BROMSGROVE residents are being called upon to help conquer stroke as part of a new campaign.
Lord Cobham and Coun Janice Boswell went along to the town’s Life After Stroke Centre – the first of its kind in the country – to launch the drive last Thursday (October 9).
The Stroke Association is supporting the campaign by the International Communication Project (ICP) 2014, which aims to highlight the importance of human communication.
Those signing the online pledge can show their support for the millions of people around the world who have communication disorders, such as aphasia.
It affects a third of all stroke survivors, altering their ability to communicate – whether that is through speaking, reading, writing or understanding.
To support the pledge, Lord Cobham and Coun Janice Boswell visited the Stroke Association’s Bromsgrove-bsaed singing group.
Lord Cobham said, “Stroke can have a huge impact on someone’s life.
“I know this too well after a close friend of mine had a stroke not too long ago.
“Being part of such an empowering day like today was fantastic.”
He described his visit as inspiring, saying to see the community come together to support the pledge was ‘truly powerful’.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed today and I think everyone was very decent to put up with my singing, which isn’t the best on earth.”
Coun Janice Boswell added: “I’ve joined the choir every month because after my first visit, I couldn’t resist taking part again and again.
“Today has been so special, because I know the frustrations and upset having speech difficulties can be for someone. After today’s performance, I think we’re well on our way to our first album, or perhaps a number one in the charts.”
Go to www.change.org and search for ‘Opportunity to communicate’ to sign the pledge.
Visit www.stroke.org.uk or call 0303 30 33 100 for more on stroke.
