Keymer Hall Launches First Stroke Friendship Café
Keymer Hall opened its doors last week to host its very first Stroke Friendship Café, marking an important new chapter in community support for stroke survivors and their families.
The morning began with an informative presentation from Lynn Vincent, Engagement Officer for the Stroke Association South East, who walked attendees through the key facts about stroke, from recognising the symptoms to understanding recovery times and the support available. Her presentation covered the causes, the warning signs to watch for, and the different paths recovery can take.
“We wanted to create something that went beyond just information sharing,” said Christine Bunce, Home Manager at Keymer Hall. “When you see people who’ve been through similar experiences sitting together, sharing stories over a cup of tea and fresh pastries in our bistro, you realize how powerful that connection is. Nobody should feel alone after a stroke.”
Following the presentation, guests gathered in Keymer Hall’s bistro for freshly baked pastries, hot drinks, and the kind of honest conversation that only happens when people feel truly safe and understood. The feedback has been moving, with many expressing relief at finding a regular space where they can be themselves.
Jenna Fowler, Admissions Manager and organiser of the café, explained the thinking behind the initiative: “Stroke doesn’t just affect one person, it changes entire families. We saw a real need in our community for a place where people could meet others who understand what they’re going through, without judgment or pressure. The café is about friendship, support, and knowing you’re not facing this alone.”
Understanding Stroke
A stroke happens when blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, killing brain cells and potentially affecting how the body works, as well as how someone thinks and feels. In the UK, around 100,000 people have strokes each year, and there are currently 1.4 million stroke survivors living across the country. Every day, approximately 240 people survive a stroke.
The Stroke Association emphasizes that stroke is a medical emergency – if you spot the signs, call 999 immediately. The effects of stroke vary widely depending on where in the brain it occurs and how large the affected area is. Recovery is different for everyone, but with proper support, many stroke survivors can rebuild their lives.
About the Stroke Association
The Stroke Association is here to support people to rebuild their lives after stroke. The charity provides expert information, support services including a dedicated helpline (0303 3033 100), and local community groups across the UK. Their South East team works to connect stroke survivors and their families with the resources and support they need throughout their recovery journey.
The organization funds research, campaigns for better stroke care, and works to ensure that stroke survivors and their families can find the strength they need to move forward. As they put it, “Surviving a stroke is just the start of a long and difficult recovery journey.”
At Boutique Care Homes, community support sits at the heart of everything we do. The Stroke Friendship Café at Keymer Hall represents our belief that care goes well beyond daily support – it’s about building connections, showing up for our neighbors, and creating moments that genuinely matter.
The café will run regularly, offering a consistent space for connection and support. Anyone affected by stroke – survivors, family members, or carers – is welcome.
A heartfelt thank you to the Stroke Association South East for their partnership and support in making this possible.
For more information about the Stroke Friendship Café at Keymer Hall, please visit www.keymerhall.care
