Leisure centre to offer specialist rehabilitation course for stroke survivors

A leisure centre in Three Rivers is proud to launch a stroke rehabilitation group later this month.

South Oxhey Leisure Centre, managed by Everyone Active in partnership with Three Rivers District Council, will be offering the specialist pool sessions for those who have suffered a stroke recently or historically.

The ‘Swimming after a Stroke’ sessions start on Tuesday 29 June and will be held in the centre’s main pool. The course will run once a week for 12 weeks and classes will be instructed by a fully qualified swimming and aquatic therapy instructor in a relaxed atmosphere.

The clinic is an opportunity for people to participate in specific water therapy exercises and practice swimming with a group of up to 12 fellow stroke survivors. The therapeutic properties of the water help to support the body by using the buoyancy and resistance of the water to move the body and build muscular strength. The aim is to improve quality of the body’s movement and improve strength and balance.

Everyone Active is working closely with the Stroke Association to be able to deliver these sessions. Participants will be referred to the sessions via their local GP.

John Sewell, area contract manager at Everyone Active, said: “We are so proud to be able to deliver these specialist sessions to those who have suffered a stroke. We are passionate about engaging people from all backgrounds in activity and are pleased to be able to support those who are on a journey to recovery.

“We are one of the only centres in the area that offers this course and would encourage any stroke survivors in the area to speak to a member of the team if they feel they would benefit from these classes.”

Cllr Chris Lloyd, Lead Member for Leisure, said: “My wife’s aunt in Scotland recently suffered a stroke and my mother-in-law used to help at the Stroke Club in Croxley, so I know only too well the devastating impact a stroke can have. This is a fantastic initiative that I am sure will help many people in our community in their recovery.”

To find out more, please contact SouthOxheySwim@everyoneactive.com