Local centre helps Shepparton stroke survivors take back control

By Anna McGuinness

Aug 10, 2022

Shepparton Stroke Support Centre co-ordinator Melanie Dudley with participant Francis Dean at the stall at Shepparton Marketplace during National Stroke Week. Photo: Rechelle Zammit. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Shepparton’s Francis Dean hadn’t been back to the place where he had a stroke three years ago — until Tuesday, during National Stroke Week.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Mr Dean had been sitting having a coffee at Shepparton Marketplace when his friend noticed something was wrong.

“I thought I was all right but my mate opposite me said, ‘aren’t you well?’,” he said.

“They rang the ambulance and I found out later I was drooping down the side of my mouth — that’s how they knew.”

The 72-year-old was back at the Shepparton Stroke Support Centre stall set up at the marketplace on Tuesday and Thursday this week.

The stall is raising awareness of the warning signs and impacts of stroke, as well as of the services on offer through the support centre.

Mr Dean was referred to the centre by his speech therapist and takes part in walking groups, café visits and even bowling with other stroke survivors, and said it had turned his life around.

“I was getting pretty well depressed — everyone was during COVID, and not getting out,” he said.

“It’s great to go with other people who know what you’re going through.

“I never miss it.”

Face drooping, like Mr Dean experienced, is one of the first signs of stroke, part of the acronym F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech, Time).

The message during National Stroke Week is to ‘Act F.A.S.T’ — the quicker a stroke is treated, the better chance of survival and recovery people have.

Acting co-ordinator of the stroke centre and vocational consultant Melanie Dudley has had a stroke herself.

She said the centre was running outreach services in the community until it found a permanent home.

“It’s about reconnecting people back into the community so they can build up some confidence and talk to people who have been through the same situation,” she said.

The centre helps stroke survivors take back control of their lives, whether they experienced their stroke recently or long ago.

A new program supports participants to achieve their goals in work or study, developing skills and addressing any barriers to get them there.

People who have experienced a stroke, or care for someone who has, can contact Melanie Dudley to discuss support and service options on 0493 279 100 or by emailing sheppartonvocation@strokeassociation.com.au