Understanding stroke: join our free awareness workshops
By Sheila Fisher, Community Development Officer – Health and Wellbeing Team
A few years ago, a friend of mine had a stroke. Just the day before, we had been volunteering together, chatting, laughing, and making plans for the week ahead. “See you next week,” I called out as I left. That night, everything changed. He had a stroke. His life – and his family’s – were turned upside down. I didn’t see him again for many months.
Strokes can happen suddenly and without warning. They do not only affect older people. In the UK, around 100,000 people have a stroke each year, and a quarter of these are of working age. Today, over 1.3 million people in the UK are living with the effects of stroke.
The impact of a stroke can be profound. It can affect movement, speech, memory, sight, and mood. Some people recover quickly, but for others, the effects can last for years. Rehabilitation is an important part of recovery, helping the brain form new pathways and adapt to changes.
Stroke does not just affect the person who experiences it. Families and friends often struggle to understand what is happening. Changes in personality, memory loss, anxiety, and depression can be difficult to cope with, especially when there is little awareness of how best to support a loved one.
That’s why we’ve developed Community Resource’s new stroke awareness workshops. These sessions are designed to help people understand stroke, support recovery, and reduce risk.
What you will learn
Our workshops cover:
- the different types of stroke
- risk factors, including those we can and cannot change
- how to reduce your risk through lifestyle changes
- recognising the signs of stroke using the FAST method (Face, Arms, Speech, Time)
- what to expect after a stroke and what rehabilitation involves
Each session includes:
- a gentle introductory exercise session
- a recorded Q and A with a Stroke Nurse Specialist from Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust
Who should attend
These events are free and open to everyone. Whether you have had a stroke, care for someone who has, or simply want to learn how to protect your health, we welcome you to join us.
Why stroke awareness matters
Creating awareness can make a real difference. It helps prevent strokes and supports people in their recovery. For me, this project has been personal. It reminded me of my friend and the importance of understanding stroke. It also made me reflect on my own health and the steps I can take to reduce my risk.
Join us at our stroke awareness workshops
We will be running stroke awareness workshops across Shropshire
Thursday 27 November 2025, 2pm to 4:30pm – Bayston Hill Memorial Hall, Lyth Hill Road, SY3 0DR
Wednesday 10 December 2024, 1.30pm to 4pm – Sandstone Brook, 169 Wrexham Rd, Whitchurch SY13 1JG
Places are limited, so book in advance by calling the Community Resource team on 01743 360641 or emailing healthevents@community-resource.org.uk.
Attendance is free, and any charitable donations are warmly appreciated to help us continue this work.
About the author
Sheila Fisher brings a PhD in Genetic Epidemiology and years of academic research experience to her role as Community Development Officer at Community Resource. She runs our awareness events on stroke, arthritis, menopause and continence health.
