Actors across the West country are rallying

to lend their talents to stroke survivors in rehabiliation wards. 

Watch our 2 minute launch video by clicking HERE

People who are stroke-affected and their families, health practitioners,

arts practitioners, social entrepreneurs, local business people,

friends and philanthropists

are invited to join us for a fundraising

reception, exhibition

and concert:

‘Envision InterAct in the Bristol’

performed by Envision Theatre

on

Tues 7th Sept 2010 at 7.30pm

at the residence of the Lord Mayor of Bristol,

The Mansion House, Clifton Down, Bristol BS8 3LJ

"When my late mother, the Bath-based photojournalist, Fay Tresilian, was in hospital following her overwhelming and ultimately fatal stroke, it became clear to my family and me that our presence and conversation, crossword-puzzling and singing at her bedside, were by far the most powerful tools in our toolbox for giving Mum a fighting chance of recovery. Every single stimulatory input clearly led stroke-damaged neurons to refire and seek new pathways.The lady in the bed opposite my mother, who became a friend, was so fired-up by a week of my broadcaster father’s daily encouragements and conversations with her, that she stunned her daughter by welcoming her, for the first time in weeks, with a courageous smile and movements of her limbs.

When I read later of the award-winning work being done by InterAct, I knew how powerful it would be in causing brain recovery in stroke patients, and wanting to put my theatre and consultancy background to use, got in touch with Nirjay Mahindru, the CEO, to get involved locally. Nirjay responded with a challenge: “Currently, there is no service in the West country, but if you could raise funds to secure a three-year service delivery, then we could set up in the West!” The gauntlet was cast. Our fund-raising campaign is now underway and we are delighted to have been welcomed by the North Bristol NHS Trust. We look forward to receiving the generous support of local people." Arabella Tresilian, of Hemisphere UK and InterAct West co-ordinator.

The award-winning stroke-support charity, InterAct Reading Service, is coming to the West country. In Sept 2010 we launch a drive to raise awareness of stroke and the powerful effect of using professional actors to provide one-to-one interactive reading sessions. In parallel, our fund-raising campaign aims to allow us to set the first service up at Southmead Hospital in late 2010. Please join us if you have been affected by stroke, or are keen to support the arts, or are interested in new research around neuroplasticity. 

Disabled access arrangements: The Mansion house has full disabled access and facilities (ground level entrance, toilet and lift to first floor reception area). Email arabella.tresilian@gmail.com to reserve one of the disabled car park spaces next to the disabled entrance. We greatly encourage people with limited physical abilities to join us at this highly accessible venue. Ushers will be on hand to offer help and support.

General parking: there is plenty of free, on-street parking on Canynge Rd and surrounding roads.

Tickets are free, but numbers are limited, so please book immediately to avoid disappointment.

Donations to InterAct West are most welcome: Donate here (specifying InterAct West in 'Additional Details')

Do join us on Tues 7th Sept 2010, for:

• Dazzling concert of  West End songs, performed by Envision Theatre
• Opportunities to meet InterAct and find out about our vision for supporting stroke care in the West country
• Exhibiting stalls (spaces available for likeminded organisations to exhibit - please contact arabella.tresilian@gmail.com) - meet and network with other arts, health and stroke organisations
• Wine and soft drinks provided
• Get involved with InterAct West as a 
  • Founder Funder
  • Founder Partner Organisation
  • Media Partner
  • Donor
  • Trustee
  • Collaborator
  • Supporter 
  • Actor
  • Researcher

Watch our 2 minute launch video by clicking HERE

We look forward to meeting you and hearing from you.

Warmest wishes,

Arabella Tresilian

More information:

Head office: info@interactreading.com or tel: 020 7931 6458

InterAct West co-ordinator:  arabella.tresilian@gmail.com or tel: 07769774671 

Donations to InterAct West are most welcome: Donate here (specify InterAct West in 'Additional Details')