About ESTEEM
Having a stroke is a life-changing event, which leaves nearly 2 in 3 survivors with impairments that can affect long-term independence. The ESTEEM program is based on new research that recovery and quality of life after a brain injury may be improved through exercise, socialising and creativity. A combination of physical, cognitive and social activity can increase brain plasticity. Brain plasticity is an important process for re-learning skills after a stroke.
Sessions run twice a week for 10 weeks and have been designed by physiotherapists as well as experienced dancers and artists. Our ESTEEM program provides a nurturing and caring environment where participants report that regular attendance has helped them feel confident again. Learning new skills and revisiting old ones is more fun in a group with others who understand what it's like to live with a stroke.
What we do
Participating in regular exercise, socialising and being creative may improve your recovery and quality of life.
Exercise
We run a 30 minute group-based exercise session designed by a physiotherapist to help:
- improve muscle strength, fitness and heart health
- improve balance, to reduce risk of having a fall
- lower the risk of having a heart attack or another stroke
- improve a sense of wellbeing.
Socialise
Socialising is an important part of the ESTEEM program. We run a 30 minute session to enjoy refreshments (drinks and a light snack) whilst sharing stories, jokes, interests, social activities and other opportunities for being active in our community. It's a great way to build relationships with other stroke survivors and share the experience of living with stroke.
Creativity
We run a 90 minute movement-to-music or visual arts session.
Regular movement-to-music can assist in:
- improving physical and emotional health
- improving thinking skills (cognition)
- provide an opportunity for more social engagement.
Exploring and developing creative skills in visual arts can assist in:
- expressing emotions
- increasing self confidence
- improving thinking skills (cognition).
The creative activities are designed by an experienced dancer or artist. The sessions are inclusive and adaptable to the abilities of each person, for example, seated, standing or supported movement-to-music. The visual art activities are suited for both a first time and experienced art enthusiast.
Who can be involved
To join our ESTEEM program you will need to:
- be at least 18 years old
- have had a stroke
- be living in the Hunter New England LHD
- be able to stand with or without the assistance of 1 person
- be able to toilet independently or with a carer who plans to attend with you
- follow instructions safely
- be willing to participate in all 3 parts of the program (exercise, socialise, and creativity).
How can I join
If you are living with the effects of a stroke you can join our program. With your permission, a family member, friend or health professional, can register for you to join the ESTEEM program.
Join ESTEEM
To join our program, you can email us at: ESTEEMAfterStroke@newcastle.edu.au or you can contact us at one of our facilities directly.
What our participants say
Watch our ESTEEM participant videos and learn more about our program and the positive experiences from our participants.
Contact an ESTEEM facility
We run the ESTEEM program at 2 facilities across the Hunter New England LHD.
| Facility | Address | Contact | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercy Services West Wallsend Day Centre | 13 Brooks Street, West Wallsend, NSW 2286 | Email esteem@mercyservices.org.au Mobile 0439 640 404 Phone (02) 4962 6680 | Monday and Wednesday, 10am - 12:30pm |
| Kurri Kurri Hospital Multipurpose Space Day Centre | 434 Lang Street, Kurri Kurri NSW 2327 | Email esteem@mccs.org.au Phone (02) 4932 5755 | Tuesday and Thursday, 10am - 12:30pm |
ESTEEM research
The ESTEEM program is being evaluated by the ESTEEM After Stroke Project: The Exercising, Socialising and Thinking – An Environmental Enrichment Model in the community After Stroke (ESTEEM After Stroke) Project.
The ESTEEM program and research began in the Maitland region in July 2024.
Access to this community-based program, outside of the public health services, has the potential to reduce the burden on an already over-burdened health care system. An important aim of ESTEEM After Stroke is to make this program accessible and available to as many stroke survivors ongoing after this research project is completed.
The program and research is supported by:
- the NSW Ministry of Health
- the Medical Research Future Funds Grant 2022
- Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA)
- a Hunter Medical Research Institute donor
- Hunter Stroke Service and the NGO Unit of Hunter New England Local Health District
- Mercy Services
- Maitland Community Care Services (ADSSI)
- Hunter Medical Research Institute
- University of Newcastle
- Impact potential of the ESTEEM Program.
If you are interested in being involved as a participant, research collaborator or financial supporter, visit Hunter Medical Research Institute for more information.
Feasibility phase
We are currently in the feasibility phase of the ESTEEM After Stroke Project at Mercy Services, West Wallsend. Eligible participants are invited to join in the research. We will monitor and take different measures for each participant throughout the stages of the program as well as 3 months after participation in the program.
The ESTEEM program will help participants living with stroke to:
- better manage their physical and emotional recovery and health
- provide a structured means of self-determining their stroke recovery
- re-engage with their community.
Chief investigators
| Chief investigators | |
|---|---|
| Dr Heidi Janssen | Prof Chris Levi |
| A. Prof Marie-Louise Bird | Dr Carlos Garcia Esperon |
| Prof Michael Nilsson | Dr Christine Shiner |
| Dr Liam Johnson | Dr Kirsti Haracz |
| Prof Neil Spratt | Dr Dawn Simpson |
| Prof Coralie English | Dr Chris Oldmeadow |
Consumer representatives
- Tony Stewart
- Kimberly Cruz
- Debra Morgan
- Amy Jennings.
Research assistants
- Dr Colvin
- Nic de Carteret
- Jenelle Preece
- Sarah McLean
- Matilda McIntosh
- Anjelica Petit.
Our timeline
A
Phase 1
Co-production
Co-produce with stakeholders a model of environmental enrichment for use in the community setting.
B
Phase 2a (i)
Qualitative focus groups
With stroke survivors, carers and community care providers.
C
Phase 2a (ii)
Pilot implementation
Refine Mercy Services site for feasibility testing.
D
Phase 2b
Feasibility trial
Wait-list controlled trial to test the feasibility, safety, effectiveness and sustainability of the program.
E
Phase 3
Effectiveness trial
This trial will take place at Mercy Services as well as Maitland Community Care.