When Tatura Rotary life member Andrew Crawford survived a stroke, he received support from the the Stroke Association through the Shepparton Stroke Support Centre that was essential to his recovery.
After seeing how the support centre improved the lives of stroke survivors in their community, the Tatura Rotarians decided to help the centre deliver its services.
Stroke survivors can become isolated and forgotten, so Melanie Dudley's job as regional vocation consultant with Stroke Association of Victoria is to get people who have had a stroke back into work-like activities, which includes days out to the bowling alley.
The partnership between the two organisations made a day trip to Star Bowl Tenpin Bowling in Shepparton on June 23, possible for local stroke survivors.
“For many stroke survivors, who suffer isolation and anxiety as a result of their acquired brain and physical impairment, our centres ensure there is a supportive facility available to them,” Melanie said.
One of the men who went on the bowling alley outing was Francis Dean, who survived a stroke three years ago.
He said he suffered a bit of depression during his recovery, but getting together with other stroke survivors to talk about their experiences surviving stroke had really helped his mental health.
“This group has helped me so much,” Francis said.
“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done, because a lot of people realise there's so many people in Shepparton who have stroke — there’s nothing for them.”
The Stroke Association of Victoria’s support centres are a hub for stroke survivors transitioning out of clinical care, where they can receive hands-on support and education on real-life needs and services.
“Our aim is to bridge the gap from when a stroke survivor leaves clinical care to when they return home and are faced with the challenges of re-entering their lives and re-engaging with the community,” Melanie said.
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