Stroke awareness

Hannah Parrington

Volunteering and Community Team- North East

Today we will talk about…

• what is a stroke?

• spotting the signs of a stroke

• the effects of stroke

• reducing your risk

• what we do.

1.2 million stroke survivors

Stroke can happen to anyone

Amber’s story

“I’d just finished my first

year at university when

I had a massive stroke.”

Stroke in the UK

Strokes are preventable

• 90% of strokes worldwide could be prevented

We’re here to help

• The number of stroke survivors

in the UK is expected to double

by 2035.

• We’re the UK’s leading

stroke charity.

• We want to change the way

people think about stroke.

Blockage: 85% Bleed: 15%

What is a stroke?

TIA or mini-stroke

Do you know the FAST test?

Other signs of stroke

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side.

• Difficulty finding words or speaking in clear sentences.

• Sudden blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes.

• Sudden memory loss or confusion and dizziness, or a

sudden fall.

• A sudden, severe headache.

Impact of stroke

“It was so scary. My

brother had to sign a

do-not-resuscitate

order. It was terrifying

for the whole family.”

Effects of stroke

Communication problems

after stroke

• 1 in 3 stroke survivors can be

affected by aphasia

• More than 350,000 people

with aphasia in the UK

• It doesn't affect intelligence

Helping someone with

aphasia to communicate

• Face them

• Ask them what helps, for

example drawing or gestures

• Speak clearly and keep

sentences short

• Don’t interrupt

Mobility problems after stroke

• 80% of stroke survivors

experience problems with

movement

• Muscle weakness can affect

balance and make moving

around difficult.

Impact of stroke on family

and friends

• Stroke survivors may need

ongoing support after hospital.

• Family and friends may need

to help with their care.

• Being a carer can be

challenging, so carers

need support too.

The road to recovery

With the right support, many stroke

survivors make a good recovery

The Stroke Association believe in

life after stroke. We have:

• over 280 support services

• clubs and groups for

stroke survivors and carers

• Life After Stroke Grants

• Stroke Helpline and My Stroke Guide

Visit stroke.org.uk

Raising awareness of stroke

• Everyone has a different risk

of having a stroke

• Know the risk factors

which could affect you and

take steps to reduce your

risk of stroke.

Stroke risk factors

Your lifestyle

Read our guide to

find out more about

stroke risk factors

Family history

and ethnicity

A previous TIA or stroke

Your age

Stroke risk factors

Some health problems

raise your risk of a stroke.

These include:

• high blood pressure

so get your blood

pressure checked

• atrial fibrillation

(irregular heartbeat)

• diabetes and pre-diabetes

• high cholesterol.

Reducing your risk of stroke

Eat a balanced diet

Stay a healthy weight

Cut down on alcohol

Exercise

Stop smoking

Amber’s life after stroke

• Volunteer

• Ambassador

• Peer supporter

• Campaigner

• Life After Stroke Award winner

“Life is completely different

since my stroke, but I’m

not going to let it beat me.”

We’ve come so far…

• More people are surviving stroke.

• We’ve invested over £50 million in

research, leading to advances in

stroke care.

• FAST campaign has increased

awareness of stroke and it’s

symptoms.

• Our services support 57,000 people.

• We’re working with NHS England

on a new national plan for stroke

in England.

…but there’s still more to do

Stroke research

is massively

under-funded.

The number

of people

having strokes

for the first time

is increasing.

We’re not

reaching

everyone with

the support we

currently offer.

45% of all

stroke survivors

feel abandoned

after they leave

hospital.

We are the Stroke Association

Practical and emotional support

• Services, grants and groups

Research

• Prevention, treatment and

rehabilitation

Campaigning

• For better stroke care

How you can help

• Fundraise

• Volunteer

• Support our campaigns

• Raise awareness

• Join our Supporters’ Network

• Share what you have learned

today

• Donate

What’s happening locally?

• Your local services are in Middlesbrough, Stockton and

Redcar.

• Your local fundraising contact is Jo.Beverley@stroke.org.uk

• If you’d like to volunteer, please get in touch with

hannah.parrington@stroke.org.uk

Keep in touch with us via:

• Facebook: Stroke Association North East

• Twitter: StrokeAssociationNE

Thank you for your time

Together we can

conquer stroke

For more information

Helpline: 0303 3033 100

Website: stroke.org.uk