STROKES affect around 152,000 people each year, with the resulting brain damage being the largest cause of adult disability in the UK.

And two thirds of those who survive a stroke, also suffer depression and anxiety, according to The Stroke Association.

There is often due to a lack of emotional support and practical advice available after suffering a stroke.

Now a new project has been launched at The Royal Bournemouth Hospital to assist rehabilitation.

It is a joint venture between therapists and dieticians who run special lunch and breakfast clubs in the dining room on the unit.

Patients are encouraged to make their own tea and breakfast under supervision and to interact together at lunch times. Heidi Feld, a specialist speech and language therapist, said: “There are so many health benefits. Not only does it help to promote independence and give them a bit of normality, it also engages them socially, rather than staying on the ward.”

“It also enables us to monitor them more effectively and encourages them to eat more.”

Anna Perrin, a clinical specialist agreed: “Strokes affect everybody in different ways. Some have communication problems, some have difficulty swallowing – each one has a different goal.

“For some it might be using their left hand to eat their food.”

Betty Ingrem, 86, who has been at RBH for five weeks, said: “I think it’s a very good idea because in the ward there are just three of us so it’s nice to see some new faces at meal times.”

Fellow patient Stefan Pigarsa said: “The stroke has affected my balance a little bit so it is good for me to walk here rather than stay on the ward.”