Grove Stroke Group started in September 2019 and had only been running for a few months before the Covid pandemic struck. In person meetings switched to Zoom and continued to provide much needed support during this difficult period. Eventually they were able to return to in person sessions and since then have been going from strength to strength.
Numbers have increased and currently they get about 25 people each week. With the funding from the Connected Communities Fund this year, they have been able to hire a larger venue, allowing those in wheelchairs to circulate more freely and for more activities.
Activities for all
Whilst the group is for people who have had a stroke, their partners and carers, the ethos is to welcome others with a disability or long-term condition who need support. The day I visited, people were being creative with paints and brushes, inspired by a beautiful still life display of fruit and flowers, created by one of the group volunteers.
One of the volunteers showed me the busy schedule for the summer which included music and singing with piano and ukulele, a picnic by the river in Abingdon and a boat trip with afternoon tea. The group benefits from five volunteers, all of whom regularly provide transport to the venue and for outings.
A highlight of their week
One of the people I spoke to explained that she and her husband had moved from London a few years ago, after he had his first stroke. Since then, he’d had two more and was also now suffering from dementia. She told me that the group has been a life saver for them both and was the highlight of their week. It gets them out of the house and provides a chance to chat to others in a similar position. Having a stroke affects people in different ways, but she’s found that strong and supportive bonds are formed through sharing experiences.
Clare Dodwell, Community Development Officer, Community First Oxfordshire
