Stroke survivors welcome Barnsley Mayor to Goldthorpe support café
Last week, the Mayor of Barnsley, Cllr David Leech, paid a visit to the Goldthorpe stroke drop-in café, joining stroke survivors, carers and staff from the Barnsley community stroke team for the monthly gathering at the Snap Tin Café. This gave attendees the chance to share experiences, access practical support and take part in health checks aimed at reducing future stroke risk.
During the visit, Cllr Leech spent time speaking directly with people affected by stroke and the carers who support them, hearing first hand about recovery journeys and the day to day challenges they face.
The monthly sessions are organised by the Barnsley community stroke team, the drop-in is designed to offer social contact, practical advice and signposting to further services in a friendly, non-clinical setting.
Attendees at each session can receive a free blood pressure check by a health care assistant – an important service, as high blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for stroke. Offering checks on-site helps attendees monitor their health and act quickly if changes are needed.
Gill Richmond-Burns, life after stroke coordinator at South West Yorkshire Partnership Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘‘The Barnsley community stroke team were delighted to welcome Cllr Leech and to showcase the difference the café makes in helping people rebuild confidence and community connections after a stroke.’’
The drop-in also offers peer-led conversation, shared coping strategies and referrals to local services for rehabilitation, mobility aids and mental health support. Staff and volunteers work together to keep the sessions informal but purposeful, ensuring attendees leave feeling listened to and better informed about next steps in their recovery.
The café continues to attract a diverse group of people including recent stroke survivors, long-term survivors, family members and carers, creating a network that helps reduce isolation and build confidence.
