Community Navigator ProgramA northern Ontario research project is having positive effects on people who suffered a stroke.

The goal of the Community Navigation project was to work with people who had a stroke and help them adjust to life back in the community.

It started in Sudbury in 2011 and expanded to North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, Temiskaming Shores and Parry Sound. North Bay resident Phil McCoy had a stroke in July of 2014 and says in the beginning it was difficult for him just to hold a conversation, but not anymore.

He says he has discovered a love of writing and it is one of the most therapeutic and cathartic things he says he has ever done.

McCoy says it’s through the help of the Community Navigator Program that he was able to achieve that.

Brianna Topham is a Stroke Community Navigator and says she has seen a lot of success stories.

She says knowing that a little bit of a change or a referral helps them that much and I know it made a difference in their lives.

Topham says communication is the key by letting people know what services are available to them and how they can access it.