Renfrewshire Stroke Group (RSG) is reaching out to anyone in the area who might need their help.
As this month marks the annual Make May Purple campaign, the group wants to raise awareness of its services and encourage more people to get involved.
RSG meets on the first Wednesday of every month at the cabin in Renfrew Leisure Centre from 1pm to 3pm, offering a welcoming space for stroke survivors and their carers to connect, share stories, and support one another.
The group currently has around 46 members of all ages from across the area.
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Sharon Williams, a stroke survivor from Renfrew and now chair of Renfrewshire Stroke Group (RSG), said: "I was told by a friend to try the Renfrewshire Stroke Group.
"It was a place where I could go to meet other people affected by stroke, to share experiences, and enjoy a bit of banter.
"I was welcomed so warmly, and it didn’t take me long to open up and talk about the things that were worrying me, things that I might not share with my family."
At each meeting, members take part in discussions on a wide range of topics, share information and resources, and have speakers along every few months.
They also organise fundraising activities throughout the year to support their work.
Social events, including a Christmas night out at the Glynhill and regular days out, are also a key part of the group’s calendar.
On May 27, more than 30 members will visit Dumfries House, an 18th-century stately home and gardens near Cumnock.
Craig Borland from Johnstone, who survived a stroke in 2022 and is now a fundraising volunteer with RSG, said: "The group has been a great place for me to go and I have enjoyed getting involved and helping.
"I would encourage any survivors who need support to come along and experience the group."
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Strokes are a serious health concern in Scotland, with someone affected every 49 minutes and more than 150,000 Scots currently living with the impact of the condition.
Anyone interested in joining the group or seeking advice can visit the Renfrewshire Stroke Group page on the Stroke Association’s website.
John Watson, associate director for the Stroke Association in Scotland, said: "The RSG has grown tremendously over the last few years thanks to the sterling efforts of volunteers like Sharon and Craig.
"They are a shining example of the power of peer support."
For more information about support in Scotland, visit: www.stroke.org/Scotland.
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