Stroke survivors in Cornwall who are struggling to cope with its often overwhelming emotional aftermath are now being helped by a new service provided by the Stroke Association.

In Cornwall, more than 1,000 people have a stroke each year and there are more than 14,000 people living with the effects of stroke.

The charity's research suggests that three-quarters of stroke survivors experience mental health impacts following their stroke, meaning that in Cornwall thousands of people are struggling every day with the toll a stroke takes on their mental health - but little help has been available in the county.

The severe stroke that talented carpenter Dave Parkyn had in August 2020 devastated many lives but particularly his own and that of his mother.

Dave, then aged 28, was left blind in his right eye and partially sighted in his left and physically disabled, his hopes and dreams for the future shattered. His mum Jackie blamed herself for not pushing the 111 service and GP harder for treatment.

Both Dave and Jackie, who live near St Austell, were hesitant when they were offered a referral to the Stroke Association's new emotional support service, with each seeing a different counsellor. But they say that simply being able to talk openly about their feelings has made a real difference.

Dave said: "I didn't think it would help and I was reluctant to go through with it but I'm very pleased that I did. I spoke to Manu about everything, my feelings of humiliation and worthlessness, my lack of confidence, and my embarrassment at how I now felt I looked.  

"It helped me think about how to let out my anger and frustration which is a huge part of the healing process. It was just nice to be able to talk to someone and share my feelings and not feel judged."

Jacqui Cuthbert, the charity's associate director for the South West and Channel Islands, spoke about the impact of a stroke on mental health, she said: "Stroke survivors tell us that they and their families need support after they are discharged home and the enormity of what has happened hits them.

"They feel frightened, anxious, confused, and shocked. They worry about having another stroke and do not know who or where to turn to for help. This can slow recovery drastically after a stroke, bring on depression and even contribute to hospital readmission.

"If you're a stroke survivor or a carer, our new Cornwall Emotional Support Service is here for you.

"One of our friendly, qualified, counsellors will talk through the challenges you're facing, and identify what support you may need to help you rebuild life after stroke. We'll work with you to help you come to terms with what's happened to you."

Jacqui went on to explain that many in Cornwall also struggle with being isolated away from others, especially after the pandemic there are many that would have been discharged from the hospital more quickly than usual and not had access to community therapy.

The service will aim to get stroke survivors online to find out more about the effects of a stroke, what help is available, and chat with other survivors. This includes the My Stroke Guide, the Stroke Association's interactive online site that offers chat forums to connect stroke survivors and carers as well as videos and a wealth of information and guidance on stroke recovery.

"We can also signpost people to other services in Cornwall which may be able to help them," Jacqui added.

Referrals to the new service will usually be made by other health services but stroke survivors and carers can contact the service directly by calling 01872 301689 or emailing [email protected]. You can also find out more by going to the charity's website www.stroke.org.uk and searching for 'Cornwall'.

The Cornwall Emotional Support Service has been funded by a bequest from the estate of Elwyn Thomas, a well-known Truro auctioneer who died in October 2017 aged 88.