Your kind donations means that stroke survivors in Harrow can now join a support programme to help them on their road to recovery.

London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust (LNWH) stroke team have teamed up with Watford FC's Community Sports and Education Trust (CSE) to provide a healthy lifestyle programme for stroke survivors.

LNWH clinical specialist physiotherapist for stroke, Sophie Kempsford, and programme lead says:

“In 2024 we received funding from NHS England for one year and partnered with Chelsea FC Foundation to develop this programme for Harrow residents. It was really successful and over-subscribed, so we knew we had to find a way to keep it running.

“Thanks to LNWH Charity and Watford FC CSE, we can now run the programme for another year. Our goal is to secure long-term funding so the programme can continue indefinitely.

Why did Sophie feel that there was a need for a programme like this?

“We realised some time ago that when stroke patients leave hospital, they had very little community support. They told us they were unsure about whether they could exercise, fearing it may cause another stroke, and they didn’t know how to get advice about how to lead a healthy lifestyle to help prevent further strokes.

“Our programme offers a combination of advice from LNWH experts on topics such as managing stress and anxiety to diet and healthy eating, alongside an exercise specialist from Watford CSC who takes participants through an exercise circuit, aimed at their ability.

“We also introduce participants to other forms of free or lower cost exercise and link up with local community providers to give them taster sessions on yoga or tai chi for example. Not every form of exercise suits everyone, so we give them options that appeal to them, as well as signposting them to less strenuous healthy activities, such as gardening.

“The ultimate aim of the programme is to help stroke survivors to transition from hospital to the community, build their confidence and ensure they have the right tools to go on to live long healthy lives.

“Once they’ve completed the 10-week programme, many participants join our “exit group”. They meet regularly in local Café’s and plan social outings, such as salsa dancing, playing bridge or taking part in craft classes. It helps keep them active while spending time with people who understand what they’ve been through.”

If you’d like to sign up to these 10-week sessions, or know someone who could benefit from them, simply complete the form on Watford FC’s website www.watfordfccsetrust.com/project/stroke-rehabilitation-programme Places are limited to 20 – 25 per 10-week session, so please ensure you can attend them all before you sign up.