Stroke survivors learn relaxation techniques

Buy photos » Stroke survivors Geoff Manford and Albert Burridge with Dennis Hill, the chairman of the Bromsgrove Life After Stroke Support Group and Donna Davis from Go Wellbeing. s

STROKE survivors were given the chance to learn some relaxation techniques during a special event at Bromsgrove's Life After Stroke Centre.

The event, organised by volunteers and staff at the Church Lane centre, saw a variety of taster sessions held to showcase a range of simple, adaptable and effective IMPACT techniques. These included breathing and stretching exercises, relaxation and guided visualisation, self-massage for the head, arms and hands and peer massage for upper body, arms and hands.

Dennis Hill, the chairman of the Bromsgrove Life After Stroke Support Group, said: "This was a completely new activity for the members and volunteers to take part in."

He added everyone really enjoyed the session and found it beneficial.

Donna Davis, who runs Go Wellbeing, and her colleague Helen Beardes, both IMPACT instructors, visited the centre to demonstrate the techniques.

Donna is now hoping some of the staff at the centre will train as IMPACT trainers so they can deliver the programme on a regular basis to stroke survivors.

“With these relaxation techniques, people in hospital, hospices, rehabilitation and support settings can experience a reduction in stress and the nurturing effects of massage.

“And the beauty of this type of therapy is that all you need to deliver the programme is a chair and a room,” she added.

For more on the IMPACT Wellbeing Programme, call Donna on 07954 414223, e-mail info@gowellbeing.co.uk, or visit www.impact4wellbeing.co.uk

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