Carol (fourth left)
Chiswick Stroke Club provides a space in which people can rebuild confidence and enjoy connecting
‘The people who come to the group have gone through so much,’ says Carol Powers, the founder of Chiswick Stroke Club. ‘However, they are still resilient and so appreciative of what we do – they call our sessions a “no-moan” zone.’
Carol launched the Club over two years ago and it meets on the first and third Tuesday afternoons every month at Chiswick Methodist Church (it costs £2 to attend). ‘I had seen a Stroke Club in action and loved the positivity. So I thought, why not do it in Chiswick? Little did
I realise that it would become so popular! ‘In fact, calling it Chiswick Stroke Club has become a misnomer.
People travel from Ealing, Hammersmith and even Northolt: that’s lovely, but it also reflects the acute need for a place where survivors and their families and carers can connect, have a good natter, participate in activities, get advice and just enjoy a social occasion.’
The Church generously doesn’t charge for the space and the Stroke Association provides a Support Worker who regularly attends the meetings. ‘We have 40 people on the books,’ explains Carol. ‘No one knew each other beforehand: our lovely volunteers make the introductions, friendships are formed and, of course, tea, coffee and homemade cakes go a long way to creating a welcoming atmosphere.
‘We also arrange practical health talks, which are particularly useful for family members and carers. Personally, I’ve learned so much: I knew that a survivor may be paralysed on one side, but I hadn’t realised how a stroke can attack in other ways, such as aphasia and memory issues.
‘We’re here for whoever needs us. Some people had a stroke a couple of months ago and some 15 years ago, and they are all so mutually supportive. If you know someone who might enjoy coming along – or would like to volunteer – do get in touch.’
Chiswick Stroke Club
Chiswick Methodist Church
Sutton Court Road
Chiswick W4 4NL
07542 608686
carolpowers@btinternet.com