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Gap Finders: InterAct Stroke Support

Caroline Smith started InterAct Stroke Support in 2000, they send actors in to hospitals and stroke clubs to read to people.

Caroline Smith was a theatre director who had the seed of an idea planted after a conversation with her brother as he battled cancer in the late 90’s. Years later that idea returned and she decided to act on it, creating InterAct Stroke Support in 2000.
InterAct Stroke Support works with professional actors who go in to hospitals, stroke clubs and online around the UK, and read aloud to stroke survivors. The actors provide much more than a reading service, they perform and entertain, all in a hospital environment whilst bringing stories and poetry alive.
Caroline believed in the relationship between art and health, and along with her experience in theatre, had a firm belief that they could help stimulate the memory of the patients, engage with language, and lift spirits - ultimately alleviating symptoms of post stroke depression which can slow or even arrest recovery.

You can contact You & Yours by emailing youandyours@bbc.co.uk or using the hashtag #youandyours

Presenter: Winifred Robinson
Producer: Dave James

Available now

53 minutes

Broadcast

  • Thu 29 Aug 2024 12:04

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