’t feel the right side of my body and could only say the word ‘oui’.

“It’s been a long and tough journey, but I’m making good progress with my physiotherapy and speech therapy. Having somewhere like this Stroke Association group gives me the chance to meet others who are going through a similar thing to me. It’s a great place for support, advice and to just relax. The thought of going to a support group was daunting at first, but after the first meeting I realised how important it is to have somewhere like this.”

Verity Aldous, Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “Our new support group will be a much-needed place for local stroke survivors and their families to come together and support each other.

‘Stroke is life-changing, but we know that the opportunity to meet other people going through a similar experience can really make a difference to the lives of stroke survivors. It’s hugely important that stroke survivors feel supported in their local community and this group can help them on their road to recovery.”

The Young Strokes group meets from 11:30am to 1:00pm.on the second Friday of the month at The Summerhouse, Park Way, Weston-super-Mare BS22 6WE.

For more information about the support group, please contact Verity Aldous on 07799 436024 or Verity.Aldous@stroke.org.uk

Topics

  • 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. There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke. 
  • Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer 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

    • Contacts

    Angela Macleod

    Angela Macleod

    Press contact Press Officer National press and Stroke Association research and policy communications 07904 289900
    Laura Thomas

    Laura Thomas

    Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
    Ken Scott

    Ken Scott

    Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
    Daisy Dighton

    Daisy Dighton

    Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
    Martin Oxley

    Martin Oxley

    Press contact Press Officer South of England 07776 508 646
    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
    Katie Padfield

    Katie Padfield

    Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
    Out of hours contact

    Out of hours contact

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    Kate Asselman

    Kate Asselman

    Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
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    The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

    The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

    Stroke Association

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    EC1V 2PR London
    UK