1) It hasn't been easy since the coronavirus forced our charity to drastically develop alternate methods of support for all those affected by stroke.

2) We closed our stroke information centre - a source of knowledge and understanding. We suspended indefinitely our support courses - unparalleled local education on stroke care. We cancelled all support activity groups - sources of much needed friendship and social interaction.

3) From a place of stability, ourselves and many other charities were plunged into the unknown.

So we adapted. But, working from home delivers it's own challenges.

4) Emails to configure, phone lines to be re-routed, communication with colleagues maintained, interaction with service users essential, collaboration with other professionals inevitable - this ever extensive list made all the more convoluted by the ironic effect isolation brings

5) It's been draining in ways unexplainable and utterly unthinkable a matter of weeks ago. However, priority is and always must be to keep working. Downing our tools would be irresponsible at a time stroke survivors, carers and their families need support most.

6) So yes, it's been hard. Logistically, practically and mentally. But not a scrape as difficult as the post stroke landscape many people will be embarking on still, which is hard enough without coinciding with a global pandemic.

7) People are still having strokes. Coronavirus will not change that. Please be aware of the symptoms, Face, Arms, Speech and Time.

Don't be afraid of calling 999 at the sign of them. Hospitals are still best placed to treat strokes, that hasn't changed.

8) My most heartfelt thanks and appreciation must go to all NHS staff working in this crisis on not only those affected by the virus - but all of the other ailments and conditions that will not cease to occur.

9) Also a massive amount of respect must be given to the entire voluntary sector that battles on to support those in need, despite no aid being given to them from the powers that be.

10) So, as another week comes to an end I'll breathe, dust off and be ready to go again and do my part in helping those that @ThinkAheadWigan support. Think ahead people, and remember to think F.A.S.T

#stroke #survivor #carer #coronavirus #NHS #voluntary #charity #bekind