Stroke foundation satisfied with achievements over two years |16 November 2020

The AGM in full swing (Photos: Thomas Meriton)

The Seychelles Stroke Foundation is satisfied with the accomplishments of the organisation since its formation in March 2018, in raising awareness about stroke among the local population and on how to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Such sentiments were echoed by members of the foundation on Saturday, as they held their annual general meeting at the ex-Exiles Club, Victoria.

Seychelles Stroke Foundation (SSF) chairperson Noemie Woodcock, who was once again re-elected for a two-year mandate, has said she is satisfied with the accomplishments of the association over the past two years, as it has successfully brought stroke to the attention of the public, and served to eliminate some of the stigma associated with strokes.

“We are satisfied with what we have done over the past two years, although we are also conscious that we still have more to do. When we started in 2018, we had barely anything but the members worked together to make it work. As a foundation, even if we do not have much financially, we do things from the heart. In fact, not all help comes with a cost. Take for instance our visits, a short visit to a stroke survivor who may be living alone without the support of family and relatives could mean the world to that person and brighten up his/her day,” Mrs Woodcock stated.

Over the past year, the SSF erected billboards and banners around the island, as part of its educational campaigns. As a member of the World Stroke Organisation (WSO), the small organisation was recognised and commended by WSO for its efforts to educate the population as to stroke, the causes of strokes, the symptoms, and after-care for persons who suffer from a stroke.

As for this year, the SSF has been unable to execute some of the activities on its calendar due to the restrictions and guidelines in place against the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the foundation remains committed to educating the population, this time going further to include a campaign advising of how to react if one is ever suffering a stroke, or witnesses someone else suffering from stroke.

“People are now aware of what a stroke is. So our emphasis is on how to respond. We want people to know that in the event of a stroke, seek medical attention as soon as possible as time is critical. They need to know that they should seek help from the casualty as opposed to their local healthcare facility, which is likely to refer them back to casualty at the Seychelles Hospital,” Mrs Woodcock explained.

In addition, the SSF aims to bring more attention to the importance of leading healthy lifestyles and making the right choices, and to ultimately establish a centre to group together stroke survivors, their families and carers for a multitude of related services.

With the election of the new committee, it is hoped that the foundation can do more, and grow its membership. It also hopes for better collaborations with the Ministry of Health, to further the work started by the humble foundation, which thus far has 38 members.

The foundation is planning numerous activities towards the cause, including a fund-raising lottery which is expected to go on sale by December and the draw held on the foundation’s third anniversary in March 2021, as well as a dinner dance if restrictions are lifted.

“It is all worth it for us as we do it wholeheartedly and selflessly. I am proud, especially knowing that the stroke survivors are very appreciative of what we are doing. They know we are doing it from the heart.”

Laura Pillay