Post Stroke Healthy Lifestyle Club
Bridging the blues did not exist one yr ago.
Enter stage left: Jenny Cox and the first session @ ParkLife Cafe with Imperial College London
The inaugural chill-out session hosted by the incomparable Jenny Crow with Imperial College London happened @ ParkLife Cafe 27th June 2023.
The ParkLife crew trembled in their boots, fearing an audience of tumbleweeds. Yet, like moths to a flame, curious souls trickled in, eager to uncover the mysteries that awaited. As Jenny delved into the world of Strokes and TIAs, she spun tales of wisdom, taught us and chatted with us about stokes and Tia's that resonated with each and every one of us.
And then, a stroke of genius turns up..................... Within a few month a great project was set up called Bridging the blues, a kind partnership, between, a group of caring people including fund holders, tall people, small people, important people and professionals in their fields.
This kind group people, started working together, found funding for this project and created a partnership with different organisations to bring two 12 week project to residents who have suffered from a stoke or Tia, to learn how to tweak elements of their life with professional guidance after stoke.
There are two elements to this project:
Stage 1: If you have recently suffered a stroke, this 12 week course is free, loaded with clever professionals, support and help to get you back up and running
Stage 2: Post Stroke Healthy Living peer group @ ParkLife Cafe
STAGE 1 OF THIS PROGRAM
Enter Centre Stage: Sophie Kempsford
Location: Harrow Leisure Centre
To Join: Click of the Chelsea Football Club Logo or use the scan me qr code
This twelve week course is a partnership, which is run by Sophie. bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience together into the hands of stoke suffers.
A Partnership between, NWL Health, Chelsea Football club, The Stoke Association and other caring organisations.
Bridging the Blues’: Minor Stroke and TIA Healthy Lifestyle Programme
12 week programme at Harrow Leisure Centre on Tuesdays (no transport provided)
1 hour exercise group and 1 hour education on reducing risk of future strokes
Northwest London patients (Brent, Harrow, Ealing, Hillingdon, Hounslow)
Must be able to walk outdoors without assistance but can use a stick
- HIMAT, introductions and expectations, SMART goal setting
- What is stroke? Lifestyle risk factors and warning signs of a stroke – Stroke consultant
- Benefits of physical activity and Neuroplasticity - Physiotherapist
- Introduction to the Eat Well Guide, Portion sizes and Food Label Reading - Dietician
- Fatigue, Cognition and Sleep Health - OT
- Confidence and Communication including Changes to Identity and Roles – SLT and Psychologist/ OT
- Medications –Pharmacist
- Health MOT stations (BP, HR, BMI check) + external yoga trial session
- Diabetes and Cardiovascular health – Specialist Nurses + external yoga session
- Stress, Anxiety, Concentration –Chelsea Wellbeing Team + external qi gong trial session
- Review goals + HIMATs + soccer size
- Celebration & signposting event
This part of the program is held @ Harrow Leisure Centre.
The following 12 weeks is held at ParkLife Cafe
STAGE 2 OF THIS PROGRAM
The club was started by a group of stroke survivors with the help of a trained and practicing physiotherapist.
We are grateful to Parklife café for welcoming the group and for closing the café to the public for the two hours in which the group is there.
The aim of the group is to support people who have had strokes and to share with each other experiences, information etc. as we adapt to life post-stroke.
The first hour of the meeting starts off with a walk or run, for those who are able, around the park. Then we may have some exercises in the park or if the weather is wet, follow an exercise video in the café. These exercises are aimed at helping with mobility, balance and muscle strength.
In the second hour there are a number of activities ranging from playing board games/puzzles to crafting eg crochet/ knitting. If people do not wish to participate in the activities they are optional and they can stay for a chat with people who have had similar experiences to their own.
Post Stroke Healthy Lifestyle Club
Location: ParkLife Cafe
Time between - 3- 5pm
To Join us: Just Turn up
Started by: Sophie Kempsford
Clinical Specialist Therapist (Stroke) | Therapy | Northwick Park Hospital |
Your After-Stroke Peer Group
Each Tuesday we will be holding a two hour session broken down into some exercise, chatting with specialists and learning how to improve life after a stoke or TIA.
This peer group is very you centric, because no-one can walk in your shoes, so Sophie has designed these sessions around YOU YOU YOU.
Do you have a partner of member of your peeps who has suffered a Stoke or TIA, you are welcome to join us.
ParkLife is situated next to a bus garage for easy access, and offer two hour parking > Direction here
Example Subjects:
- Introduction session, gentle yoga, and a healthy eating workshop.
- Strength training, discussion group, and a park walk.
- Cardio exercises, guest speaker on mental health, and cooking class.
- Peer support circle, group outing, and picnic in the park.
Example topics
- Crafting
- Meditation
- Apple juice making
- Yoga
- Bridge demonstrations
- Group walking
- Group exercise
Group laughing together
- Wrapped around some quality time together
And home before any tickets for parking in Lidl get issued.
How to access the sessions:
- In Person just stroll in and hope there are seats left. Details here
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LOCAL SUPPORT
Different Strokes
Harrow Stroke Recovery Service
They will work with you to identify your personal support needs and priorities. Harrow Stroke Recovery Service
This service offers:
- Coordinated support throughout your stroke journey
- Home visits and/or regular telephone calls
- Emotional support
- Tailored information
- Assistance with accessing community-based support
- Support for carers and family members
- Signposting to other relevant organisations.
Contact: Kerstin Williams
07799 436049
North Harrow Stroke Group
NHCG - North Harrow Communication Group
The North Harrow Communication Group (NHCG) is a new initiative which has developed from the North Harrow Stroke Group and works alongside it. The primary aim of the group is to promote confidence communicating after stroke where speech has been affected. The Communication Group provides a setting in which Members communicate with each other however they are able. It provides an opportunity to interact within a secure environment which gives support, encouragement and, perhaps most importantly, time.
The group operates with a maximum of 10 Members, each with a level of comprehension/understanding that enables them to communicate and participate with other Members in the group as well as understand the aims of the group. Initially, through informal discussion, criteria will be set by each Member for themselves by which to judge any future improvement they have made in communication skills.
To promote the development of independence in thought and communication, Members will attend without carers/family and must therefore be self-caring.
The group started in May 2023 and with Members joining on a 6 month programme, with the opportunity to attend for a further 6 monthly term as appropriate.
NHCG meets for 2 hours on the Fourth Friday of each month from 10.30am until 12.30pm in the Coffee Lounge at North Harrow Methodist Church. There is a small cost of £2 covering light refreshments etc. which will be served during the morning.
North Harrow Communication Group |
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