Stroke survivor support group appeal for new leaders

Kenilworth Stroke Group based at Waverley Day Centre, Kenilworth need new volunteers to help out otherwise the group might fold in July. NNL-160517-214337009

The Kenilworth Stroke Group, which has been running since 1984 at the Waverley Day Centre, is in danger of stopping for good unless new people come forward to replace the two group leaders, Ann Lancaster and Karen Atkins, who leave in July.

The group, which meets every Tuesday, has advertised for new volunteers to assist its running for at least two years, but as of yet nobody has come forward to help.

Current attendees spoke of their sadness if the group was to stop meeting.

Barbara Monks, who has been helping and attending the group since it first began, said: “It would be terrible if the group had to end - it’s just so necessary and is a great way to get together. Many members have come and gone but we’ll always remember them.”

Terry Bunce, another member of the group, said: “It’s about friendship to me - getting out and meeting people. I’d miss it if people didn’t come any more.”

The group was set up at the day centre as a way of helping stroke survivors in the town with their recovery.

Members take part in gentle exercise, play bingo and cards, have singing sessions, go out on small trips and have chats over tea and coffee.

Guest speakers sometimes attend and twice a year the group goes out for a bigger event, such as at Christmas and in the spring.

All of these activities aid in the recovery of stroke survivors, since they help stimulate parts of the brain associated with memory.

But these activities might no longer happen if no-one replaces Ann, who is leaving for health reasons, and Karen, who needs look after her new granddaughter who is due soon.

Karen said: “In an ideal world we’d like somebody who can take charge of the sessions and the administration, such as with the money side of things.”

Ann said: “We’d like someone who is friendly and who can interact with other people. It also helps if someone has experience.”

They both invited other stroke survivors to join the group if they wanted to.

Call Ann Lancaster on 01926 852746 or Karen Atkins 02476 503904 to ask about volunteering or joining.