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  • Activities and Groups
  1. My Stroke
  2. Activities and Groups

Activities and Groups

Current Activities & Groups

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, we have had to rethink how we can offer support activities and groups.

Therefore, in order to continue aiding mental and social rehabilitation after stroke – we have developed a variety of remote support services. If you think any of the below would be beneficial for you or someone you know, please get in touch on 01942 824888 and we will talk through our services. They are as follows:

Volunteer Peer-mentor Telephone Support Service:

  • Using our team of experienced volunteers, all of whom have vast personal experience of stroke, we have established a telephone support service which allows regular contact with stroke survivors, their carers and families via phone or video. Our peer-mentors are best equipped to listen and understand personal challenges that come with a stroke, before sharing their personal experiences and advice.

Telephone Buddy Club:

  • Using a team of stroke experienced 'buddies', all of whom have personal experience of stroke as a survivor or a carer, we have developed our very own telephone buddy club! Members that want to receive a buddy phone-call will let us know, and we link them up with one of our volunteer buddies - who then make contact via telephone.
  • The calls will combat loneliness and isolation during the covid-19 pandemic, and give people a friend that they can 'put the world to rights' with!

 Social Media Communities

  • With physical engagement having to take a backseat, here at Think Ahead Stroke we are proud to boast a great Facebook and Twitter presence. Our pages keep you up to date with the latest stroke information, inform you of what is happening locally in the community, and invites conversation on the latest stroke support news. While many of us are facing a long period of isolation, you do not have to do this alone. Join our thriving online communities for support and company.
  • Like us on Facebook by clicking HERE and follow us on Twitter by clicking HERE, and join our growing community of stroke supporters.

Face to face groups

  • Think Ahead Tavern - Weekly Tuesday afternoon - 1pm until 2:30pm

    The Tavern is a weekly pub-themed support group for working age male stroke survivors and carers. The group meets on a Tuesday at 1pm at Ashland House, so if you are a stroke survivor or carer who enjoy all the fun, games and banter of their local pub – but can no longer have a beer, this is the group for you.

    BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. Call 01942 824888 to enquire and book onto a session. This is so we can adhere to our Covid secure guidelines.

  • The Snug - Weekly Tuesday afternoon - 1pm until 2:30pm

    The Snug is a weekly women only activity group for stroke survivors AND carers. It will run alongside our Men’s only group the Think Ahead Tavern on Tuesday. The group will allow you to have a brew and biscuit with like minded people. Games, puzzles and other activities will be available on request too!

    BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. Call 01942 824888 to enquire and book onto a session. This is so we can adhere to our Covid secure guidelines.
  • Carers Group - Monthly - 1pm until 2:30pm

    A safe space for like-minded carers to share their experiences and friendly advice over a brew, and a biscuit or two! Activities and exercises will also be enjoyed! This group will take place on the last Wednesday of every month.

    BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. Call 01942 824888 to enquire and book onto a session. This is so we can adhere to our Covid secure guidelines.

  • Cinema Club - monthly Thursday afternoons - 1pm until 3:30pm

    The Think Ahead Cinema Club is ago! This group will look to screen some of your favourite films. Everything from musicals to action classics! It will take place monthly at first, but has scope to increase.

    BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. Call 01942 824888 to enquire and book onto a session. This is so we can adhere to our Covid secure guidelines.

  • Knit & Natter - Fortnightly Thursday afternoons - 1pm until 3pm

    This is a relaxed, inclusive group which is open to stroke survivors and carers alike. You need not be an expert knitter - as our lovely tutor Denise will guide you on your way to knitting mastery! And of course, there will be plenty of nattering alongside the needlework!

    BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. Call 01942 824888 to enquire and book onto a session. This is so we can adhere to our Covid secure guidelines.

  • Fuzzy Felters - Fortnightly Friday mornings - 10:30am until 12:30pm

    Another relaxing, yet creative class - the fuzzy felters sees amazing tutor Linda guide you towards wool masterpieces! There is a small charge of £3 for materials.

    BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. Call 01942 824888 to enquire and book onto a session. This is so we can adhere to our Covid secure guidelines. 
  • Art Group - Fortnightly Friday mornings - 10am until 12pm

    Join art tutor Janet for this wonderfully relaxed and friendly class. You need not have painted before, as experts and novices alike are welcome. Artwork produced in this class will also go towards our annual Art Calendar!

    BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. Call 01942 824888 to enquire and book onto a session. This is so we can adhere to our Covid secure guidelines.

Pre-Coronavirus Activities and Groups

Prior to Covid-19 forced us to close our Stroke Information Centre doors, Think Ahead Stroke organised a variety of carefully developed and accessible group activities and classes.

These services were only available in a pre-pandemic world. We will continue to consult our members and do all we can to provide what is safe and possible to do so.

Any questions do not hesitate to call us at 01942 824888 and we will happily discuss our current options above.

Monthly get-togethers

Hosted at St. Peter’s Pavilion, Hindley, our monthly ‘get-togethers’ are always eagerly anticipated and popular.  Get-together themes change with the seasons, such as Easter and Halloween, but the big December Christmas lunch always an annual highlight.  Pick-up and drop-offs can be arranged from home in advance for those most at need.

Day trips

Once a month Think Ahead Stroke organises group trips away to fun locations carefully selected so as to be accessible to all.  Pick-up and drop-off is provided from your door.  Recent trips have included lunches, shopping trips and a day at the races.  All you have to do is sign up and enjoy the day.

The Think Ahead Tavern

The Tavern is a weekly pub-themed support group for working age male stroke survivors and carers. The group meets on a Tuesday at 1pm at Ashland House, so if you are a stroke survivor or carer who enjoy all the fun, games and banter of their local pub – but can no longer have a beer, this is the group for you. For more information click here.

Fuzzy felters

Learn how to tease raw, natural sheep’s wool into toys, key-rings and other fun items in this therapeutic, relaxing and sociable class.  Suitable for all levels of fitness and ages.  Why not learn how to make fuzzy felt gifts for friends and family?

Card making

Join stroke survivor Lynn and her group of talented helpers in this always a very popular and lively class.   A fun way to channel your inner creativity, learn new skills and impress your friends and neighbours on birthdays and at Easter and Christmas. Suitable for all levels of fitness and ages.

Knit N’ Natter

For knitters of all standards, Knit N’ Natter is a relaxed way to catch up with old friends or make new ones whilst working on those winter woollies.  You can also learn the art of loom knitting and crocheting from Anita and new knitting tips and skills from other group members.

Tai Chi

Improve your strength, flexibility and calmness with deep, natural, relaxed breathing and soft, easy and fluid movement.  Suitable for all levels of fitness and ages.

Yoga

Proven to improve flexibility and mindfulness, this gentle, chair based yoga is for all ages and abilities.

Art Group

Join art tutor Janet for this wonderfully relaxed and friendly class. You need not have painted before, as experts and novices alike are welcome. Artwork produced in this class will also go towards our annual Art Calendar!

Fishing group

Enjoy the tranquil surroundings of beautiful Appley Bridge with fishermen (and women) of varying abilities and ages.  Everything is organised for your arrival, including angling equipment, wheelchair access to the water’s edge and volunteer support if needed.  Great for getting you out into the fresh air and meeting new people (and fish - hopefully).

Published: 3rd January, 2019

Updated: 23rd June, 2022

Author: Adam Jackson

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Latest tweet

  • 🙌 This afternoon we welcomed back our wonderful Card Class. 🙌 😯 This was the first session for the card group sinc… https://t.co/HoOdUFl7hc

    24thSeptember, 2021 @ThinkAheadWigan
  • 🙌😌 This morning we enjoyed a thoroughly therapeutic activity in our Fuzzy Felters class! 🦉 Today's creation - baby… https://t.co/4AcGRRGB7v

    24thSeptember, 2021 @ThinkAheadWigan
  • ☎ Telephone Activity Groups ☎ 🙏 Bingo, quizzes, puzzles and a good chit chat await you with our telephone activity… https://t.co/jSnBOmbo8r

    23rdSeptember, 2021 @ThinkAheadWigan

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Ashland house
Manchester Road
Ince
Wigan
WN2 2DX
Tel: 01942 824 888
Email: [email protected]
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Think Ahead Community Stroke Group is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales under number 6654712 and registered as a Charity number 1128934

Registered office , Stroke Information Centre, Ashland House, Manchester Road, Ince, Wigan. WN2 2DX