Local CHSS volunteers making a difference in East Ayrshire! 26 June 2017 …press release…press release….press release… Two Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) volunteers from East Ayrshire have been awarded for the invaluable time and support they have given to people in their local community. Elizabeth Davidson and Roger Moody have both volunteered for CHSS for 3 ½ years by supporting people who face communication difficulties following a stroke. People can often be left feeling isolated, lonely and frustrated as a result of the after effects of stroke. Elizabeth and Roger have helped a number of people in Kilmarnock and Largs regain their confidence and get their lives back on track. In celebration of Volunteers’ Week, Maureen Murphy and Rachel Dickie from East Ayrshire Volunteer Centre visited the Kilmarnock Communication group on Tuesday 13th June to thank the two volunteers for making a difference in East Ayrshire. Allison Lee, CHSS Rehabilitation Support Coordinator said, “It was great to have Maureen and Rachel along to the group in Kilmarnock so that they could see first-hand how important our volunteers are and how incredible they are at what they do! There was plenty of cheering and clapping from those who attend the group as the volunteers received their certificates. It’s lovely to see that our volunteers are so highly thought of.” “Elizabeth and Roger and other volunteers like them play a huge part in many people’s stroke recovery journey. The groups in Kilmarnock and Largs offer vital communication support and encourage people to get back into the community, trying new things and doing what’s important to them. For example encouraging them to return to clubs and hobbies that they enjoyed before their stroke.” “Volunteering is hugely rewarding, not only can your time make a real difference to people living in your local community it can also be good for your own health. Volunteering can help to beat stress and by keeping physically and mentally active can often improve your own state of mind. So why not volunteer for CHSS and gain new skills, build friendships, broaden your experiences and open up the door to new possibilities!” For more information on volunteering opportunities within East Ayrshire contact Allison Lee on email: allison.lee@chss.org.uk or call: 07918690615 ENDS Photo 1 caption: (L-R) Maureen Murphy presents Elizabeth Davidson with a certificate thanking her for the difference she has made in East Ayrshire. Photo 2 caption: (L-R) David McInulty who attends the group in Kilmarnock and Elizabeth Davidson (volunteer) celebrating Volunteers’ Week! Media Enquiries: Katy Aitken, Senior Press Officer Tel: 0131 225 6963 email:katy.aitken@chss.org.uk Date: 20th June 2017 Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland 2nd Floor, Hobart House 80 Hanover Street Edinburgh EH2 1EL