Harrogate stroke survivors and their carers attended a Communication Event organised by the Stroke Association on Friday 7 March 2014, with the support of MP Andrew Jones.
Held at St Peters Church on Cambridge Road, the free event was created to support all stroke survivors who experience problems with speaking, reading, writing or understanding.
The charity was joined by MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, Andrew Jones, who gave a speech and spent time with stroke survivors and their carers, to hear their personal stories of stroke.
As the Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Stroke, Andrew is a strong supporter of the Stroke Association in Parliament and actively campaigns to raise awareness and funds for local stroke groups.
The charity hosted two workshops to help with conversation techniques. The team also checked visitors’ blood pressure readings throughout the day and provided information on stroke prevention.
Tricia Richardson, Information, Advice and Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: About one third of stroke survivors have difficulty with speaking, reading and writing, and it can be frightening and frustrating. We created the workshops to help support stroke survivors with aphasia as well as their families and carers. The event also gave people the opportunity to meet socially with other stroke survivors. It was a great day for everyone involved.
Andrew Jones MP added: Communication is a key part of the recovery process for many stroke sufferers. Most people know that stroke can affect speech but it can also affect reading and writing. That is why workshops such as this which concentrate on communication as a whole are so important for stroke survivors, their families and friends.
The Stroke Association provides an Information, Advice and Support Service in Harrogate, in partnership with North Yorkshire Commissioning Groups. The service helps stroke survivors and their family prepare for the changes after stroke, with information about stroke, practical advice and emotional support.
The Stroke Association is the UK’s leading stroke charity which campaigns to improve stroke care; supports people to make the best recovery they can; and funds ground-breaking research to change the lives of people affected by stroke.
