Experts, service providers and survivors underlined the importance of early recognition and treatment for stroke sufferers at an annual health care conference staged in Suffolk.

The second Good Care Day was held by live-in care specialist Christies Care at its training centre in Saxmundham.

The event was established last year as part of an effort to provide practical and useful information to people from the local community.

More than 60 people turned out at the training centre this time round to learn more about services on offer in the region and hear first-hand accounts of recovering from a stroke.

With a focus on stroke care, speakers from a range of organisations took to the stage to raise awareness of the symptoms, supporting services available in the area and practical guidance to deal with the administration required in times of crisis.

The event was held as part of Good Care Week, a national campaign which aims to champion excellence in social care across the country.

The programme included speakers from Christies Care and the associations and charities with which it works.

Representatives spoke on behalf of Age UK Suffolk, Suffolk Family Carers, Headway, The Co-operative, Gotelee Solicitors, The Hearing Care Centre and the Stroke Association.

The event included advice on how to access services available in the area and how to organise power of attorney. It also provided networking opportunities for local businesses and residents.

Among the speakers was Woodbridge-based marketing specialist Jan Ballard, who joined Suffolk psychologist Sue Ward-Booth in sharing her personal experience of recovering from a stroke.

Helen Drain, of Christies Care then discussed causes of strokes and how the company trains care workers, while Bill Brooks recounted his experiences as a former paramedic.

Lin Barnes, director of Christies Care, which has on-site facilities including a training centre and accommodation for 22 carers, said: “While we offer live-in care across the UK, this event gave us the opportunity to raise awareness of the options available for social care in this region.

“Quality care, information and support is readily available.

“We’ve helped to reassure the community by providing useful, practical information from a number of angles, including personal testimony by Jan Ballard which helped to put all the information into context.”