Norwich Stroke Survivors’ Club was started in 2013 by David Orr who was a member of the original Stroke Association Communications Group. This Group was started many years ago under the auspices of the Stroke Association as a Communications Group. Unfortunately, in 2013, all outside funding was withdrawn from the Group but, as a result of very hard work by David, it became The Norwich Stroke Survivors’ Club and is now a registered charity.
The Group meets weekly during term time at the Community Centre in Brenda James Close, off Thunder Lane in Norwich. During each two hour session from 10 – 12, members partake in a variety of activities including card making, Extend exercise, scrabble, dominoes, etc. The Group has recently obtained grants that have enabled it to employ a speech and language therapist who is currently attending once a month. On the days when she does not attend, her suggestions and guidelines shape the work done with those who have communication difficulties.
Other activities are arranged from time to time including a Christmas lunch at a nearby restaurant and usually a summer outing, such as a boat trip on the Yare up to Norwich centre. It is hoped to extend this in the future to include theatre or cinema trips. Some members go to the Aphasia Group meetings in the Forum.
Many of the members participate in research projects being undertaken into stroke by UEA and the Norwich & Norfolk Hospital but it is by no means compulsory to do so. There is a core group of people who are involved in this and who hopefully will help to shape services in the future. The Club is starting to fundraise now that donations can be gift aided. A very successful coffee morning was held in November 2013 and the Group won grants from several organisations. It is envisaged the fundraising will continue with a view to raising the profile of the Club within Norwich and the wider area in Norfolk.
The Club would love to welcome you and if you would like to “test it out”, please feel free to come along. There is ample room for wheelchairs but the Club is unable to provide any personal care. If you need personal care please ensure that you bring an appropriate person with you.
The format for the mornings are 1 hour of communication work for those deemed suitable – there is a separate room for this which is quieter. The rest of the members will be playing games or scrabble etc. Everyone stops for a coffee break together and then continue afterwards with chatting and more activities in the main hall. There is a weekly subscription, currently £2 per person that includes a raffle ticket. Everyone is asked to bring a small prize when they can.
Transport can be arranged with Norwich Door-to-Door who are very obliging. The cost is subsidised by the Club.
If you would like further information or to speak to someone about the Club, please try David Orr by email: info@norwichssc.co.uk or call: 07716 490653
If you wish to support us financially, please contact Carole Limmer – email:info@norwichssc.co.uk