Could you help stroke survivors get back on track?

BACK on Track Stroke Rehab Service is looking for local businesses to support them, whether that be sponsorship, fundraising or offering work experience for stroke survivors. 

Back on Track is a registered charity, set up to meet the need for long- term rehabilitation and support for stroke survivors and their careers in Wiltshire.  

Managing director, Beverley Pace, who is an occupational therapist by profession said, “In May 2009 to 2012, I was involved in the setting up and running of The Life After Stroke Service in Wiltshire, Whilst I was there, I noticed there was a cluster of stroke survivors in Melksham who didn’t have the support they needed so in July 2012 I set up Back on Track.

“Our charity has now been running for just over three years and has expanded and grown during that time. We now have 14 volunteers, including a neurological occupational therapist, speech and language therapist and a counsellor, all giving their time for free, to support the work of our service.”

One strand of the charity is the young person stroke survivor group, that meets in Melksham every Wednesday, 11am – 1pm either at Buds Cafe or Melksham Fire Station.

“The group is designed to help young people who have come out of hospital access the services they need to get their lives back on track.

“We try and provide a range of activities and courses that help them regain their independence and prepare them for life after their stroke. The variety of activities we provide is really important to us; photography, computers, cookery and art classes are popular.

“We also help them with finding jobs or keeping their current jobs. A lot of young people lose their jobs after a stroke because they haven’t got the same mobility that they did before. We help them retrain perhaps in a different area and find courses relevant to their skills.

“We also offer guidance and support in the sessions for those who are struggling to find out all the information they need.

“Work experience is essential in building the  confidence of young people in the work place. It would be brilliant if local businesses could offer opportunities for work experience, as part of the stroke survivors’ rehabilitation.

“If local businesses would like to get behind us and sponsor us or can provide work experience, please get in touch.” www.back-on-tracksrs.com 01249 448517.