Watford stroke scheme named a NHS project of the year

People from the stroke programme <i>(Image: WFC)</i>
People from the stroke programme (Image: WFC)
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An award-winning rehabilitation scheme is helping stroke survivors regain independence and rebuild their lives.

The LNWH Stroke Rehabilitation Programme, delivered in partnership with the Chelsea FC Foundation and Watford FC Foundation, combines supervised physical activity, health coaching, and peer support at football club facilities to support recovery.

The scheme, funded by the LNWH Charity, is tailored to help stroke survivors regain confidence and improve long-term health outcomes.

Sophie Kempsford, clinical lead for stroke, neuro, and early supported discharge, said: "This programme shows what working in partnership can achieve with a programme co-designed with stroke survivors and co-delivered with community organisations.

"Many of the participants have described the programme as a lifeline."

Outcomes have been strong, with 95 per cent of participants reporting increased confidence to exercise independently. Around 85 per cent continued exercising three months after completing the scheme.

Plans are now underway to expand the model across London. There are also ambitions to adapt it for cardiac, renal, and metabolic rehabilitation using the same community-led approach.

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