MANAGERS of "essential" Hampshire support groups say they could close if more volunteers aren't found.

The Stroke Association says it is in "desperate" need of help from members of the public who can give up their time to help people rebuild their lives after brain injury. Changes to how the groups are run has meant that volunteer recruitment has become more difficult - but the groups are growing in size with up to 80 accessing the service each week.

Now organisers say they "urgently" need people to help with the groups - which offer activities as diverse as playing Scrabble, doing seated exercise or improving speech and help people get back on their feet and into jobs. One member who was lucky enough to get help at the Totton branch is 24-year-old Jamie Pratt, who suffered a brain injury after becoming addicted to cocaine.

Speaking to the Echo Jamie, who worked as a car paint sprayer before his injury, said: "I was being bullied at work and unfortunately got mixed up in drugs which led to a brain injury. I got myself hooked on cocaine - it felt like I had to take more and more to get myself happy.

"One day I had three cardiac arrests and a two hour fit. The cardiac arrests stopped the oxygen going to the brain - which led to the brain injury and affected the part of the brain that affects coordination and speech."

Now the 24 year old from Totton is able to speak again - having lost his speech for 12 months and is working as a health care assistant at Western Community Hospital.

Jamie said that without the groups he wouldn't have got back into work - adding that they are "incredibly important. It gave me the confidence to go out into the community and find a job myself.

"We played a lot of Scrabble, which really tests your memory skills. And you get involvement with other people."

Each group was created in partnership with the Stroke Association and is run by volunteers to help people in the area rebuild their lives after stroke.

Suzie Maidment, Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “We have a great group of members in each group, all of different ages and backgrounds but who all have one thing in common – they’re stroke survivors.

“The condition can be absolutely devastating, but with the right help and support, people can make fantastic recoveries, and that’s what the group is all about. The group puts on a range of activities including exercise, relaxation, quizzes, speakers, meals and outings.

“Support from the groups can make a real difference to a stroke survivor’s recovery and mental wellbeing. Without the support of local volunteers, we couldn’t be there for people who need help through one of the most difficult and frightening periods of their lives.”

To find out more about the groups call Suzie Maidment on 07717 275818 or email Suzie.Maidment@stroke.org.uk

The Thornhill group meets at Thornhill Baptist Church Hall, every Tuesday from 2pm. The Totton group meets at Totton and Eling Community Centre, every Wednesday at 1:30pm. And the Chandlers Ford group meets at Velmore Community Centre, every two weeks on a Thursday at 2pm.