A group of stroke survivors from South Tyneside have unveiled a project to help other people like them to get around and explore the area as part of their rehabilitation programme.
The project has involved the creation of a special walking route and map, starting from Jarrow Metro station. The easy-to-follow 1.4 mile route aims to help fellow stroke survivors to improve their mobility and increase their independence.
The project is the result of an innovative well-being partnership between DB Regio Tyne and Wear, which operates Metro on behalf of Nexus, and the Stroke Association.
Jane Evans, Communication Support Co-ordinator for the Stroke Association in the North East, said: “The Jarrow Riverside Stroll has been such a great project to work on. The new map from Metro will help so many people who have had a stroke ng to get out and about in their local community as part of their recovery.
“A stroke can affect how you move, feel and think, but it doesn't have to stop you from enjoying a life after stroke. Each stroke is unique, but getting better will involve rehabilitation, which is about overcoming and adapting to the effects of your stroke. “The group has put a lot of thought and effort into creating their map and the walk – even down to the way the leaflet folds, which is simple enough for someone to manage if they have suffered from a loss of mobility and dexterity as a result of stroke.”
The group of creative cartographers included Maureen Bedlington, Harry Ord, Joe Stoker, Helen Devine, John Devine, Cheryl Greary and John Greary.
As well as helping to devise and test the walk, the group worked with local artist Graham Hodgson to create watercolours of local landmarks including Jarrow Town Hall, the Vikings, Charles Palmer, Jarrow Riverside, Jarrow Metro station, Christ Church and the Tunnel Ventilation tower – all of which are landmarks along the route.
The artworks have now been compiled into one map to be displayed on the platforms at Jarrow Metro station and printed onto leaflets for Metro passengers to take with them on the walk.
The map was officially unveiled on Thursday 25th August at Jarrow Station. The Mayor of South Tyneside, Cllr Alan Smith, and David Gibson, Managing Director of DB Regio Tyne and Wear, also presented the group with their framed, finalised watercolour designs.
David Gibson, Managing Director of DB Regio Tyne and Wear, said: “We’re delighted to be able to work with the Stroke Association and with local stroke survivors to bring this fantastic idea to life for the benefit of other people who are recovering from stroke. We know that the Stroke Association offers a range of Life After Stroke services and Metro is very proud to play our part in helping local people. We’d like to say a big thanks to everyone who took part in creating this wonderful resource.”