S.A.R.A.H. History

S.A.R.A.H. started out as Stroke Association Relatives And Helpers, and remained so for many years.

An old page referring to S.A.R.A.H. is at https://hastingsvoluntaryaction.org.uk/member/3468

The group (a registered charity in its own right) used to be very active, comprising stroke patients, relatives and helpers, hence the name. It had two minibuses which would often both be full each week.

Conquest Hospital would often refer stroke patients to S.A.R.A.H. but the stroke unit was moved to Eastbourne. So, over time S.A.R.A.H., being based in Hastings, received less referrals. As the years went by the numbers diminished to the point where only one minibus was needed each week.

As the group dwindled and priorities changed for committee members, due mostly to health reasons, it was decided S.A.R.A.H. would wind up and be no more.

A good number of the remaining members were keen that the 'service' (weekly outings) would continue so the 'new group' (SARAH 2) negotiated the purchase of the remaining minibus from S.A.R.A.H. when it 'closed down'.

As S.A.R.A.H. now no longer existed, the new group sought a name by which it would be known.
Four things influenced the decision -

• the minibus has S.A.R.A.H. sign-written on it

• the group was still known as S.A.R.A.H. by friends, family, etc.

• venues were used to the group booking under the name of S.A.R.A.H.

• the remaining members liked the name 'SARAH' (easy to say, sounds friendly, established)

So, after some debate, it was decided that the new group would keep the name S.A.R.A.H. and hence the start of the new S.A.R.A.H.

As the group no longer received referrals from Conquest Hospital, and the original S.A.R.A.H. (the 'stroke club') no longer existed, the word Stroke in S.A.R.A.H. was changed to Sussex, hence 'Stroke Association Relatives And Helpers' became 'Sussex Association Relatives And Helpers', even though the majority of the group are stroke patients.

S.A.R.A.H. continues!