Feedback from the users of the Peer Support Programme

Dr L Saxena – Winstanley Medical Centre
With regards to the Stroke Club the feedback I have received from patients has been very positive. It has improved their social life, communication skills with others and also improves their movement and dexterity. I would definitely recommend stroke patients attend this club.

W M
I’m glad we now have someone from the Peer Project coming to see me who knows what its like to have a stroke. Because of the Peer Manager getting my wife a Carer’s assessment she may soon get some sort of a break from looking after me and her mother who has Alzheimer’s.
It will also allow me, with a little help, some time to look after my tropical fish.

W M’s Carer
I’m physically and mentally shattered – maybe some light at the end of a very long tunnel – thank you!

G L
A friend of mine told me about your organisation and having studied your website you seemed the most appropriate point of contact.

Thank you so much for the chat last night – it was good to find someone out there batting on my side in the battle to get a solution that is acceptable to me and is right for my wife and the rest of the family. When I’m through this part and the time is right I’d like to talk about what I can do to support your organisation.

To date I have found "Think Ahead" to be an extremely supportive but not intrusive organisation. You have always been there when I have needed help and support; you have kept in regular but non intrusive contact with me and allowed me to come to terms with "MY" problems at my own pace. For me, as one of those individuals who is not naturally a carer you have given me the help and guidance as well as being the information resource, that is appropriate to me and the person that I am and what I am capable of when it comes to the caring of my wife. Your network of people talk my language when it comes to practical solutions to common problems. You have been far more practical, understanding and supportive than the Stroke Association who have not offered any suitable support to me or my wife.

Mike, cannot think of anything more to say in general terms but if your funders would like to talk to me direct then I am more than happy to do so.

M B
I had a mini stroke a few weeks ago and was just dumped back in the community. No help whatsoever. The emotional support I got from your lady was great. I think that with a bit more help and advice from her it will boost my confidence and I can start to get my life back together again.

N C
I am so glad you encouraged me to join and come to the group meetings. You have boosted my confidence no end to the extent that I am now looking at trying to get back to work!

T R
Just a quick line to say thank you for the advice and guidance you have offered. I would have found it extremely difficult to have found all the information I have without being pointed in the right direction. As you are aware, most of what I have been trying to do for my Sister has been to no avail at this time but it is reassuring to know that should attitudes change in the future, I know that you are only a phone call away.
Many thanks again mate.

J S
After a sleepless night and sinking feeling all morning like a new boy starting school, I have to admit. WHAT A BLOODY WONDERFUL GROUP you all are. Made me and Lynn feel so welcome. We are hoping to go to the Indian night next week. Many Thanks Julian .

Is kinda pleased about going to the Think Ahead group today. I felt like the new boy at school but everyone made us feel so welcome.

Is tucked up under the duvet. Thinking its been am eventful day. One i didn’t think I would have guts to do what I did. Fingers crossed it’s the start of something good.

Margaret Langley - Line Managers Support Unit, Room B11, Makerfield Benefit Delivery Centre
I’d just like to say a really big thank you to you for all that you did yesterday and hope that it was as useful to you as it was for us. I noticed throughout the day you had several visitors at your stand and the feedback from staff was really positive. In particular I had one lady who asked if I would thank you personally as she was so impressed with how quickly and professionally you responded to her query.
Thank you once again and hope to be in touch soon. Just let us know if we can help with any of your initiatives.
Margaret

Sandra
My friends parents rang (I think this am, or maybe yesterday) They are over the moon, you have given them so much hope in just a few phone calls, things are happening. It's the first time anything has happened; other people have just been hot air.

I know one thing my friends feels is important is time out for her dad. So I think one of your day centre’s to get her mum out of the house in a safe environment, would give him the vital time he needs.

I know help in the house is important too, but Sheila is so worried about her dad, and him needing some space.

Thanks so much, you have made a difference already.

I'll keep in touch.
Best wishes Sandra

Sandra
Hi Mike,

Thanks for that, I think the meetings would be great. Do they have to have their own transport? And what times do you meet?

As I said my friend is over the moon, because somebody actually rang back and did something!!!!

Best wishes Sandra