Stroke week celebrates survivor support

NEXT week is National Stroke Week, and the focus for the local support centre is on raising awareness of recovery and assistance

The Bendigo Stroke Support Centre, backed by the Stroke Association of Victoria, helps survivors re-engage with the community after a medical emergency.

Peter Spranatis, who had a stroke four years ago, said the Bendigo group has become a family to him.

“For me it was so calming and relaxing because everyone here has walked in my shoes, they knew what I was going through,” he said.

“To know some people that were going here had a stroke 20 years ago and you could see an improvement, it just gave me hope that it’s not all gloom.”

Mr Spranatis said he participates in the centre’s walking groups, morning teas, monthly pub lunches and special activities such as remote-controlled yachts at Lake Weeroona.

“Things like that are good because you forget you’ve had a stroke for a while when you’re doing that sort of stuff,” he said.

He is also working closely with the centre’s new vocation consultant Debra Pell, whose role is to assist stroke survivors with getting back to employment, helping with licenses and job interviews.

Also regularly attending the centre is Sue Bremner, who cares for her husband Trevor who had a stroke 12 years ago.

“This is a safe place for people to come,” she said. “It’s a lot of mental and emotional support.

“There was none of that in rehab in hospital back then, there is a little bit now but nowhere near enough. This fills in that gap and makes them feel a little bit youthful and still able to contribute to society.”

Throughout the week, the Bendigo Stroke Support Centre will have a pamper day on Monday, stalls at Bendigo Marketplace on Tuesday, Aidacare on Wednesday and Hargreaves Mall on Thursday, and a barbecue fundraiser at Bunnings Kangaroo Flat on Sunday.

They will also be sharing the signs of stroke using the acronym FAST which stands for facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulties and time to call 000.