Monday June 1st 2026
Health Defence Scotland Coordinator at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland Sophie Morrison
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
This Stroke Awareness Month, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is highlighting the vital role of community-based rehabilitation services like the Edinburgh Community Stroke Service (ECSS) in Longstone, helping people rebuild their lives after stroke.
Every day in Scotland, 31 lives are changed in an instant by stroke.
For many the struggle doesn’t end when they leave hospital, it can mark the start of an uncertain and isolating road to recovery.
This Stroke Awareness Month, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is highlighting the vital role of community-based rehabilitation services like the Edinburgh Community Stroke Service (ECSS) in Longstone, helping people rebuild their lives after stroke.
The Edinburgh Community Stroke Service (ECSS) at Longstone, provides a service where people can access multidisciplinary support and rehabilitation in the community following a stroke.
Occupational therapists, physiotherapists, an employment and training advisor and community support workers operate out of the building with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland having a presence to help stroke survivors and their loved ones.
Sophie Morrison is the Health Defence Scotland Coordinator at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.
Sophie said: “Many people feel in the dark after leaving hospital. Our role is to give them reassurance, practical support and the confidence to manage their health.
“Sometimes it starts with a simple blood pressure or cholesterol check, a mental health check-in or nutritional advice but it often becomes much more – a conversation, a connection, and a step forward in their recovery.”
Roger Park, aged 59, from Edinburgh, had a stroke in October 2022. After leaving hospital, the former commercial sales manager originally attended the Upper Limbs rehabilitation class. After making progress and improving his mobility following his rehabilitation classes at ESCC, he has continued to attend the Heads Up Café every Tuesday to socialise with fellow stroke survivors.
Roger said: “At Longstone, I attended an upper limb class focused on improving movement in my left arm and hand, as well as a lower limb class for my legs. My main goal was to get back to playing golf, which I’ve now achieved after three and a half years. My advice to anyone who’s had a severe stroke is to be as stubborn as possible, because determination seems to help recovery.
“Stroke rehabilitation is a marathon rather than a sprint, and progress comes in small steps. What I can do one day, I may struggle with the next, and every day can feel like a battle. Even so, I try to meet those challenges head on and not let them stop me. I’m pleased to be back playing golf, but I still feel there are improvements to be made, and I’m determined to keep going.
“I still go to the Heads Up Café at Longstone which is really good. There can be anything from 15 to 20 of us there to chat amongst ourselves every week. You get to know each other, and you can tell when someone isn’t 100% and we can try and help and bring them out of it.
“It gets us talking, laughing and we enjoy each other’s company. Stroke can be quite isolating so it’s a really good place to come to and socialise.”
To find out more about the services at the ECSS at Longstone go to Edinburgh Community Stroke Service (ECSS) – Lothian Stroke MCN.
If you’re living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid and are looking for advice and information, please contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899. You can also text ADVICE to 66777 or email [email protected].
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