THIS Wednesday, April 16, the first Bass Coast Regional Stroke Recovery Group will launch at Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre Inc. (PICAL) from 10am to 12 noon, with stroke survivors and carers all welcome to pop in during the time.
“We’d like to thank David and PICAL for hosting this group on Phillip Island,” SAV Board Member and ex-Board Chair Colin Scott said on Friday as parties gathered to finalise details.
“Isolation for stroke survivors is an ongoing problem in regional areas and causes all sorts of ongoing problems for stroke survivors,” he continued.
“We’re really trying to establish a community-led Stroke Recovery Centre and encourage people with various levels of stroke to collaborate with others.”
The launch of Phillip Island’s Wednesday group will be followed on April 23 by the launch of the same concept in Wonthaggi at Wonthaggi Power Football and Netball clubrooms between 10am and 12 noon.
The groups will then alternate each Wednesday between locations, with people invited to attend either or even both, if they so desire.
“The first meeting is to try and get a feel for what people need,” Colin continued.
“We’re not a clinical organisation, we’re a support organisation, and we’ll be encouraging as many people as possible who have had a stroke to come along and tell us what their feelings are and what they need.
“You can’t say that one case fits all because every stroke is different, and the recovery process is different. But what we have found, and working off the back of the Stroke Foundation, is that people need to have advocacy.”
Centre manager David Rooks is proud that PICAL is supporting the initiative.
“We always see the value when people connect, it’s bread and butter for us, and this is just another great opportunity to have people who have had a stroke or know people that have had a stroke to come along – anyone is welcome.”
As Colin and Stephen Fullarton agreed the group will organically evolve.
“Last year, over 100 people presented to Bass Coast Hospital with a stroke, and that’s not counting the number of people who go directly to the major hospitals. In the corresponding period this year, there’s been a substancial increase,” Colin stated.
A stroke survivor himself, Stephen is looking forward to the groups.
“People want to be able to talk,” Stephen said, acknowledging the difference it can make in the life of a stroke survivor.
“Cross sharing information and experiences.”
As the duo agree, communication can change everything.
“Stroke survivors can get back to a relatively normal life with the support and encouragement of peers.”
