Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood has praised the work of a support group who help stroke victims from the Torfaen area to recover.
The Assembly Member for South Wales Central spoke with volunteers and clients of the weekly group at Coed Eva and Hollybush Community Hall which is run by the Stroke Association. The visit was organised by the local Plaid Cymru councillor Fiona Cross, who is vice chair of the hall.
Ms Wood said: “I was very impressed by the work the Stroke Association carry out at the Coed Eva and Hollybush Community Hall.
“It was clear from speaking to the people that rely on this weekly service how much it means to them and what difference it is making to their rehabilitation.
“Recovering from a stroke can be a frustrating and difficult process for many but drop-in sessions like this can be of enormous benefit.
“The dedication provided by the volunteers, some of whom had recovered from strokes themselves, was very inspiring.”
Ms Wood added: “I would like to pay tribute not only to the Stroke Association for their work but also to the volunteers who run the community hall.
“Their hard work has seen the facility go from strength-to-strength in recent years and allowed vital services like the one I witnessed to take place. The hall has become a focal point of the community thanks to their dedication.
“These volunteers include the current chair of the community hall, Steve Baker, and the former chair and now vice-chair, Coed Eva Councillor Fiona Cross, who leads by example when it comes to building up the strength of her local community.”
Plaid Cymru Coed Eva councillor Fiona Cross said: “I’m really pleased Leanne was able to see for herself the great work that the Stoke Association is doing in the heart of my community.
“This is the only group the Stoke association run in Torfaen. It’s great to see people improve and recover after a stroke in their community.”
Luisa Stokes, Communication Support Co-ordinator for the Stroke Association in Gwent said: “We are delighted that Leanne Wood was able to visit our Communication Support Group in Cwmbran.
“We meet every Thursday at the Coed Eva and Hollybush Hall and welcome stroke survivors who need support with communication rehabilitation following their stroke.
“As well as offering an opportunity for people in the area to meet others who have experienced a stroke; the Stroke Association works closely with Speech and Language Therapists to make sure that our clients are given the best possible chance to recover from their communication difficulties which happen to many following their stroke.
“We’re glad that Leanne had the opportunity to talk to many of our clients and learn about how services such as the Stroke Association’s Communication Support Groups are vital in ensuring that people make their best possible recovery following stroke”.
