‘An important part of stroke survival’
Colchester Stroke Club bringing people together in a healthy way
Their lives may have been changed by a serious health issue, but those who are part of the Colchester Stroke Club don’t let that stop them from having a lot of fun.
“I’ve been coming for about 12 years,” said Charlie Roberts. “They’re a great bunch of people and it’s a very welcoming group. You develop friendships and you’re with people who can understand your situation.”
Roberts had his first stroke almost 20 years ago, at the age of 63. He was at a hockey game when he felt a tingling in one leg and knew something was wrong. He has since had a second stroke but has worked on recovery and is able to take part in many activities.
“You do improve,” he said. “You can recover significantly.”
Sheila Osmond, president of the club, got involved in the early 80s, after her 54-year-old husband had a stroke. After his death, she continued to volunteer with the group.
“This became my family,” she said. “I enjoy being part of this and seeing people enjoy themselves.
We try to have activities that stimulate the brain. We play music and do movements at the same time. We also have group discussions, guest speakers, crafts, lunch, games, parties and some trips.
Strokes affect the whole family. We include family and caregivers in our meetings.”
She noted strokes sometimes result in people becoming isolated, which can lead to depression.
“Strokes affect people so differently,” she said. “They can affect speech, movement, memory … anything the brain controls can be affected.”
Debbie Boyd saw extreme changes in her husband following his stroke. He had meningitis, his blood sugar levels increased and he had a stroke at age 50.
“If you knew Ron before the stroke and Ron after, it was like two completely different people, but I loved both,” she said.
They attended stroke club meetings together and, following his death, she remained involved. She currently serves as treasurer.
“Coming to meetings does lift your spirits,” she said.
“You laugh and feel you’re part of something; part of a community. We understand. We know what it’s about.”
The club began by meeting in the homes of a couple of people who met at rehab. They then found a location in Debert, went on to the YMCA and the Truro Lions’ Club. In 2010, they were given space at the Douglas Street Recreation Centre, but recently had to move because of renovations.
“We needed space where we could store things, so a lot of places we looked at wouldn’t work,” said Osmond. “Truro Alliance Church offered us a lovely space with everything we need and we really appreciate it.”
Susan Greaves volunteers as music director and takes part in gatherings every second week, while exercise leader Cheryl Graham comes in weekly.
Meetings take place every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., unless it’s a storm day, and except the months of July and August. They’re held at Truro Alliance Church, 195 Truro Heights Rd. and people are welcome to just drop in. If needed, transportation can be arranged with the CTCL bus.
“It’s important for people who’ve had a stroke to see how others are affected and realize what they’re going through is more common than they might have thought,” added Roberts.
“You realize how complex the brain is and see everyone is affected differently. Support is an important part of stroke survival.”
More information on the club is available on the Colchester Stroke Club Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/558904790864039, by email at sheilaosmond@hotmail.com or by calling Joyce at 902-893-2487. Information on strokes can be found on the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada website at https://www.heartandstroke.ca/stroke