Christmas Update of Improvements to Greater Manchester Stroke and Neurorehabilitation Care

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It has been another challenging year for everyone collaborating to improve our local services.

Working together makes us stronger, and keeps us focusing on what matters most – our patients.

Wishing everyone a joyful festive season and a positive start to 2026.

Listening to the voices of patients and carers

We had a full house at our last Patient & Carer Group meeting of the year.

The group continues to thrive with a diverse membership who meet quarterly in Stretford, Trafford.

This year, members have help shape improvement activities on topics including medicines, spasticity and Parkinson's.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) training

In November, nearly 100 local clinicians took part in ACT training.

ACT helps people cope with difficult thoughts and feelings and move towards what matters to them.

The training gave staff practical skills to support patients who feel “stuck” and to look after their own wellbeing.

Feedback was very positive.

After Matters for young stroke survivors

We have been contacted by Maxine, co-founder with another mum called Louise of a charity called After Matters.

They met when their teenage sons were rushed to Salford Royal Hospital for surgery after sustaining traumatic brain injuries in separate, unrelated incidents.

They have set up the charity to support for young people (16-25 years) living with an acquired brain injury in Greater Manchester.

They offer information and support, as well as grants of £50-500. You can get in touch at: maxine@aftermatters.org.uk

Grant funding success for new projects

The network has successfully secured funding to improve care for Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s.

A drug company called Roche awarded nearly £29,000 to support improvements in local care for people affected by Multiple Sclerosis. This project is already underway.

National charity Parkinson’s UK has given Parkinsons UK logo

£12,000 for a similar service improvement project in this condition.

Both projects will focus on simple, low-cost changes that make a big difference for patients and their families/carers.

Trafford partners with Sale Sharks

Trafford’s Community Stroke and Neurorehabilitation Team has teamed up with Sale Sharks Foundation to run a free weekly exercise group for people with Parkinson’s.

The sessions help people stay active and social during rehabilitation. Feedback from attendees has been great so far.

World Stroke Day in Stockport

The stroke team at Stepping Hill Hospital marked World Stroke Day in October.

They had fun challenges to highlight the importance of intensive rehabilitation.

Staff, patients, and families cycled 96 km and completed 8,000 sit-to-stands!

The event celebrated teamwork and determination, and nurses shared tips on stroke prevention.

Think Ahead turns 25!

In October, Wigan stroke charity Think Ahead celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Think Ahead offers mentoring, wellbeing programmes and social activities to help people rebuild confidence after a stroke.

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