The Stroke Association in Macclesfield held one of its bi-annual service user events, at which stroke survivors, and their families and carers, can provide feedback on the service that they have received from the charity, and local MP, David Rutley, joined the well-attended meeting.
On his visit, David took the opportunity to meet with stroke survivors and others affected by strokes, to learn more from them about their own experiences of stroke recovery and aftercare, as well as hearing their feedback on the Stroke Association’s support services available in and around nearby communities. This includes: the Macclesfield Stroke Club, which meets every second Wednesday between 7.00 p.m. and 9.00 p.m. at the Mayfield Day Centre on Mayfield Terrace in Macclesfield, which provides support, social contacts and a range of speakers and signposting; and The Knit and Natter group, at which stroke survivors meet to knit or crochet, either for themselves or as part of wider projects for local charities. The group meets every Wednesday at the Communal Lounge in Wykeham Chase between 10.30 a.m. and 12.00 p.m. Macclesfield and District Young Society (MADYSS) also meets every second Monday at 12 noon at the Flowerpot Pub, Congleton Road.
David also learned more from local Stroke Association Support Co-ordinators, Diane Warhurst and Jayne Humphreys, about the wider Information, Advice and Support services, and Communication Support Service in Macclesfield, provided by the Stroke Association, in partnership with NHS Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group, which provides important funding. As well as this, the charity also works closely with East Cheshire NHS Trust staff to care for and support stroke survivors up to a year after discharge, helping them return to normal life. They often link in with local support groups and meetings, whether supported directly by the Stroke Association, or other organisations, such as Age UK’s Men In Sheds.
1,932 people in the Macclesfield constituency have experienced a stroke. Any local residents affected by strokes who wish to seek support from the Stroke Association can contact it’s Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100, where information about stroke, practical guidance and emotional support can be accessed.
Speaking after the event, David said, "It was good to join stroke survivors, and their families and carers, at this well-attended event. It is positive to see how the Stroke Association continues to provide such a wide range of support services for stroke survivors in our area, helping to make a real and meaningful difference to the lives of local stroke survivors. It is clear that these are much-valued services in our local communities."