THE first meeting of the Stroke Association in the Wee County has been held and hailed a success.

Members from the Stroke Association are working in partnership with the Clackmannanshire Tenants and Residents Federation to provide peer support for people living in the area who have been affected by the condition.

The Clackmannanshire stroke support group has been set up to help people access information and to be signposted to local services that may be able to offer further help.

Meetings will also provide a friendly and supportive environment in which people affected by stroke can come together and share similar experiences.

June Anderson, president of the Clackmannanshire Tenants and Residents Federation said: "We are delighted to be offering a support service to people affected by stroke in our local community.

"We have noticed there is a real need for further support for people dealing with the aftermath of a stroke.

"We are here to help anyone affected by stroke no matter how far down the stroke pathway they are and would be happy to meet carers, family and friends too."

Susie Bennett, Volunteering and Community Manager for the Stroke Association in Scotland said: "It can be an enormous challenge getting back into the community after a life changing event such as stroke.

"Accessing services, finding information and meeting others is not an easy task.

"We are thrilled to be working with Clackmannanshire Tenants and Residents Federation to support the development of this group.

"It will be an excellent resource and a place of support that all those affected by stroke in Clackmannanshire could benefit from."

The group will meet every third Tuesday of the month at Clackmannanshire Tenants and Residents Federation, 8 Bank St in Alloa from 2-4pm.