Jon Trickett

Jon Trickett MP met with the Regional Coordinator of the Stroke Association (Julia MacLoed) and invited Chair of the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Patient and Public Involvement Forum, Bill Storey and Pam Walker who runs HOPE, an older persons group in the area.  

Mr Trickett met with the Stroke Association about their latest campaign – ‘Lost Without Words’. The campaign details how hard it can be for stroke survivors who lose their ability to communicate to continue in their daily lives. There are very few communication support groups available for stroke survivors with the closest one being just outside Leeds. Only 11% of stroke survivors in the Yorkshire and Humber region have access to communication support services.

After lobbying from a number of MPs, including Mr Trickett, the Government has made money available for stroke services. £102,000 has bne made available t Wakefield Council for stroke support services and Jon has written to WMDC because he wants to see the funding rolled out straight away in away in the area.

Jon said:

‘A stroke can be a terribly debilitating experience. I am glad the funding to help stroke survivors has been made available and I want to see that money put into action straight away for people across our area. It has to help people who are living with the reality of stoke on a daily basis’

‘A number of stroke survivors lose their ability to communicate properly – it is hard to imagine one day going about your daily life and then next not being able to talk. If you think about it in those terms it really hits home’

The Stroke Association have issued cards for stroke survivors to carry with them that say ‘I have had a stroke and find it difficult to speak ,read or write. Please give me time to communicate. Speak clearly, taking your time and write down key words. Your help and patience would be appreciated.’ These are available from Jon’s office.

‘I urge people who have had a stroke and suffer communication difficulties – or their families – to get in touch and ask for one of these cards. I also urge people that when presented with one of these cards, to be patient, understanding and do your best to help’