Happy Talk Stroke Group came together to celebrate their 25th anniversary on Wednesday 24th July, attended by Mayor Lynn Hall.
Good news story from Volunteering Matters:
Happy Talk stroke group in Stockton-on-Tees was established in 1995 to meet and provide support and friendship for people who have suffered a stroke, and to give a few hours respite for relatives and carers. The name came from the song in the musical South Pacific. Ron Harbron took over the group from its founder Pat Medicott in 2011 when Pat sadly died, and has been a dedicated volunteer leading the group from strength to strength.
Volunteers and group members join in the weekly sessions with good humour, were they are encouraged to talk, (as speech is often one of the things affected by a stroke) through quizzes, word games, word searches, dominoes, draughts etc. They also have arm chair exercise sessions fortnightly to help with mobility, led by a qualified keep fit instructor. With social outings and activities arranged throughout the year with money they raise through tombola’s and raffles, the group members feel like part of a family.
The 25th Anniversary celebrations were held on Wednesday 24th July, at their regular meeting place, Sundell Court, Elsdon Street, Stockton. Attended by Stockton’s Mayor Lynn Hall, who made a speech congratulating the group stating “I would like to say a special thank you today to Ron who has led the group for the last nine years. It is through people like Ron, working hard to improve people’s lives by doing what seems to some as really simple things like providing a place for people to meet and chat, that our community thrives. Happy Talk is a brilliant lifeline for those who have experienced a stroke, and I hope that the good work of the group continues”.
For more information on Happy Talk Stroke Group please contact Ron Harbron at dunelm2@hotmail.com
View the gallery from the event below: