MCCS Marks 1st Year of Life-Changing Stroke Recovery Program
Friday 1 August, 2025
A celebration of resilience, research and recovery unfolded yesterday at Kurri Kurri Hospital Day Centre, as Maitland Community Care Services (MCCS) marked the first anniversary of delivering the ESTEEM After Stroke program. This transformative initiative is changing lives in stroke recovery through evidence-based rehabilitation.
MCCS proudly partners with the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and the ESTEEM program to deliver this innovative, research-driven model of post-stroke care. While ESTEEM has existed in other parts of the community, this collaboration marked the first time MCCS brought the program to local stroke survivors, and the outcomes speak volumes.
Developed from years of clinical research, ESTEEM combines therapeutic movement, social connection, and creativity to significantly boost quality of life and support long-term recovery. Through weekly sessions incorporating dance, art and purposeful engagement, participants regained confidence, improved mobility, and rediscovered joy in everyday life.
Yesterday’s anniversary event reflected the program’s spirit: vibrant, heartfelt and deeply human. Participants and their loved ones shared emotional reflections, a movement demonstration had the entire room moving and bopping to the music, and a striking art exhibition displayed pieces created throughout the year by those in recovery.
Jessica Lynch, Assistant Manager at MCCS, said the program had enriched both clients and staff.
“We’re incredibly proud to celebrate one year of ESTEEM. This partnership has allowed our team to flourish and has enabled us to contribute meaningfully to the recovery journey of local stroke survivors.
“It’s a brilliant example of how research and care can come together to help people live their best life with care at home and in their communities,” Miss Lynch said.
The long-term goal is to continue offering ESTEEM beyond the research phase, expanding access to more stroke survivors across the region.
Dr Heidi Janssen, from the Hunter New England Local Health District and Hunter Stroke Service, said ongoing engagement was vital.
“We’ll continue reaching out to stroke survivors interested in participating in our research-informed recovery program – that way we can continue our evaluation, which helps ensure it keeps running and importantly, enables us to take it to other regional communities for more stroke survivors to experience,” added Dr Janssen.
If you or a loved one has experienced a stroke, you are encouraged to find out more or express your interest in joining the next group. Call MCCS on 4932 5755 or visit www.mccs.org.au/strokerecoverymaitland
