AN Oxford man who had a stroke in his 40s has thanked the county's social care team for helping him to live life to the full.

Cecil Phillips suffered from a subarachnoid haemorrhage last year and although he survived he was left with complications.

Concerned about his memory and daily life, Mr Phillips' family and GP referred him to Oxfordshire County Council's social care team.

Now the 47-year-old has an electronic alarm installed in his flat, enabling him to stay independent by reminding him when to take his medications, despite his memory problems.

He said: "Since working with adult social care I have started some good things that I didn’t even know existed before.

"During my day out in the community I do art – which is my favourite – yoga, exercise in the gym, and a number of different group activities which help my brain function.

"This all helps in my recovery and I hope to get back to work with the help of my support worker.

"At home I now have a Memrabel in place which reminds me every day to take my medication and it’s a great help.

"I also have some grab rails in place so I have something to hold onto when in the shower or using the toilet."

Mr Phillips was referred to Headway, a charity supporting people with brain injuries, which he attends for a full day every week.

He also has a personal assistant who works with him in his home to help relearn some of the things the stroke took away from him, such as cooking and financial management.

He added: "I now have a Connections worker to support me with my housing and finances and see my daughter regularly.

"Overall, since my first assessment, I have seen a number of improvements in my life, and am really glad adult social care have been involved."

After the county council's adult social care services received the initial call, Lauren Poyner from the rapid response team visited Mr Phillips.

She said: "It’s been great to see Cecil improve as time has gone on.

"He has many talents including woodwork, carpet fitting, and painting and decorating, which he told me he used to do before his stroke.

"He is very keen to get back to work and I foresee that with the support he is now receiving this will be possible.

"This is the rewarding side of working in adult social care, helping people toward living independently and seeing gradual improvements from rehabilitation."