Celebrating stroke support
Eileen Holt was there when the New Plymouth Stroke Support Trust held its first meeting. Back in 1986 she remembers seeing the meeting advertised in the Taranaki Daily News and the gathering happening shortly after in August.
‘‘It was so that the carers could bring their spouses along and have a day free where we would look after them and feed them. That was what it was formed for,’’ she said.
Now, every third Friday of the month, the group holds a social event for people who have had a stroke and their caregivers at the Beach St Hall in Fitzroy from about 10am to 1pm.
At the group there’s morning tea, lunch and entertainment.
Holt’s husband had a stroke in his early 50s and she cared for him for 17 years before he died. During those challenging times she turned to the group for support.
‘‘Spouses can get stressed to the max. All of a sudden your whole world has changed,’’ she said.
Holt was president intermittently over the 30 years, and last year became a patron of the trust she loves. ’’It’s just been great to see the people enjoying their day. We usually have about 50 there each month.’’
The organisation held its 30th anniversary celebrations during August with luncheon and entertainment at the Novotel New Plymouth Hobson.
More than 80 people attended including founding committee members and the oldest member, Elsie Astwood, who turns 100 in November.
Trust treasurer Jean Hastie said the membership stands at 87.
Members unable to drive whether they live in Oakura, Inglewood, Waitara or New Plymouth are picked up and dropped off by Ironside Vehicle Society.
‘‘Some people are from rest homes but the majority are in their own homes,’’ she said.
The trust also offers members two social bus trips a year, and once-a-month meetings for carers only.
Aside from yearly subs funding comes from the Community Organisation Grants Scheme, TSB Community Trust, bequests, and various fundraising activities.
For more information about the group or to volunteer contact Jean on 751 1114 or 027 339 6572.