Blairgowrie Stroke Club marks milestone anniversary

Pictured are, from left, Blairgowrie Stroke Club volunteers Mary Wojtowicz, Isabelle Howes, co-ordinator Joyce Morrison, founder Pam Murray, Jacky Amsworth and Anne Thomson

Blairgowrie Stroke Club celebrated its 30^th anniversary recently with a party in the east Perthshire town.

The volunteer-run peer-support group aims to advance and maintain the health and wellbeing of individuals who have had a stroke-related illness, and also to provide some support for carers of those who have had a stroke.

The group meets every Monday morning in the east Perthshire town and regularly welcomes some 15 attendees from the local area who enjoy social gatherings, guest speakers, quizzes, games, arts and crafts, seasonal events, and occasional trips and outings during the summer months.

The 30^th anniversary celebrations saw music and entertainment from the popular Blair Ukes groups and Andy Lang.

Co-ordinator Joyce Morrison thanked everyone who has supported the group over the years.

She said: “Blairgowrie Stroke Club provides a welcoming space and valuable support for members and their families who are navigating recovery from a stroke, helping them to build confidence, reduce isolation, and connect with others.

“It is a place of fun, friendship and connection – we’re all here helping each other and our members make this group a real joy to be part of!

“Over the last 30 years, the group has helped hundreds of people, and demand for the service is increasing.

“We would therefore like to say a huge thank you to everyone in the community who supports us, we really appreciate everything that you do – it makes a real difference to people.

“We’re also looking for a new coordinator to take over running the group. After some 15 years at the helm it is time for me to stand down and a new face and fresh ideas to take Blairgowrie Stroke Club forward.

“You don’t need any experience, just an enthusiasm for helping people – it’s extremely rewarding knowing your contribution is making a difference to someone’s life in their time of need.”

Blairgowrie Stroke Club is affiliated to Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS).

Laura Campbell, lived experience and peer and involvement coordinator at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said: “On behalf of CHSS I just want to congratulate Blairgowrie Stroke Club on reaching 30 years of helping to support people in the area to manage their stroke, and providing support and assistance to stroke survivors and their families.

“These groups are a fantastic opportunity for people to come together and share their advice and experiences with each other, voice their concerns and celebrate their recovery milestones in a welcoming and friendly environment with people who know exactly what they’re going through.

“It can be a real resource for people at any stage of their stroke journey, and I’d encourage anyone who has been affected by stroke to go along and attend the group.”

Blairgowrie Stroke Club meets at the St Catherine's Community Centre on George Street every Monday morning from 10am to noon.

For further information, email [email protected]