The trust which runs Ealing Hospital, London North West University Healthcare (LNWH) has teamed up with Chelsea FC to better support stroke survivors in the community.
According to the Trust, those who suffer a stroke are often left to look after themselves and the new 12 week initiative aims to provide patients with advice and support
Nathan Powell, who suffered a stroke during a business meeting said: “It is really frightening to be given a leaflet, some medicine and be sent home to fend for yourself,” said Nathan Powell who suffered a stroke during a business meeting. I was so anxious about it happening again it felt like walking on eggshells.”
By teaming up with Chelsea FC Foundation, patients will be able to get access to a free 12-week programme offering weekly two-hour sessions which provides practical advice and support.
Funded by NHS England it offer exercise with educational classes to support patients. Among the activities include football, circuits, tai chi, mindfulness, breathing exercises and yoga. The educational classes include manging anxiety, confidence, healthy eating and spotting the early warning signs of stroke.
Sophie Kempsford, clinical specialist therapist (Stroke) and project lead,said: “The programme is all about empowering the participants and giving them the confidence to implement a healthy lifestyle. We provide evidence-based education to improve their understanding of stroke and its risk factors. We give them the tools to help them improve their diet, level of activity and mental and physical health.”
Having joined the programme, Mr Powell said: “I enjoyed the classes and found them useful. The exercise classes gave me the confidence to start pushing myself under expert guidance, while the educational classes helped fill in a lot of gaps.”
For more information on the programme, email: sophie.kempsford@nhs.net
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