On Wednesday (17th May), Joel James MS attended the Stroke Association event in the Pierhead building to discuss the future of stroke services in Wales.
The Stroke Association is the UK’s largest charity dedicated to helping stroke survivors and supporting the families affected. Their main aim is to help stroke survivors rebuild their lives. The charity provides many crucial services such as a dedicated hotline, emotional and communication support, the most up-to-date information, and local support branches. The Stroke Association are also conducting research into ongoing rehabilitation and is aiming to find new ways to prevent strokes from occurring.
The event was held as part of Stroke Awareness Month, which takes place every May. This year’s theme is “Let’s Talk Aphasia” and it aims to raise awareness that 40% of stroke survivors have aphasia soon after a stroke. During the event, Joel learnt how aphasia is a communication problem that affects a survivor’s ability to speak and understand what others say.
Joel was joined at the event by stroke survivors, researchers, and clinicians as well as Shakeel Ahmed, the Welsh Government’s Clinical Lead for Strokes and Dr Angus Ramsey, from the University College London. During his discussions, Joel was interested to learn that stroke strikes every 5 minutes in the UK. Currently, there are 70,000 stroke survivors in Wales with 7,400 experiencing a stroke each year.
Speaking after the event, Joel said:
“I am really grateful to meet with the Stroke Association today and with young stroke survivors, like Mike, from my region of South Wales Central.
A stroke is a devasting medical condition and can turn someone’s life upside down. To hear Mike’s story today, of how he was living such an active life before he suffered a stroke, really makes it hit home about how nobody is immune to this. Anyone, of any age, gender or fitness can suffer from a stroke.
I just want to stress how important it is that everyone recognises the symptoms of a stroke: Facial weakness, arm weakness, speech problems, and it is time to call 999.
The Stroke Association made today’s event incredibly informative, and I am committed to doing all that I can to improve stroke services for my constituents.”
