Stroke-affected and feeling isolated? BAS is offering a special welcome this June!
This Loneliness Awareness Week, BAS activities and groups are great places for anyone feeling isolated following a stroke.
9 - 15 June 2025 marks Loneliness Awareness Week across the UK, and Bristol After Stroke is spreading the word that their activities and groups are great places for anyone feeling isolated following a stroke.
Hosted nationally by Bristol-based Marmalade Trust, Loneliness Awareness Week is an annual event to not only spread the word that loneliness has a highly detrimental impact on people’s health and wellbeing, but also works to empower everyone to make connections across the UK and worldwide.
“Some 12,000 people locally are living with the effects of a stroke,” says Bristol After Stroke CEO Rebecca Sheehy, “and we know that one of the most common impacts is social isolation, because people can lose contact with their long-standing friendship groups.
“As well as a loss of mobility making it harder to get about, symptoms such as aphasia often affects people’s communication skills. That can often lead on to stroke-affected people feeling depressed… making it even harder to socialise.
“Our groups, cafes and other activities are welcoming places for anyone who has had a stroke because everyone there totally understands what it’s like live with these symptoms… making it easy to feel supported and find new friends.”
Bristol After Stroke runs seven weekly groups across Bristol and South Gloucestershire, including gardening, walking netball and football, as well as six monthly groups and six groups and cafes specifically helping those living with aphasia.
“Anyone who has had a stroke is welcome to join our groups – either as a member or as a volunteer,” says Rebecca.
“They can find out more about our activities on our website, email us at [email protected] or call 0117 9647657.”
