A national charity looking after the needs of those who have dealing with the results of having suffered a stroke is to set up a temporary facility in Moray.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) is to hold a series of pop-up cafes for stroke survivors in Elgin from next week.
The month-long initiative will help the charity to gauge the level of interest their might be for a regular stroke group to meet in the town.
A spokeswoman for the charity said: “NHS stroke nurses who are funded by CHSS indicate that there is a need – and we want to find out what people want from a community group.
Currently we have an excellent communication support service for those who have had a stroke and have difficulty with speech and language, but we want to widen provision for all who have had a stroke and help set up a regular support group.
“CHSS supports over 80 affiliated stroke groups across Scotland which are member led and organised. Over 800 members benefit with the help of over 300 volunteers. This offers the opportunity for members to obtain support to take part in a range of activities.
“After a stroke what would you like to do? Many members say they gain a great deal of satisfaction, skills and friendship from helping to organise and run their own group.
“The pop-ups and the regular group are open to anyone who has had a stroke, their carer, family, volunteers and health professionals.”
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland provide opportunities throughout the country for people living with stroke and their carers. This includes our affiliated groups.
Each group has its own constitution, aims and objectives shaped by local need. It is hoped the Elgin group will start up in September – but in the meantime are asking anyone interested to attend the pop-up cafe to learn more.
The cafe will open on June 20 and July 18 at 10am to 12noon at the Resource Centre on Maisondieu Road in Elgin, with a third cafe on August 14 from 6pm to 8pm at Asda on Edgar Road in Elgin.
Further information can be obtained by contacting community support worker Caroline Peter on 07918 74481 or by email to caroline.peter@chss.org.uk.