STROKE survivors took part in a 10-week 'employability course' in Bromsgrove to build their confidence and teach them job-hunting skills.

The certified course was delivered by Heart of Worcestershire College (HoW) and the Stroke Association at the town's Life After Stroke Centre.

HoW's learning skills and development officer Carl Whitehouse said: "The emphasis of the course is ensuring people feel able to start mixing within the group, as being out of work or experiencing a health condition such as a stroke can lead to isolation. It also helps people develop their functional skills, to help with maths, English and IT.”

Four stroke survivors took part and, having now completed the course, are all actively looking for work.

All participants were awarded their course certificates at a presentation in the Church Lane centre on Thursday (April 27).

Christy Weatherby, Life After Stroke Centre coordinator at Bromsgrove's Stroke Association, said: "Around a quarter of strokes happen in people of working age. Stroke survivors looking to return back to work face specific challenges, which can be hard to overcome alone.

"We're thrilled with the outcome of the course and the impact in made on stroke survivors’ lives. Because of its success we’re looking to run the course again later this year at the Life After Stroke Centre."