Think Ahead Stroke receives top award from the Queen

Everyone at Think Ahead Stroke is delighted that our volunteers' efforts have been recognised by her majesty the Queen.

Think Ahead Stroke has been given the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and equivalent to an MBE.

The charity offers free support, advice and information to stroke survivors, carers and their families throughout the borough, led by a dedicated team of volunteers with lived experience as either a stroke survivor or a carer.

Volunteer and member, Kathleen and Graham.

Chairman and founder member Mike Aspinall said: “During the charity’s 22 years there have been a wealth of volunteers who have given their time freely to support Think Ahead Stroke and we are delighted that present and past volunteers are being recognised in this way.”

Mike Aspinall, Founder and Chairman of Think Ahead Stroke

Based at Ashland House in Ince, Think Ahead Stroke offers all kinds of help to stroke survivors, families and carers, from its self-care, well-being and peer mentoring programmes to weekly activity support groups.

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the UK, with around a 1,000 people having a stroke in Wigan every year.

Think Ahead Stroke is one of 244 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year, which is announced on June 2, the anniversary of the Queen’s coronation.

Representatives of Think Ahead Stroke will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2023.

Trustees of Think Ahead Stroke picking up the Queens Award Crystal.

Our Trustees graciously accepted our Queen's Award for Voluntary Service at The Monastery Manchester. This award is a testament to the amazing work our volunteers put in, week in, week out. We wouldn't be able to do what we do, without them! This event is but the first of a series of occasions to mark the fantastic award. But for now and on behalf of our Trustees, thank you to all of our brilliant volunteers for your determined, passionate work - you are at the heart of the support we provide. Thank you also to the organisers for a great ceremony!

Trustees of Think Ahead Stroke picking up the Queens Award Crystal.

To find out more, or to speak to a member of the team - call 01942 824888!

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Stuart and Agnes's story
Strollin’ For Strokes

I am a stroke survivor and found the Think Ahead charity to be an invaluable source of support, comfort, advice and information at a very difficult time in my life. I’m well aware that Think Ahead has only a small team of people, but they are doing a wonderful thing for everyone that they offer support to. This is my way of thanking everyone at Think Ahead for the help they have given me and will hopefully enable me to give something back, now that I am capable of doing so.
We are seeking Trustees/Board Members

Think Ahead Stroke wishes to strengthen its Board by recruiting additional Directors/Trustees. Most importantly, we are looking for dynamic and passionate local people of the highest calibre who have empathy with Stroke, primarily either through a close family member, friend, or work background.
Office Space to let

Office space to let Charities, CiC's and Not for Profit organisations

Strollin’ For Strokes

I am a stroke survivor and found the Think Ahead charity to be an invaluable source of support, comfort, advice and information at a very difficult time in my life. I’m well aware that Think Ahead has only a small team of people, but they are doing a wonderful thing for everyone that they offer support to. This is my way of thanking everyone at Think Ahead for the help they have given me and will hopefully enable me to give something back, now that I am capable of doing so.
We are seeking Trustees/Board Members

Think Ahead Stroke wishes to strengthen its Board by recruiting additional Directors/Trustees. Most importantly, we are looking for dynamic and passionate local people of the highest calibre who have empathy with Stroke, primarily either through a close family member, friend, or work background.
Office Space to let

Office space to let Charities, CiC's and Not for Profit organisations
The Covid-19 Vaccine - what it means for Stroke Survivors

As the coronavirus vaccine continues to be rolled out nationwide, many stroke survivors will be left wondering what it means for them. Below are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions below.

What is a Stroke

A stroke is a blood clot or bleed in the brain and can lead to permanent neurological damage, complications and sometimes death. There are different types of strokes, depending on whether the disruption in blood flow resulted from a blockage or a burst, Ischaemic Stroke, Haemorrhagic Stroke, Subarachnoid Haemorrhage, and Transient attack or ‘mini-stroke’.
Download health information

Download Think Ahead's healthy living leaflet for information on how to avoid stroke, or the FAST poster to find out what to do if somebody is having a stroke
What Causes Stroke

Stroke can happen to anyone, of any age and at any time. Keep an eye on the warning signs, high blood pressure, previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking and atrial fibrillation.
Stroke Prevention

Download Think Ahead's stroke prevention poster or healthy living advice leaflet for information on simple lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of stroke
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In these challenging and unusual times, it’s important that we still recognise and respond to ill-health that is unrelated to the Coronavirus. Hospitals are reporting significant falls in admission for a range of conditions, including transient ischaemic attack, TIAs or "mini strokes".
Stepping Stones For Stroke

Think Ahead Stroke has created a step-by-step stroke information and recovery programme. Mentoring Programme. A free programme for stroke survivors and their carers that covers building confidence and independence, healthy living, communication, accessing local services, mobility and support for carers.
The Covid-19 Vaccine - what it means for Stroke Survivors

As the coronavirus vaccine continues to be rolled out nationwide, many stroke survivors will be left wondering what it means for them. Below are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions below.
The Fear: Will it happen again?

A very common question that arises after having a stroke is “will it happen again? Many of the stroke survivors we speak to talk of the crippling anxiety and worry that comes with having a stroke and often ask, “could I have another stroke and what if it is more severe next time?” Here are our top tips to deal with the fear of having another stroke.
Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are crucial at Think Ahead Stroke. Get in touch and help your local stroke survivors.

Office Space to let

Office space to let Charities, CiC's and Not for Profit organisations Read more

Strollin’ For Strokes

I am a stroke survivor and found the Think Ahead charity to be an invaluable source of support, comfort, advice and information at a very difficult time in my life. I’m well aware that Think Ahead has only a small team of people, but they are doing a wonderful thing for everyone that they offer support to. This is my way of thanking everyone at Think Ahead for the help they have given me and will hopefully enable me to give something back, now that I am capable of doing so. Read more

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