The Society of Dorset Men’s latest charity initiative is the Dorset Stroke Support Association, only formed in March, who work with local patients having communication difficulties. The £500 cheque was presented to Chairman Sue Woodbury at the Association’s regular monthly lunch at the Trumpet Major in Dorchester.
“I am always amazed at the efforts made by volunteers all over Dorset and there is no doubt that suffering a stroke is a serious situation, which requires much skilled rehabilitation,” says Andrew Prowse, Deputy Chairman of The Society of Dorset Men. “When we heard about the Dorset Stroke Support Association being formed to help and encourage Dorset patients, we knew we should support their initiative.” “This is our very first donation since being formed this month,” enthuses Sue Woodbury RGN, Chairman of the DSSA. “We need to buy specialised equipment to help rehabilitate our stroke patients, like scrabble games, clocks and books for wordfinding. This donation from The Society of Dorset Men will be such a big help to get some equipment together to enable even more local people to be helped.””
Dorset Stroke Support Association provide structured, supported communications workshops on a weekly basis, designed to help members regain the ability to communicate. There are opportunities to meet others who have suffered a stroke, helping them to realise they are not alone and offering a forum where members can support each other. The aim is to re-establish confidence by interacting with others, which may eventually lead to more activity, like taking up a hobby or even returning to work.
Michel Hooper-Immins
