Maria Miller, MP for Basingstoke and also Minister for Disabled People, attended the Basingstoke Area Stroke Support Group’s Open Day at Carnival Hall on Friday 18 May. The Open Day was held to mark National Stroke Month in May.

 Maria was shown around the Open Day by one of the volunteers at the Group, and had the opportunity to see a number of the regular sessions in progress, including the Peer Led Conversation Group, for people with speech difficulties, the Art Group and the seated Exercise Group. She also saw the garden that has been planted at the front of Carnival Hall by members of the Group, and admired the Diamond Jubilee and Olympic-themed planting.

 In a short presentation, two of the Support Group’s members spoke of the difference that the Group has made for them in helping them with their recovery from their strokes.

 Maria said: “It was a privilege to attend this Open Day and hear about the fantastic work that the volunteers here are doing to help stroke survivors and their carers in the Basingstoke area. This sort of voluntary group plays such an important role in giving people the support they need to regain confidence, get involved in social activities, and share their experiences with others.”