A SERVICE that supports people affected by strokes across Somerset will cease this year after “unprecedented pressures” led to funding cuts.

The Stroke Association will stop activities in the county in April as Somerset County Council (SCC) and Clinical Commission Group (CCG) say they are unable to continue funding the services.

The council says that central government funding ran out some years ago but it was able to continue through one-off funding from other sources.

According to the council, other services are available to continue the support to people that need it.

A spokesman from Somerset County Council said: “The range of support available to stroke patients, their families and carers has improved since this service was started in 2008.

“We are confident that other services now available – for example Health Coaches, Health Connections and a county-wide carers service – will be able to meet the needs of those currently being supported by the Stroke Association.

“We have offered to help the association explore options for other local funding and will be working with them to ensure a smooth move to alternative services and to make sure these services deliver the support needed by stroke survivors and their families.

“We have done our very best to make the central government funding for this support last as long as possible. It ran out several years ago and we have managed to use one-off funding from other sources to give annual grants to the association.

“However, there are unprecedented pressures on all our budgets and it’s essential that we make the limited funds we have to support as many people as possible.”

The Stroke Association says that the cuts will have a “significant impact” on vulnerable stroke survivors and their families, and that people’s lives and recoveries will be put “at risk”

Jacqui Cuthbert, regional director for the Stroke Association in the South West, said: “We are hugely disappointed that the Somerset County Council and Clinical Commissioning Group are unable to continue funding for vital stroke services across Somerset. As a result, the Stroke Association’s Stroke Recovery service and Emotional Support service, we provide across Somerset will cease completely from April 2017.

“These cuts to the Stroke Association’s services will have a significant impact on vulnerable stroke survivors, their carers, and loved ones in Somerset.

“Stroke is a leading cause of disability and our services provide the practical advice and emotional support that stroke survivors and their loved ones desperately need. Our services have helped people return to work, find their voice again, and live independently in their own homes. This crucial support also helps to prevent further avoidable strokes and deaths.

“The impact will be devastating not only for stroke survivors but their carers too. It is extremely concerning that this is even being considered by local councillors and the CCG.

“Although people can recover from a stroke with the right support, “Too many survivors are written off and denied their right to recovery, our services provide this lifeline. We are calling on residents in Somerset to get in touch with their local councillors and the CCG to work together to stop this devastating blow.”