A SOLIHULL support group is appealing for a new chairperson to help it continue to support local stroke survivors on their road to recovery.
The Solihull Stroke Survivors group was formed three years ago, and meets each Thursday from 10am until 12pm at The Oliver Bird Hall on Church Hill Road.
The group has developed from a long standing group created more than 20 years ago by the Stroke Association and is now run by volunteers to help people in the area come to terms with a life after stroke.
Each two-hour session provides information about stroke and details of local services, advice and support for stroke survivors, their friends and family, and the opportunity to chat to others affected by stroke.
Each week has a different focus, involving talks from local organisations, creative therapy sessions and help with improving speech.
Solihull Stroke Survivors’ 18 members are now calling out to find a local resident with good communication and administrative skills to come and get involved as the group’s chairperson.
Marian Disbery, the group’s current chairperson, said: “I have worked with the Stroke Association for the past 23 years and took over as the group’s chairperson in 2012, however now I feel it is time to move on.
“The group is very welcoming and friendly and it has brought me so much satisfaction to see the difference we have made to people as they recover from stroke. I’d encourage anyone with an interest in volunteering to get involved and come along to meet the group.”
Jodie Drust, Community Development and Partnerships Officer at the Stroke Association, said: “By providing a variety of activities such as social support, visits from speakers, exercise sessions and art therapy, the group is a great opportunity for stroke survivors and carers to meet other people who have been affected by stroke.
“It’s hugely important that stroke survivors feel supported in their local community as they are on the road to recovery. We’d love to hear from people who may like to get involved with helping to run the group and make a huge difference to stroke survivors in the local area.”
To find out more about the group and how you can get involved, contact Jodie Drust at the Stroke Association on 01527 903 708 or e-mail: [email protected]. Alternatively visit www.solihull-stroke.org.uk for more information about the group.
