Advocating for us

Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability, yet 80 per cent of strokes are preventable.

Our 2021 national survey has revealed that 40 per cent of Australians would not recognise any of the most common signs of stroke. That means they are less likely to get the live-saving medical help they need.

That needs to change.

At Stroke Foundation we focus on preventing strokes, saving lives, and enhancing recovery. But we can’t do that alone. We need your help to share information and awareness of the risks and signs of stroke. In 2022, Australia went to the polls and elect its 47th Federal Parliament. We want that leadership team to help us change the stroke statistics through increased public education, and by funding a cohesive, national stroke support navigator service.

$5m investment for a national advertising campaign to make people understand and recall the F.A.S.T (Face, Arms, Speech and Time) message. Recognising a stroke means getting urgent medical help quickly, and this will save lives.
$10m investment in our StrokeConnect Navigator Program, to provide a consistent equitable national support service to help all Australia’s access appropriate treatment after a stroke.

Download Stroke Foundation’s Election Platform document to read more detail.

How you can help

Our health system has been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and health funding priorities have had to adapt to cope. But chronic diseases like stroke will continue to impact thousands of Australians long after COVID-19’s impact has eased. We need to make sure stroke remains on the agenda and that the Federal Government chooses to support the thousands of Australians who will suffer from stroke in the future.

Lived experience is a powerful story. It is important for candidates to hear directly from the stroke community. You can make a huge impact for survivors of stroke if you make a personal approach to your local Member of Parliament and give them your perspective about stroke care and education.

Example email

If you decide to email you local MP, it is best to personalise your email as much as possible. Here’s is an example to get you started:

Dear [MP name],

My name is [Insert name] and I am a stroke survivor who lives in [Insert electorate/ suburb].

[Insert your connection with stroke here].

I know the Stroke Foundation is seeking funding from the next Federal Government to raise awareness about the signs of stroke, and to highlight the importance of getting urgent medical attention. I support this initiative because the faster people get treatment, the more likely they will recover well from stroke.

Stroke does not have to be such a burden on our health economy but that will only change if more people can recover well, spend less time in hospital, and require less ongoing care. That is why Stroke Foundation has asked Government to support its StrokeConnect Navigator Program. This investment will mean StrokeLine can answer more important calls, as well as directly support more survivors of stroke as they are discharged from hospital.

As an elected member of our next Government, you can personally make a difference. You can truly save lives.

Thank you and best wishes for your campaign,
[Insert your name]

What happens next?

Thanks for taking direct action on our behalf! After you’ve contacted your local MP, please contact us on advocacy@strokefoundation.org.au to let us know.

Webinar: Having our voices heard - Federal Election 2022 from Stroke Foundation on Vimeo.

Thank you to everyone who attended our webinar, we appreciate your time and efforts. If you didn't catch it live, can watch it here, and if you have any questions please get in touch via email advocacy@strokefoundation.org.au