Wokingham launches new service for stroke survivors

A service aimed at providing support for stroke survivors and their families in Wokingham has been launched.

The programme was developed using feedback from patients who highlighted the need for more help to regain their communication skills.

The borough council is using a government grant of £82,000, over three years, to develop the service.

It is estimated that there are more than 1,500 strokes in Berkshire each year.

A spokeswoman said: "Over the past 12 months, the council held a number of workshops to find out what people would like locally.

"Much of the feedback received from people who have been affected by strokes highlighted the need for more information about strokes and about the help which might be available.

"An e-learning programme, known as Kwango, is available free of charge to any Wokingham borough resident and is designed to be useful for families and carers, as well as those working in the stroke field."

Two workers are also being provided by the Stroke Association as part of the new service, a family and carer support co-ordinator and a communication support co-ordinator.

The family and carer support co-ordinator links up with any resident who has had a stroke and supports that person both in hospital and back at home.

About one in four strokes occurs in people under the age of 65.