Stroke Association Awards highlight great work by Link4Life staff and volunteers

Work by staff from Link4Life and local volunteers in supporting stroke rehabilitation services in the Rochdale area has been recognised by the Stroke Association at a regional awards ceremony.

Staff from Link4Life’s Health & Wellbeing Team and volunteers from the Pennine Stroke Support Group received certificates from the Stroke Association at the charity’s Life After Stroke Awards ceremony held at the AJ Bell Stadium near the Trafford Centre.

Link4Life staff, Elaine Stott and Adele Hoolahan, both from Rochdale, and Paul Gardner, from Rossendale, were nominated by the Stroke Association and received recognition in the Professional Excellence Award category. 

The staff were praised for their physical activity programmes which are designed to improve mobility, balance and co-ordination for people who have suffered strokes.

Certificates for volunteering services were presented to Lucy Knox, Gail Charlton, Mal Harrison and Ray Clegg from the Pennine Stroke Support group. They assist the Stroke Association in providing local support groups in the Rochdale borough.

 

 

Janine Scanlan, Rochdale stroke support co-ordinator for the Stroke Association, said: “We have worked with Link4Life since 2013 to create and deliver exercise groups in the area for stroke survivors. 

“Stroke has a massive and sudden impact. People’s lives are changed forever - not just stroke survivors, but also for their family and friends. So, the Rochdale support groups help people affected by stroke to rebuild their lives. Stroke survivors and their loved ones are improving their fitness, wellbeing and confidence through these activities.

“We are thrilled that both Link4Life and the Pennine Stroke Support Group were nominated to receive Life After Stroke awards. Their determination of both groups to help stroke survivors on their road to recovery is truly inspirational.”

Shirley Waller, Link4Life Health Interventions Manager, said: “One of the things that makes Link4Life different to purely-commercial gym and leisure centre operators is our range of affordable, community-focused health and well-being activities at a wide range of local and accessible venues.

“We are delighted to receive this independent recognition of our good work from the Stroke Association. Link4Life works closely with the Stroke Association and Pennine Stroke Support, and we really value the relationships we’ve built over the past few years.”

Link4Life’s rehabilitation activities have included weekly sessions on Thursdays at Rochdale Leisure Centre, to help stroke sufferers reduce their risk of another stroke and improve their fitness. The two-hour sessions cover topics including simple lifestyle changes, healthy diet and improving mood, as well as exercise with a Link4Life instructor qualified in stroke rehabilitation.