STROKE survivors in Bromsgrove received a visit from Lord Cobham and Bromsgrove district councillor Janice Boswell recently as part of an event organized by the Stroke Association.
The charity is supporting the International Communication Project 2014, to help highlight the importance of human communication, and is particularly concentrating on the effects of aphasia which affects a third of all stroke survivors, altering their ability to communicate.
Lord Cobham and Coun Boswell visited the Stroke Association’s singing group in Bromsgrove to show their support for the pledge.
Lord Cobham said: “Stroke can have a huge impact on someone’s life. I know this too well after a close friend of mine had a stroke not too long ago. Being part of such an empowering day like today has been fantastic. Being at the Life After Stroke Centre today was so inspiring. To see the community come together and support this pledge was truly powerful. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed today and I think everyone was very decent to put up with my singing, which isn’t the best on earth.”
Coun Boswell added: “After my first visit to the choir, I couldn’t resist taking part again and again. Today has been so special, because I know the frustrations having speech difficulties can have on someone's life. After today’s performance, I think we’re well on our way to our first album, or perhaps a number one in the charts.”
Bernice Jones, deputy head of operations for the West Midlands Life After Stroke services, said: “Aphasia has a massive impact on stroke survivors’ lives. The communication disorder can limit people’s ability to participate fully in family life, their community, education and work. Some members of the singing group have aphasia and they have found that singing helps give them a voice again. Our singing groups have helped some people discover a new talent, while others have rediscovered an old one.
“We hope everyone in Bromsgrove will sign up to the ICP 2014 pledge to show their support to people all over the world who have a communication disorder. By helping to raise awareness, together we can conquer stroke.”
For more information about the International Communication Project 2014, visit communication2014.com.
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