Stroke service safe after cash is found

Earlier this week, the Stroke Association spoke of its fear for the future after council chiefs in Blackpool proposed scrapping its £26,000-a-year funding from April 1, which would have seen its team of staff drop from two to one.

But a pot of money has now been sourced, the charity has been told, leaving regional director Chris Larkin delighted.

He told The Gazette : “The news that Blackpool Council is able to continue funding for the Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Service will be warmly welcomed by stroke survivors and their families across the area.

“Stroke can leave people feeling frightened, isolated and alone.

“For many people in Blackpool who have experienced the devastating effects of stroke, this is a much-needed service which provides a lifeline and has given them hope for the future.

“Over the past eight years, thousands of people in Blackpool have received vital practical advice, emotional help and one to one support from the Stroke Association.

“The service also provides support to the third of stroke survivors who have been robbed of their ability to communicate following a stroke.

“This decision means that the Stroke Association will be able to continue to provide this much needed service in Blackpool, and help ensure that local stroke survivors get the essential support they need to rebuild their lives.”

Blackpool South MP for Labour, Gordon Marsden, added: “I am pleased that Blackpool Council is committed to continuing the funding of the Stroke Association despite their ongoing budget pressures.

“I have supported the charity over many years and from the number of concerned constituents who contacted me, I know how valued their services are by people living in the town.”

The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke service helps survivors by providing emotional for them and their families, financial grants, hosting support groups, helping them return to work, and working to reduce the risk of a second stroke.

Coun Amy Cross, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Reducing Health Inequalities, said: “We face challenging times in the year ahead to meet the budget target savings of £18.7m.

“Achieving savings of this scale has lead to some difficult decisions with a review of council services, funding and investments.

“We have taken the opportunity to meet directly with the Stroke Association and discuss in detail our respective positions. Having considered all the information, funding will continue for a further 12 months.”

“We will be working closely with the Stroke Association over the coming months on aligning what the Stroke Association delivers to the key strategic goals of the health and social care system locally.”

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