Now leader of the group, Mr Dowie got involved after experiencing a stroke at Elmore Field Days in 2017.
But for much of this year the group was unable to meet in person due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“The thing we have missed is the education meetings which were run every Monday morning at ERH – everyone found it so rewarding,” he said.
“It’s such a worthwhile thing for people once they move out of the system after a stroke because one of the hardest things is getting back into the social aspect.
“A lot of people can’t face crowds and groups of people because sometimes it’s been a long journey – it can be three or four months where you don’t see anything but medical staff.
“To be honest I was actually a little bit scared of going into a room of people, like my first time at this group, but I wouldn’t advocate anything else for a stroke survivor once they feel they want to develop socially again.
“It’s so damn comfortable because you’re walking into a room and even if you don’t know them, the one thing you know is they’re all pretty much the same as you.”
This month the group is stepping up for Stride 4 Stroke – the Stroke Foundation’s annual physical activity campaign.
Mr Dowie set himself a goal to walk 46 km in November.
“It’s just another incentive to try and get people more active,” he said.
Echuca Regional Health stroke coordinator Lauren Arthurson is also taking part in the challenge and said it was a great moment when the group reconnected for the first time.
“COVID-19’s isolated everyone,” she said.
“The importance of the stroke group is unless you’ve experienced a stroke and/or cared for someone with a stroke, it’s something you won’t ever understand until you’re in that position,” she said.
“Because they all understand what each other is going through they know the questions to ask and the type of support to give.
“Once they’re meeting in person it then sprouts other little catch-ups which is just so important for mental health and connection.
“Stroke significantly impacts peoples’ mood and I’m sure COVID-19 isolation has impacted a lot of the group members.
“Hopefully we’re addressing that and we’re giving everyone that sparkle back again.”
To find out more about the Echuca Moama Stroke Support Group contact Lauren Arthurson on 5485 5377 or Dave Dowie on 0475 388 986.
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