Heart & Stroke Voice Ireland

01/12/2025

Thanks for visiting Heart and Stroke Voice Ireland 💙We’re an initiative of Croí Heart & Stroke Charity.

For the time being, please follow for regular updates and support related to the patient/survivor and carer voice, empowerment, and advocacy.

We’re so glad you’re here – let’s keep the conversation going 💬

For more information on the Heart & Stroke Voice alliance, please visit our website 👉www.heartandstrokevoice.ie

29/11/2024

Connacht Rugby recently teamed up with the Croí Communication Group. They learned about the challenges of living with aphasia and how it affects communication after a stroke. 🧠💬

Aphasia is a condition where a person has trouble speaking and understanding others. It usually happens after a stroke on the left side of the brain, which is important for language. People with aphasia might find it hard to talk in everyday situations, whether at home, with friends, or at work.

They might feel lonely, but it’s important to remember that aphasia does not change how smart someone is. Even if someone’s words seem mixed up or incomplete, they are still sharp and aware. The Connacht players and the Croí Communication Group tried different ways to communicate.

Together, they showed that we can all use various tools to communicate with each other and to make sure no one is left out or feels alone. We all have a part to play. Aphasia doesn’t have to stop anyone from being part of the conversation.

To enquire about the Communication Group, please contact our speech and language therapist Elizabeth Kinneen at [email protected] or contact the Croí health team at [email protected]

21/11/2024

05/11/2024

NAI members FND Ireland is participating in a research study at the University of Galway into the role of pain, psychological factors and well-being in FND.

This anonymous survey is open to everyone with FND aged 18 years and over. You can find out more information at https://tinyurl.com/mue5m49e

01/11/2024

Know the Signs of Stroke – Act Fast ‼️

Recognising the signs of a stroke can save lives. Remember F.A.S.T.:

👤 Facial weakness: Can they smile? Is there drooping in one eye or side of the mouth?
💪🏻Arm weakness: Can they raise both arms? Does one arm feel weak or numb?
🗣️Speech difficulty: Is their speech slurred? Can they understand you?
⏰ Time: Call 112 or 999 immediately if you see any of these signs. Time is critical.

Other signs of a stroke may be less well-known, and each person may experience them differently. These can include:

• Sudden weakness or paralysis on one or both sides
• Loss of balance, sudden falls, or coordination issues
• Vision loss or blurriness in one or both eyes
• Confusion or sudden memory issues
• A severe headache or dizziness

Let’s stay aware and act fast. Together, we can be hashtag
Stroke.

31/10/2024

Reclaiming your life and thriving after a stroke! Every small step - empowered by knowledge and support - builds resilience and restores confidence in your physical abilities, guiding you to be Stroke. 🧠

Thank you to Heidi Kingston, and to Richard and Mary Harrahill, for sharing their insights and stories.

If you would like to join the Heart & Stroke Voice Ireland (HSVI) alliance and share your stroke story to help others, please complete the short form on our website, and a member of our team will be in touch shortly 👉www.heartandstrokevoice.ie

World Stroke Campaign

30/10/2024

29/10/2024

Today, October 29th, is World Stroke Day 💙🧠

Delia, a Croí Heart & Stroke Charity Programme Participant, generously shared her story as part of the World Stroke Day campaign.

Delia experienced 4 strokes in 2016 and following this described everyday tasks as being her greatest challenge. Watch the video to learn how she overcame this and learned how to be “Greater Than Stroke”, which is the theme of this year’s World Stroke Day.

If you would like to join the Heart & Stroke Voice Ireland (HSVI) alliance and share your stroke story to help others, please complete the short form on our website, and a member of our team will be in touch shortly 👉 www.heartandstrokevoice.ie.

World Stroke Campaign

28/10/2024

World Stroke Campaign

27/10/2024

October 29th is World Stroke Day 💙

In 2024, the World Stroke Organisation's World Stroke Campaign remains firmly focused on stroke prevention and harnessing the power of sport to be .

It is estimated that 1 in 4 people have a stroke in their lifetime. For stroke survivors, the effects can be devastating. Families shattered, lives changed forever, and yet, stroke remains a silent epidemic that desperately needs a louder voice.

90% of strokes could be prevented. By addressing a handful of manageable risk factors (physical inactivity being one of the top stroke risks) and increasing public awareness, we can be . 💪🏻

This long weekend, we encourage everyone to be more active and raise stroke awareness in their wider communities, whether that means going for a walk, taking a yoga class or going for a hike. 👟

If you would like to learn more about our stroke offerings, including exercise classes and programmes for patients and carers, visit www.croi.ie

📸 Thank you to Delia, a Croí Programme Participant, for generously sharing her stroke story as part of our World Stroke Day campaign.

World Stroke Campaign

24/10/2024

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: World Stroke Day-October 29th

Did you know that Stroke is a leading cause of death and devastating disability?

1 in 4 people is estimated to have a stroke in their lifetime. Every 3 seconds, someone, somewhere, is struck by a stroke. It means over 12 million people suffer from stroke each year.

Stroke remains a silent epidemic that desperately needs a louder voice.

90% of strokes could be prevented. By addressing a handful of manageable risk factors (physical inactivity being one of the top stroke risks) and increased public awareness we can be stroke.

World Stroke Day on October 29th provides an focal point for stroke awareness activity around the world. This year the campaign highlights the importance of stroke prevention and encouraging us all to take steps to be stroke 🤘🧠💓
Croí Heart & Stroke Charity Irish Heart Foundation