“I struggled with understanding how my life had changed to become a carer for my husband after his stroke but even though this is only my first session today, it has been good to meet other people and for them to reassure me that there is light at the end of the tunnel”.
Rose now has to do everything for her husband and although it took them a while to prepare to come to the café this morning, it was great to have people to talk to. Rose adds, “It feels good to have someone to talk to who has had the same experiences. No matter how bad life is, there is someone who will support you.”
At this morning’s Gorton Stroke Café, there were 15 stroke survivors, carers and volunteers. They meet to have a brew and a chat, to get out of the house and to talk to others in the same situation. They talked about things such as the weather, concerns about a petrol shortage, Covid booster jabs, flu jabs and medications. Helen, Stroke Association Support Coordinator, explains that, “Each person thinks they are the only ones going through it, and that can make them feel isolated, but once they can talk to others at the café about their experience, you can see the relief in people’s faces. The café is a safe open space where stroke survivors and carers can talk to each other. It is a social group and we also arrange talks on a range of subjects of interest to stroke survivors and carers.”
Helen also refers people onto other organisations e.g. for benefits advice, adaptations. “There was a gentleman in sheltered accommodation whom I had a chat with and I was concerned about his wellbeing so I then rang his doctor, with his permission, to ask him for a face to face appointment for his patient.”
Roger, a stroke survivor and café volunteer, shared his experience, “The decision to attend the stroke café was not easy at first as after my stroke, I had anxiety and was afraid of being reminded of my stroke by talking to others. However, it was inspirational to speak to other people and it gave me confidence. I soon discovered that others are battling the same issues as me and I felt that I belonged to something.”
“I think that the socialising is as important as any other therapy prescribed. Getting out and meeting others in person – it’s quite astounding the effect. We also have talks from a range of talks from organisations on diverse subjects such as benefits and diverticular disease. It gives me a sense of wellbeing, for a couple of hours at least, and now I am a volunteer as I felt I had to support others as I got so much out of it. The experience is amazing and unique.”
For more information about the Stroke Cafes, you can contact Helen at [email protected]
