With over 50 attendees the afternoon was a hit! With Trust colleagues helping organise the event and offer extra advice and support.

The Holme Valley Stroke Group was started last year by Ruth Thomas who is CHFT’s Stroke and clinical lead Occupational therapist with Caroline Pollard who is a staff nurse with Stephen Haywood, a Stroke victim.

The event was held at Holmfirth Methodist Church from 2pm- 4pm that was open to the public to offer advice and extra support for people who had suffered from a Stroke, or was a carer for someone who had a Stroke.

Stephen Haywood had previously suffered from two strokes, wanted to set up a group for people who has suffered from strokes to meet up regularly and talk about their experiences.

Stephen Haywood said: “Getting people together to talk about Stokes is very important, especially when you have had one and you don’t know who to talk to. That is very important for recovery. My wife has arranged for a carers corner, so people who look after stroke victims can share experiences with each other.”

Stroke lead Ruth Thomas said: “the afternoon was a fabulous success. The group's essence was encapsulated by the gentleman, nearing tears, who said how much he had enjoyed talking to people in a similar situation for the first time since he had his stroke”