Harborough support group for people who have suffered strokes is urging anyone who needs help to get in touch

A dedicated group set up in Market Harborough to support people who have suffered strokes is urging anyone who needs help to get in touch.

Backed by the national charity Different Strokes, the initiative began in the town over three years ago to get behind young working age people who have had a stroke.

The group is also there to help friends and loved ones of stroke survivors.

“After leaving the care of the hospital, survivors can feel left in limbo not knowing what to do next - it is a very scary time.

“Our wonderful group is here to help you on your next stage of recovery with our friendly relaxed meet-ups,” said group leader Kat Fortnum.

“Sadly there is a lot of news coming out that during the pandemic many people are suffering strokes and there is no help for them as the NHS is so strapped.

“We can provide the crucial help so many seek.

“We want to help as many people as possible and to raise awareness that stroke happens to young people too, highlighting it in the media and spreading knowledge is key to helping save lives.”

She said that every stroke is different.

“Each person is left with different struggles to face daily.

“Talking to others out there in the same situation as you and who know have faced the same challenges can be a fantastic help in recovery and living life post stroke.

“Whatever stage of recovery you, your friend or family members are at, we are here to support you in our relaxed meetings you can open up, ask questions or just listen to others,” said Kat.

“Our meetings are supported by the charity Different Strokes.

“They aim to promote independent stroke recovery and help younger stroke survivors reclaim their lives.

“Alongside the meetings we also have a WhatsApp group for our members to chat for continuous support in between meetings.

“I love seeing how much our members get out of the meetings.

“Talking together with others who know what they’re going through helps them immensely.

“Members support each other, sharing stories and gaining tips and advice from others who have faced the same or similar challenges,” added Kat.

Vinnie, a stroke survivor, said: “The stroke consultant signed me off and I was left bewildered in a strange new world.

“From then I realised that I needed to speak to other survivors for advice.

“I realised that I could offer advice from my experiences to help others so I leapt at the chance to join, plus I love to hear other’s journeys through it.

“For me it’s a pity that these meetings weren’t in existence in my early months of muddling through after my stroke.”

The Market Harborough group meets on the first Saturday of every month from 11am-1pm on Zoom.

They hope to return to meeting up actually in person at the Residents’ Lounge on Saxon Close in Market Harborough when the current Covid lockdown ends and life starts to return to normal.

You can contact the group by emailing them at [email protected] or calling 07732 789997 or 07401 561500

And you can check out their website here: www.facebook.com/DifferntStrokesMarketHarborough