Activities and Groups

Current Activities & Groups

In order to continue aiding mental and social rehabilitation after stroke – we have developed a variety of 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 happily talk through our services. They are as follows:

Face to face groups (BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL - Please call 01942 824888 to enquire and book onto a session.)

Think Ahead Tavern - Weekly Tuesday afternoons - (1.00pm until 2.30pm)

The Tavern is a weekly pub-themed support group for male stroke survivors and carers. The group meets on Tuesday afternoons 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.

The Snug - Weekly Tuesday afternoons - (1.00pm until 2.30pm)

The Snug is a weekly women only activity group for stroke survivors and carers. It runs alongside our men’s group the Think Ahead Tavern on Tuesdays. Come along for a brew and biscuit with like minded people. Games, puzzles and other activities will be available on request too!

Relaxation treatments - Weekly Tuesday afternoons - (12.30pm until 3.00pm)

Join our amazing volunteer Val for a therapeutic and relaxing session - choose from a hand / foot massage or Reiki treatment. Please note this session needs to be booked in advance via our office.

Crafting with needles - Fortnightly Friday mornings - (10.30am - 12.30pm)

Work on your knitting, crochet, cross-stich or embroidery and chat over a relaxing cuppa and biscuits with great company, or try needle felting under guidance from our wonderful tutor Linda. (There is a small charge of £3.00 for materials - needle felting only.)

Art Group - Fortnightly Friday mornings (10.00am until 12.30pm - Tutor Janet 10.00am - 12.00pm)

Join our talented art tutor Janet for this wonderfully relaxed and friendly class. You need not have painted before, as experts and novices alike are welcome.

Music Group - Fortnightly Friday afternoons (1.00pm until 2.30pm)

Come on down and join the gang for this fun musical based activity group. Singing sessions, drumming routines and opportunity aplenty to play your favourite instruments are in store. No prior musical experience needed, novices and experts welcome alike.

Tuneful Instrumental Group - Fortnightly Friday afternoons (11.00am - 12.30pm)

Learn to play a guitar with our wonderful Volunteer George or play an instrument of your choice (including tambourine, maracas and kazoo) with a group of music enthusiasts.

Pamper and Relax - Monthly Monday mornings (11.00am - 12.30pm)

Join our talented volunteers from the Beauty and Wellness sector and indulge in a variety of relaxing mini treatments, in a calming and quiet environment.

Potluck lunch - Monthly Monday afternoons (12.00pm - 1.30pm)

A bring and share style gathering, attendees are invited to bring a dish of their choice to share with the group in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.

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.

Social Media Communities:

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.

Latest

Andy raises an amazing £2649.00 strollin for strokes in Liverpool!

"We’re very lucky in Wigan to have this resource, it’s a wonderful charity and it deserves our help." Andy and a motley crew of plucky individuals complete a sponsored Walk in Liverpool on Sunday 19th May 2024 in aid of Think Ahead.
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.

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’.
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.
TIAs: It’s More Dangerous to Do Nothing

It is important that we recognise and respond to ill-health as and when it happens. Hospitals are reporting significant falls in admissions for a range of conditions, including transient ischaemic attack, TIAs or "mini strokes".
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
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
Fundraising Ideas

A list of modern fundraising ideas for anybody looking at raising funds for a good cause, or for a local charity.
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 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.
Who We Are and What We do

Founded in 2000, Think Ahead Stroke supports stroke survivors and carers through the trauma of Stroke
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.

Alan Hewitt

After suffering a stroke in 2018, Dad started to attend the Think Ahead group where he made lots of friends and was able to enjoy many of the wonderfully organised events. For all those who wish to make a donation in his memory, we are asking for donations to be made to the Think Ahead group in Wigan to support all of the wonderful work they do to help support stroke survivors and their families. Read more

Donate Fundraise