Thanks to your donations, the Stroke Association of Victoria is reducing social isolation and promoting community re-integration for stroke survivors in the G21 region.
The Stroke Association of Victoria received a grant of $25,000 from the Give Where You Live Foundation in 2017 for the Barwon Stroke Support Centre (BSSC) in Geelong which is supporting the long-term, social, emotional and physical rehabilitation needs of stroke survivors and their carers.
Having had a stroke at the age of 24, Sienna feels fortunate to live in the Barwon region where she has access to the Barwon Stroke Support Centre.
“The Centre has provided a space for me to connect with people that understand the challenges I have gone through and continue to face.
When the Centre had just opened; at a point in my recovery, where I found that most of my friends had become disconnected and couldn’t possibly understand what I had been through, the BSSC was there. They connected me with other young stroke survivors, we have formed real friendships and together created the young stroke survivors group.
There were three founding members of our group and since forming we have grown to eight members that meet fortnightly to talk about our individual challenges and collectively support each other through our ups and downs.
With support from the Centre and its staff, we have not only been able to connect socially but, have also been on many positive memorable outings, that we would not have been able to experience alone.
We have been able to explore some of Geelong’s great cafes and eateries including The Edge, Charles & Co Café and Little Creatures brewery. This has not only helped us gain confidence getting back into the community, but given us something to look forward to each fortnight.
We are currently organising to go out bowling in the next coming fortnight, and this could not be possible without the generous support of Barwon Stroke Support Centre and Give Where You Live Foundation.”
Above: Stroke survivors connect at the Barwon Stroke Support Centre