Ingoldisthorpe amateur artist Les in Stroke Association campaign to show benefits of socialising after attack
A keen amateur artist from Ingoldisthorpe has featured in a Stroke Association campaign to highlight the devastating and often hidden social impact of the condition.
Retired catering manager Les Harland's participation in an art group is being used to demonstrate the importance of socialising after research showed 73% of stroke survivors spend less or no time with their families and friends.
Moreover, four out of five (83%) stroke survivors spend less or no time on their hobbies and four in five (79%) have given up a hobby altogether.
The Stroke Association and Buzz Bingo have shared results from a joint survey as they announce a three-year partnership.Together, the organisations aim to help more stroke survivors rebuild their lives by tackling isolation and loneliness after stroke.
There are around 100,000 strokes each year and there are 1.3 million stroke survivors in the UK2.
The survey of stroke survivors in the UK also reveals:
· Almost three quarters (74%) of stroke survivors experience tiredness and fatigue since having a stroke;
· Over half (52%) of stroke survivors say they have lost their confidence since their stroke and around a third (32%) have experienced changes to their personality;
· Around one in four struggle with their mental health (26%) and/or feel lonely/isolated (23%);
· Before their stroke around a third engaged in a hobby daily (38%) or three to four times a week (31%). Popular hobbies pre-stroke included exercising, reading, gardening and watching TV;
· Spending less time or giving up a hobby has left many stroke survivors feeling a loss of confidence (29%), a lost sense of purpose and identity (24%) and impacts their well-being (23%);
· Over a third of stroke survivors (40%) would like the chance to socialise more and to go to clubs and societies.
Les said: "I had never done art before but now I really enjoy it, as well as making some lifelong friends at the group. I’ve taught myself all sorts of techniques to paint using my less dominant hand. The skills I learnt in this group have helped me so much with my recovery after the stroke.”
Les’ wife, Angie, has dedicated the past nine years to caring for him in his recovery after the stroke. Since discovering how helpful art has been for Les’ mental and physical wellbeing, Angie has become a huge support to the local art group, helping to inspire other stroke survivors.
Angie said: “Les has always been a fit and healthy man. Before his stroke, he was really active – being around his family and friends, and enjoying many hobbies. One of his favourite things to do in his spare time is to sail. We loved to do it together, and when he had the stroke the thought of not being able to sail was heart-breaking. But I wasn’t prepared to let his stroke stop us in our tracks.
"Life is very different nowadays, and the stroke did knock us completely. But with sheer determination and a lot of encouragement, we made sure that Les stayed an active member of his community and that’s how we found his love for art.
"Joining the Stroke Association’s support group opened up a door to the best medicine for Les – art. Les can create the most beautiful and intricate pieces of artwork, all whilst using his less dominant hand.
"Art has become such a huge part of our lives now, the mental and physical benefits it has and continues to have on our lives is incredible. Since Les has joined the group, I’ve been able to help wherever possible, teaching crafts and helping with events. Nowadays, if Les isn’t at the stroke group, you can often find him in his studio creating his masterpieces!"
Saul Heselden, head of corporate partnerships at the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK and changes lives in an instant. Stroke has many impacts, some are visible whilst others are hidden, but the effects are equally devastating and can become obstacles to recovery.
"Many stroke survivors stop seeing family and friends or are forced to give up their hobbies. This may be as a result of struggling with their confidence or mental health or due to fatigue. Socialising and enjoying previously loved hobbies are really important to mental health after a stroke. Without this, stroke survivors can lose their confidence, hampering their wellbeing and potentially leaving them without a sense of purpose and identity.
“We are excited to announce our new partnership with Buzz Bingo which will help to raise vital funds for much-needed specialist support, research and campaigning and will go a long way in supporting more stroke survivors like Les to live the best possible life after a stroke.”
As part of the partnership launch Radio and TV legends and father and son duo, Chris and Toby Tarrant hosted an exclusive bingo event for stroke survivors. Chris’ life was turned upside down when he had a stroke in 2014.
The Stroke Association provides specialist support, funds critical research and campaigns to make sure that everyone affected by stroke gets the support they need to rebuild their lives. Buzz Bingo Clubs bring stroke survivors together in a safe, warm and fun environment so they can rebuild their confidence and recover after a stroke. Visit www.stroke.org.uk/buzzbingo to find out more.
