DOZENS of stroke victims should see an improvement in their care after a group of carers did a specialist training course.

The carers were honoured as ‘stroke champions’ in a celebration in Blackburn yesterday attended by health chiefs, stroke survivors and Blackburn mayor Alan Cottam.

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The initiative aims to reward care assistants from residential homes around Blackburn who have received regular training with stroke professionals.

Each session focuses on topics like language and communication, swallowing, and the psychological impact of stroke.

The initiative is organised by the Stroke Association and certificates were handed out at Barbara Castle Way Health Centre.

Debby McCormack, a Blackburn charity co-ordinator, said: “Stroke has a massive and sudden impact. It affects people physically and emotionally.

“Families and carers are often shocked and can feel isolated as they struggle to deal with the impact on their loved-ones.”

Cllr Cottam said: “This was a really valuable and worthwhile course.

“There is some funding in place for the sessions to be offered next year as well and we want to see that continue.”

A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain.

There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and 1.2 million people living with the effects of stroke.

The Stroke Association provides an information, advice and support service.

Ring the charity helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk