MEMBERS of Weymouth Stroke Support Group are being encouraged to take the next step forward in actively promoting life after a stroke and join teams at Chesil Sailabilty.

In Autumn 2014, Chesil Sailability were awarded a government grant to work with community groups and Weymouth Stroke Support Group was selected to take part.

Their 'This Floats my Boat' project offers people across Dorset with long term health problems and disabilities the opportunity to sail with 'peer to peer' support, Chesil Sailability sailors, health and wellbeing groups and My Health My Way.

In their efforts to encourage people with long term health problems to become involved in a regular social and healthy outdoor activity, members of Chesil Sailability brought one of their smaller boats to meet the stroke group.

Members of the stoke group were shown around the boat and encouraged to learn the skill of sailing and enjoy a new hobby, despite their health problems or conditions.

Donna Barr, from Weymouth Stroke Support Group said: "It will really help to rebuild their confidence and it is a great chance to try something new.

The morning was wonderful for the group, they were all excited at the possibility of sailing. I think around 18 are going to give it a go, which is fabulous.

"At the group we are all about actively promoting life after stroke and my members being given the opportunity to learn a new skill and hobby is a step in the right direction."

The stroke group also had an inspiration talk from Tim Scarisbrick, who despite suffering from a stroke himself, has managed to get back into sailing and enjoy the hobby he used to love.

Mr Scarisbrick said:"It was really well received and quite a few people have signed up to the sailing.

"I used to go sailing before I had my stroke about four and a half years ago and Chesil Sailability helped me get back into it.

"It just shows that you can always do these things after experiencing these events."

Chesil Sailability offer their support to a variety of groups from stroke sufferers, people with spinal injuries, neurological conditions, to people with visual impairment and learning difficulties, as well as carers.

Anya de Iongh from Chesil Sailability said: "The meeting went really well. Tim gave a really empowering and inspiring talk and proved to the group that there is life after a stroke."