HEALTHCARE
A Strath support group for those with certain health issues is urging those affected by the conditions to come along to their friendly fortnightly drop-in sessions.
Positive Solutions was set up in 2009 to offer support, friendship, help, shared experiences and outings for those who have suffered a stroke or who have chest and heart conditions.
Members have also recently been contributing to the University of Stirling’s stem cell clinical trials.
Debbie Matthew ( 41), who suffered a stroke last year, has benefitted from becoming part of the group, which meets on the first and third Tuesday of every month from 2-4pm in Crieff’s St Columba’s Church.
She said: “There is a stroke every three minutes, 27 seconds in the UK so there must be loads of people out there that have had a stroke or know of someone that has and would benefit from coming to our support group.
“I’m the most recent member but we have people that have been coming for years. We all have different levels of ability.
“Apart from chatting, we eat cake, go on outings, play games and take part in activities, such as chair yoga. Anyone who wishes to join us will be most welcome.”
Julian Inglis (48) has been with the group for seven years.
It helped him to come to terms with having a stroke at a young age.
He said: “My speech was a lot worse in those days and I was very tearful. Being able to come here and be with people who could empathise with the emotions I was feeling helped.
“Everyone who has a stroke is affected differently. Hopefully I can help others.”
Bob Roseweir was one of the founders of the group and will soon be passing over his