South Londoners surviving and thriving after a stroke

Two inspiring women from South London are showing the world that it is possible to return to good health after a stroke with the right support and encouragement – and a sprinkling of determination.

According to the charity The Stroke Association, a stroke occurs when the blood supply is cut off to part of the brain. It can happen to anyone at any age, and the after-effects can be life-changing, impacting how the body works and how a person thinks and feels.

Each year, approximately 100,000 people in the UK suffer a stroke. Naturally, it can take time and effort to rebuild strength and resilience after such a serious event.

Rita (not her real name) lives in Lewisham and was relatively young when she had a stroke four years ago. Now aged 45, she attends weekly ‘Healthwise’ sessions at Glass Mill Leisure Centre.

Healthwise is the exercise referral scheme operating at ‘Better’ leisure centres in the borough. Customers who are living with serious illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer or a stroke, or recovering from their effects, are offered a low-cost, tailor-made programme of gentle, restorative exercise under the guidance of a trained adviser.

“I started on the Healthwise programme at the end of last year,” Rita explains. “It’s taken a while, but I am slowly working on strengthening my left side (which was weakened by the stroke). I used to work as a carer, and now carers are looking after me, but I hope I won’t need them for much longer.

“It’s helpful to mix with other people who have health conditions. No one’s judging each other – we’re all there to get better. Georgia, the Healthwise Coordinator, does a brilliant job. She shows me how to do the exercises and has offered advice on healthy eating. If you listen to her, you’ll think you can conquer the world!”
Fellow participant Rose St Louis, aged 58, lives in Catford and suffered a stroke eleven years ago. The incident affected her eyesight, balance and ability to walk and she was forced to give up her high-powered role as a marketing manager where she controlled a budget of £5 million.

“I’ve been going to the Healthwise classes for about a year-and-a-half, and it’s helped me a great deal,” she says. “I still walk with a stick, but I’m a lot stronger and faster now – when I go out with my sister, she’s always trailing behind! When I started, I was using the little weights, but with Georgia’s encouragement, I’ve moved on to the larger ones – something I never thought I’d be able to do.

“My confidence has improved 100% and I look forward to going there every week. It’s good to get out and socialise with other people.”
Leisure centres in Lewisham are run by charitable social enterprise GLL – in partnership with Lewisham Council – under the ‘Better’ brand. Supporting the wellbeing of local people is an important part of the organisation’s ethos.

Georgia King-Espinal, GLL’s Healthwise Coordinator in the borough, comments, “Post-stroke, building a person’s confidence is especially crucial for their recovery. Stroke survivors often face physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges, which can lead to feelings of uncertainty or diminished self-worth.

Encouraging them to celebrate small successes, providing positive reinforcement and offering emotional support can help restore their sense of control and optimism. This can be a key factor in motivating them to actively engage in rehabilitation, adapt to new circumstances, and regain independence.

“Working on fitness is crucial for restoring physical function, improving mobility, and preventing complications like muscle atrophy or joint stiffness. It also boosts cardiovascular health, reduces the risk of future strokes, and aids in mental recovery by enhancing mood and cognitive function. Regular exercise promotes independence, helps stroke survivors regain everyday abilities, and improves overall quality of life.”
For more information on Better’s Healthwise scheme – which also runs in other London boroughs – contact

The Stroke Association website is at: www.stroke.org.uk