THE chairman of a health watchdog is on a one-man campaign to help people who have suffered a stroke.
Healthwatch Somerset’s Cliff Puddy plans to visit all 12 stroke clubs in the county to tell members to make their voices heard.
Cliff, aged 70, who uses a wheelchair following an accident 37 years ago, had three strokes 15 years ago and says it is easy to “give up, get frustrated and become a victim”.
He added: “I volunteer about 4½ days a week now for Healthwatch Somerset and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.
“As well as talking to people who’ve had a stroke, I work with the police, the local GPs, the neurological board and the county council.
“Volunteering is very satisfying: it gives me a purpose and gets me out of the house.
“When I go to the Stroke Cubs I tell people that they have to speak up. Healthwatch Somerset wants to hear about their experiences – good and bad. We can make sure that the patient voice is heard and changes are made.”
Morgan Daly, manager of Healthwatch Somerset, said: “We rely on our volunteers to do a lot of our ‘work’ in the community.
“Cliff does a great job and commits a lot of time but people can give as little or as much as they feel comfortable with.
“Many of our volunteers already belong to a group and simply feedback concerns and issues to Healthwatch.”
If you have a story to tell, or are interested in finding out more about volunteering, contact Healthwatch Somerset on 01823-751403.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here