Activities
Unless stated otherwise, the following activities for members are held at our Hub: 533 High Street, Kew.
If you wish to join an activity for the first time, please notify the Hub Administrator by calling (03) 8529 5307 or email info@bssg.org.au
Art and Craft Group
Work both sides of your brain in being creative with art and craft! Art therapy has been found to have positive affects in stroke rehabilitation, particularly in reducing mental effort in processing multiple aspects of the effects of stroke. The art group was inspired by Bill Berryman, an artist affected by stroke who subsequently then taught himself to paint with his non-dominant hand. Bill’s and other stroke survivors’ handmade cards are sold to raise funds for the Hub.
Sessions: 2nd and 4th Monday of each month; 12:30pm – 2:00pm.
Convenors: Penny Lindeman and Catherine McCullagh.
Bowls (Lawn)
The BSSG has a very successful Lawn Bowls program which is accessible for all abilities. We play on a synthetic green each Monday morning with assistance from lovely volunteers. This is followed by morning tea where we can all enjoy a cuppa and a choccy biscuit, or two, or three.
Venue: MCC Bowls Club, 41 Glen Street, Hawthorn.
Sessions: Every Monday (10:00am – 11:45am)
Convenor(s): Brian O’Meara – Stroke survivor, former president of the BSSG & a hub committee member assisted by Anita Paxton
Carer's Support Group
A group dedicated to the people who care for stroke survivors, whether you’re a partner or a relative. Share stories over a cup of coffee.
Sessions: Ad Hoc
Convenor(s):Vivi Harkness OAM – President & Former Carer.
Chair-based Light Exercise to Music
Move your body to music in this wonderful stretch-based light exercise routine. A relaxed and fun chair-based exercise to music class which encourages you to work within your ability to help, maintain coordination, mobility, strength and flexibility.
Venue: “Games Room” adjacent to BSSG’s Hub
Sessions: Every Tuesday (11:30am – 12:30pm)
Convenor(s): Janet Hesson
Chatterbox
Chatterbox is a conversation group for people who have difficulty with speech, which may be stroke related e.g., Aphasia or Dysarthria. The group provides a relaxed social environment where members can make friends, rebuild self-confidence and support one another.
Sessions: Every Wednesday
- Group 1 runs from 11:00am – 12:30pm
- Group 2 runs from 1:00pm – 2.30pm
Convenors: Ro Jacobs (Speech Pathologist), Julie Reid (Speech Pathologist), Jan Mckenzie (Nurse) and Lizzie Watson (Nurse)
Cooking Group
Join stroke survivors and carers in learning and teaching the culinary arts. The best part? You eat what you make!
Sessions: Every 2nd month on the 1st Thursday – after the General Gathering (12:00pm – 2:00pm)
Convenor(s): Manthri
Gardening Group
Find those green fingers at our gardening group. Held in partnership with Bunnings Hawthorn.
Sessions: 1st Thursday of every month (10:30am – 12:00pm)
Convenor(s): Vivi Harkness OAM – President & Former Carer.
General Gatherings
Come along to meet other members in your stroke community. Make friends, share stories and support each other. You will be able to voice your ideas and opinions on the BSSG’s activities and all things stroke. With the support of others, your ideas will be taken to our committee and may be used to shape the future of the Hub. Special guests are sometimes invited to present to the group on topics of interest, both stroke and not-stroke related. We find speakers based on the recommendation of our members.
Sessions: 1st Thursday of every month (10:30am – 12:00pm)
Convenor(s): Vivi Harkness OAM – President & Former Carer.
Movie Group
Our resident movie buff, author & stroke survivor – Peter Hocking has put together a list of wonderful movies which the group will get to watch together followed by lunch afterwards. Members pay $25 per person to attend.
Venue: Ramp Room @ BSSG’s Hub
Sessions: 4th Thursday of every month (10:15am – 2:00pm)
Convenor(s): Peter Hocking
Relaxation & Mindfulness
Our Relaxation & Mindfulness meditation session begins with a little discussion followed by guided relaxation/a short mindfulness meditation. You will wake up feeling relaxed and happy. Relaxation & Mindfulness is led by Tessa Lim – Stroke Survivor, qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Hub Committee member.
Venue: Zoom Online
Sessions: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays every month (2:00pm – 3:00pm)
Convened by: Tessa Lim
Sing for Recovery
Sing your heart out! This singing group, for all abilities, has been formed to deliver the pleasures of music to people in the community. It raises awareness of the BSSG and has given a lot of pleasure to singers and audiences alike. Join Stroke Survivors, Carers and Volunteers in our choir.
Sessions: Every Monday (2:15pm – 3:30pm)
Convened by: Anita Paxton. Assisted by Tinwai (volunteer)
Social Circle
The Able-X system is an activity involving the upper limbs. Able-X helps to accelerate physical and cognitive rehabilitation after a stroke. Sessions are available by appointment.
Sessions: Every Tuesday (10:00am – 1:00pm) by appointment
Convened by: Anita Paxton (Nurse), Jill Peters (Nurse), Ro Jacobs (Speech Pathologist) and Lizzie Watson (Nurse)
Upper Limb Activity (Able X System)
The Able-X system is an activity involving the upper limbs. Able-X helps to accelerate physical and cognitive rehabilitation after a stroke. Sessions are available by appointment.
Sessions: Every Tuesday (10:00am – 1:00pm) by appointment
Convened by: Anita Paxton (Nurse), Jill Peters (Nurse), Ro Jacobs (Speech Pathologist) and Lizzie Watson (Nurse)
Young Stroke Support Group
Formed in 2017, we are a group of young stroke survivors from all over Victoria, who meet to chat, share and have a good time. Topics this group cover include going back to work, driving, restaurants and going out, sport, shopping and many more. Convened by Jay Te Manu, a stroke survivor.
Sessions: 4th Thursday of every month 6.30pm – 7.45pm. Second meeting: Dinner out.
Convened by: Jay Te Manu – Stroke Survivor & Hub Committee Member
To book a new activity or make other enquiries email info@bssg.org.au or call (03) 8529 5307
BSSG’s Hub located at 533 High Street, Kew is open Mondays to Thursdays from 10am to 3pm. BSSG’s activities (including those taking place outside of our Hub, e.g. bowls and gardening group) are not run on a public holiday.