About The ESTEEM Program

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Exercise

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Socialise

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Think Creatively

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A 30 minute group exercise class designed and led by a physiotherapist. Participants engage in evidence-based exercise which contributes to:

• Better muscle strength, fitness and heart health
• Better balance to reduce risk of having a fall
• Lower the risk of having a heart attack or another stroke
• An improved sense of wellbeing

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Socialising is an integral part of the ESTEEM Program.

30 minutes to enjoy refreshments (drinks and a light snack) whilst sharing stories, jokes, interests and social activities in our community.

Building relationships with other stroke survivors, and sharing the experience of living with stroke.

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90 minutes for movement-to-music or visual arts (participants will have the opportunity to do both during the 10 weeks).

Regular movement-to-music can assist in:

• Improving physical and emotional health
• Improving thinking skills (cognition), and
• Provide an opportunity for more social engagement

Movement-to-music activities are designed by an experienced dance instructor, and is adaptable for each person e.g. seated, standing or supported movement-to-music.

Creative skills through visual arts can assist in:

• Expressing emotions
• Increasing self confidence, and
• Improving thinking skills (cognition)

Visual art activities are designed by an experienced art instructor, to be inclusive of the abilities of both a first time artist or a more experienced art enthusiast.

The ESTEEM Program

The ESTEEM Program is a group-based program for stroke survivors.

Sessions run twice a week for 10 weeks.
Each session consists of:

• 30 minutes of exercise
• 30 minutes of socialisation over morning tea
• 90 minutes of either visual arts or movement-to-music

The ESTEEM Program is delivered by a team including:

• a program co-ordinator
• a physiotherapist
• allied health assistants
• an art instructor
• a dance instructor

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Who can participate in the ESTEEM Program research?

Participants need to:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have had a stroke
• Live in the Hunter New England Local Health District
• Live at home in the community (not in a residential care facility)
• Be able to stand independently or with the help of 1 person
• Be able to use the restroom independently or with a carer who will attend with you
• Follow instructions safely
• Participate in all 3 parts of the program (exercise, socialise, and creativity)
• Attend up to 4 research appointments

Why participate?

The ESTEEM Program is based on emerging evidence that recovering from stroke in an environment where you can engage in exercise, socialise and try new and interesting thinking activities, may improve recovery and quality of life after a brain injury.

Many participants of our program to date report that their regular attendance at the ESTEEM Program to exercise, socialise and be creative, has helped them feel confident again, learning new and untapping old skills in moving, mixing and thinking!

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It's fun

It's fun to do these things with others who understand what it's like to live with a stroke.

When and where is the ESTEEM Program held?

Mercy Services West Wallsend Day Centre

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13 Brooks Street, West Wallsend NSW 2286
Monday and Wednesday 10am-12:30pm

 

Kurri Kurri Hospital Multipurpose Space Day Centre

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434 Lang Street, Kurri Kurri NSW 2327
Tuesday and Thursday 10am-12:30pm

 

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How to find out more information

If you have had a stroke, you can contact the research team below.

If you know or care for someone who has had a stroke, you can contact the research team on their behalf (with their permission).

Please complete this brief Survey Form
This form will require you to provide some details about yourself and your stroke to help the research team respond to your expression of interest.

Or you can email the research team at ESTEEMAfterStroke@newcastle.edu.au,
or phone 0436 307 646

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