New programme to help people affected by stroke launches in Bristol

A new exercise and lifestyle project to help people who have been affected by stroke has launched in Bristol for the first time.

The Stroke Association, is offering residents the opportunity to join a programme helping them get back on their feet.

The programme will help people find ways to overcome disability caused by stroke by letting them set and achieve personal goals.

This could be learning to stand unsupported, or going to the local shop independently.

The course will also provide people with useful lifestyle information to help prevent strokes occurring in the future.

Stroke is the UK’s largest cause of adult disablity and affects around 800 people in the Bristol area every year.

Two sets of ten week courses will run from 07 March at Brunel Fitness Centre Speedwell Road, Bristol and 23 March at St Paul’s Community Sports Academy, Newfoundland Road, Bristol.

 Assistant Regional Manager for The Stroke Association, Sarah Miller said: “A stroke is a brain attack which can happen very suddenly but leave people with long term difficulties. Hospitals generally provide very good physiotherapy and speech therapy straight after a stroke but it can be harder to sustain the same level of support in the community for the longer term.

 “This project, which is the first of its kind in Bristol, is incredibly exciting because it gives people the chance to find new ways to overcome physical disability caused by stroke, and helps give them the confidence to return to the activities and hobbies they used to enjoy before or to find new ones which are more suitable for where they are now. It will make a huge difference to people’s ability to cope with disability caused by stroke.

“If you would like to find out more about taking part or volunteering with us please call Sarah Miller or Suzie Rolf on 0117 953 1200.”

Referrals can be made by GPs, District Nurses and Hospital and Community Teams.