Cork Stroke Support (CSS) is a registered charity which was set up in 2010 in St Finbarr’s Hospital to address the information, exercise & support needs of stroke survivors and families following discharge from hospital. Responding to the needs of stroke survivors and families, group sessions went from monthly to weekly. CSS received Irish Heart Foundation awards in 2011 and 2013, Social Inclusion and Equality award in 2014 and were shortlisted for a HSE award in 2016.
A dedicated management committee supported by volunteers and donors, made possible the opening of the Cork Stroke Support Centre in Blackrock in October 2021. The CSS Centre will provide a 5-day service of enabling activities that will sustain rehabilitation goals and promote health and wellbeing of service users. We are confident that this will become an operational hub of stroke support services providing a valuable referral pathway for hospitals and community services and a much-needed walk-in advisory service for stroke survivors and families. There are no geographical boundaries for the service, but it primarily serves cork city and surrounding areas.
CSS Activities
The term stroke survivor focuses on a person’s resilience, hopefulness & ability and members of the CSS are testament to this in overcoming challenges & enthusiastically engaging in activities. This offers valuable support to others in their recovery post stroke.
Details of activities are outlined in the Cork Stroke Support Information Brochure and in our quarterly newsletter ‘Stroke Guardian’. Activities include information and physiotherapy led-exercise sessions, tai-chi, boccia, yoga and art sessions. Music sessions and sing along sessions are also popular and we are very proud of our CSS choir ‘Stroke Notes’ led by our musical director Patricia Kelleher. Collaborative arrangements with Coisceim, provide easy access to counselling individual and group sessions. Together with Cork Sports Partnership, we organise an annual boccia league. We plan to expand our range of rehabilitation and health and wellbeing programmes and hope to recommence hydrotherapy sessions.
There is much to be gained from group sessions with peer support, sharing of similar experiences and the development of long-lasting friendships. Pre-Covid, our CSS Summer Outings & Christmas parties were well attended by stroke survivors, family members & volunteers & a good time is had by all. A text reminder of upcoming events is sent to members who can choose what they wish to attend. The environment is welcoming and friendly and you will be offered a one-to-one introductory meeting with a health professional who will establish how best we can meet your needs.
CSS Membership
Membership is open to Stroke Survivors and relatives. When we meet with you, we will discuss completion of a membership form which is required if you wish to participate in activities. The annual membership fee (€25 individual, €35 couple) which contributes to the cost of insurance, newsletter and subsidized activities.
