A STROKE survivor on the Island is making one final plea to the Isle of Wight Council to stop a 'crucial' support service being cut.

Jill Singleton, 62, said she could not imagine what it would be like to be discharged without any support from the Stroke Association, which currently holds the Island's social care support contract.

Under budget proposals from the Isle of Wight Council, due to be discussed and decided on tomorrow (Wednesday), the contract would not be renewed when it runs out in June.

It would save the cash-strapped council £70,000.

But Jill, who helps run stroke cafes across the Island, has said the support she received from the Stroke Association after her strokes in 2017 and 2018 was crucial to her recovery.

She said: "If this stops it would be awful, catastrophic for Islanders who need this after their stroke.

"I had excellent care on the stroke unit and then by the stroke early support discharge team but when they discharge you, you can feel very lost and alone.

"The rehab team works seamlessly with the Stroke Association to ensure stroke patients get the best care possible to go forward on their recovery journey.

“I have had immense help, support and encouragement ... it is a lifeline for those of us who have had strokes."

At the cafes, Jill says they all become friends and can talk about anything, not just strokes, although people are there who understand their unique problems in tackling everyday life.

She said: "I urge the council to reconsider ceasing this invaluable and excellent service."

The Isle of Wight Council has justified the service cut by saying its services were already being provided by other groups and there would be no impact on the clinical support patients receive through the NHS or other partners.

Since the Covid pandemic, it said a peer support network has been developed by stroke survivors and their families which is meeting needs.

Cllr Geoff Brodie has proposed in his alternative budget to stop the cut.