Stroke survivors in Guernsey to benefit from launch of new support groups as the Stroke Association arrives on the island

Support for stroke survivors in Guernsey has been boosted by a new partnership which sees the Stroke Association, the UK’s leading stroke charity, active on the island for the first time.

The Stroke Association will be working with Headway Guernsey, UnLtd at the Ron Short Centre, the local health teams and others to bring stroke survivors and carers together so they can share experiences and support each other as they rebuild their lives.

The project has been made possible by a grant from the Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands, with the Stroke Association matching the grant from its donations.

The Stroke Association has appointed Alysa Rixon as its first engagement officer for the island, bringing a local focus in addition to its wide range of online and telephone services that are already available to islanders.

Alysa will be talking to islanders about their experiences and working closely with local health professionals in treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery to identify where gaps in support may exist.

A key priority for this will be the development of peer support groups, including a group specifically focused on aphasia, a common but often misunderstood condition affecting around one-third of stroke survivors.

Aphasia is a communication disorder which impacts on a person’s ability to speak, understand speech, read or write. Creating a safe, supportive environment where people with aphasia can connect and be understood is a vital step in recovery and wellbeing.

Alysa’s appointment coincides with May's Stroke Awareness Month, during which the team at Le Marchant Ward at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital will be hosting stroke information sessions for carers and a singing event.

A long-time resident of Guernsey, Alysa brings experience in health and community support roles. After a successful career in the Guernsey public sector, she began working for charities in 2018, managing the establishment and growth of Carers Guernsey, and volunteering for the Guernsey Counselling Service. She is also a qualified counsellor and therapeutic coach.

Alysa said: “I’m thrilled to be taking on this role with the Stroke Association. Stroke has a lasting impact not only on individuals but on their whole families. I’m passionate about ensuring that no one feels alone after a stroke and that the right support is available at the right time.

“I look forward to working with local professionals, charities and above all stroke survivors and carers themselves to shape stroke support that reflects Guernsey’s needs.”

Jacqui Cuthbert, the Stroke Association’s associate director for the South West and Channel Islands, said: “We’re very excited to welcome Alysa to the team. Having someone on the ground in Guernsey is a major milestone for the Stroke Association, extending our reach to enable more stroke survivors to find strength through support.

“Each year, between 90 and a 100 people in Guernsey will have a stroke. Coming home from hospital after a stroke can be a frightening time for survivors and their families. We want to ensure they are not left feeling isolated or without guidance and help to adjust to life after stroke and the challenges it can bring.”

Jo Le Poidevin, executive director of the Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands, said: “We’re proud to support the Stroke Association’s work in Guernsey, helping people recover and rebuild after the trauma of stroke. As a Foundation, we are committed to funding charities that make a lasting difference to the lives of people facing complex challenges. We wish Alysa well in her new post supporting stroke survivors and their families.”

Cath Dyer, stroke care coordinator at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, said: “In Guernsey for the last few years, we have been very lucky to have Headway Guernsey supporting our working age strokes and their families.

“But I am so very happy and excited to have the Stroke Association here on Island to support the many other stroke survivors in Guernsey.

“As health professionals we understand the complexity, the time it takes to recover and come to terms with this often life-changing experience, which goes beyond the walls of a hospital.

“Having an ongoing service in the community, whether it’s to offer a connection to people that understand stroke, or to support people to adapt to the new changes in their lives, promotes social inclusion and offers support to carers, or, for someone to ‘just be there’ is so very important.

"I wish them the very best and I look forward to working with and supporting the Stroke Association in Guernsey to support our stroke community.

“I am thrilled that they are joining forces with the other local charities, Headway and UnLtd to provide the best and most comprehensive service to our community.”

Orla-Marie Manning, services director at Headway Guernsey, welcomed Alysa’s appointment. She said: “We are pleased to welcome and partner with the Stroke Association in Guernsey.

“This collaborative working will enhance the stroke services at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital and in the community. We look forward to working in tandem with the multi-agency team at the hospital and the Stroke Association and continue to provide support for stroke survivors and their families.”

The Stroke Association provides a wide range of information and guidance for Guernsey residents via www.stroke.org.uk, including an online forum, downloadable resources, and the Stroke Support Helpline 0303 3033 100.

Guernsey residents can follow the new Stroke Association Guernsey Facebook page for updates on peer support groups, events and other local developments.