THE chairman of a health watchdog is on a one-man campaign to help people who have suffered a stroke.

Healthwatch Somerset’s Cliff Puddy plans to visit all 12 stroke clubs in the county to tell members to make their voices heard.

Cliff, aged 70, who uses a wheelchair following an accident 37 years ago, had three strokes 15 years ago and says it is easy to “give up, get frustrated and become a victim”.

He added: “I volunteer about 4½ days a week now for Healthwatch Somerset and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.

“As well as talking to people who’ve had a stroke, I work with the police, the local GPs, the neurological board and the county council.

“Volunteering is very satisfying: it gives me a purpose and gets me out of the house.

“When I go to the Stroke Cubs I tell people that they have to speak up. Healthwatch Somerset wants to hear about their experiences – good and bad. We can make sure that the patient voice is heard and changes are made.”

Morgan Daly, manager of Healthwatch Somerset, said: “We rely on our volunteers to do a lot of our ‘work’ in the community.

“Cliff does a great job and commits a lot of time but people can give as little or as much as they feel comfortable with.

“Many of our volunteers already belong to a group and simply feedback concerns and issues to Healthwatch.”

If you have a story to tell, or are interested in finding out more about volunteering, contact Healthwatch Somerset on 01823-751403.