Patricia Hall, Cardiovascular Nurse Specialist at Croí, the Heart and Stroke Charity based in the west of Ireland, tells us about the history of the organisation that has recently become a member of the World Stroke Organization.
Croí, established in Galway, Ireland in 1985 initially focused on the development of
local and regional cardiac services and facilities, our mission has now shifted to cardiovascular disease prevention and
rehabilitation, which encompasses stroke. Our goal is to prevent heart disease
and stroke, save lives and promote recovery and wellbeing.
 |
| Patricia Hall (centre) with members of Croí's Stroke Support Group |
Each year approximately 10,000 people have a stroke-related event in Ireland,
with an estimated 30,000 people living with disabilities as a result of a
stroke. Our goals include raising awareness of
the risk factors, signs of stroke and promote healthy lifestyles.
Stroke support services
Our experience in cardiovascular disease prevention has informed
our development of stroke specific educational programmes and we support stroke
survivors and family carers on their journey to live the best possible life
after stroke. The Croí Heart and Stroke Centre provides a meeting place for
people who have been affected by stroke – patients, family members, carers and
friends, which enables them to come together and participate in various
activities. While everyone’s experience of having a stroke is different,
meeting other stroke survivors or caregivers who understand what they are going
through can help with recovery. Making this connection
can be vital – to learn more about stroke recovery options and to share the
experiences of recovery from stroke.
Croí offers a
range of stroke support services, which include:
·
Stroke
support groups which meet in Galway and in Mayo.
o
Our
stroke support groups meet once a month, coming together to
participate in various activities including a chance to have fun, learn skills
and meet new people. Whether it’s a listening ear or practical guidance and
information, we support members in rebuilding their lives after stroke –
regardless of where they are in the stroke journey.
o
Our
stroke family carers’ group also meets separately throughout the year. Coming
together to share experiences, reduce isolation and provide support to others
in similar situations.
·
Specialised
physical activity programmes and Yoga, designed specifically for those who have
had a stroke.
·
Communication
group run by a speech and language therapist for those with speech and
communication difficulties following stroke.
·
Health
and lifestyle educational programmes that focus on risk reduction.
·
Fun
activities, like our summer day out, World Stroke Day event and Christmas party
every year.
The aims of
Croí’s stroke support group are:
·
To
create a positive environment to meet others and share experiences.
·
To
provide advice, education and support on stroke and good health.
·
To
encourage participation in enjoyable activities beneficial to your wellbeing.
·
To
provide information on how to access services local to you.
·
Peer
support and friendship.
Additional
activities this year included:
·
Roll
out of the MyStroke Programme. This is a 4 week educational programme focused
on risk reduction for stroke survivors and family/carers.
o
Topics
included:- what is a stroke and how to prevent recurrence; dealing with
emotions, self-esteem and intimacy after stroke; stroke specific exercise;
healthy eating after stroke.
World Stroke Day
In recognition
of World Stroke Day, Croí
is hosting a Public Talk and Short Film screening to help raise awareness of
stroke and offer information to stroke survivors.
This FREE event
will start at 7pm on October 29th in the Croí Centre in
Newcastle, Galway, and will include a talk by Dr. Tom Walsh, Stroke Specialist,
Galway University Hospital and a local Galway stroke survivor, followed by a
special screening of the award-winning documentary, A Tiny Spark.
As an
independent not-for-profit organisation, our work is entirely funded from our
own fundraising and revenue generating activities. For more information, please
visit www.croi.ie and follow Croí on Facebook,
Twitter and Instagram at @croiheartstroke.
 |
| Croí Centre Galway Ireland |
