We are currently looking for StrokeSafe Ambassadors in the Sydney area to apply StrokeSafe Ambassador.

The StrokeSafe Ambassador program is a Stroke Foundation initiative where stroke survivors, carers and health professionals spare their time to participate in community-based stroke awareness and education talks.

Our volunteer speakers, who are trained by stroke foundation staff to deliver their message, speak to a variety of people in a broad range of community settings.

We have found this program to be extremely well-received and participants have passed on feedback that shows the stroke prevention messages are being heard. Here is some recent feedback sent to us after StrokeSafe Ambassador, stroke survivor and Stroke Foundation supporter Karen Bayly volunteered her time to speak at the Melbourne War Widows’ guild:

“Last year I organised for Karen Bayly, StrokeSafe Ambassador, to address a meeting of members from the Melbourne War Widows’ Guild. Karen’s talk was educational, informative and inspiring but most importantly it was effective.

One of the attendees was at home late in December when she experienced the signs of stroke. Because she was aware of the FAST message she acted quickly and this in turn minimised the impact of her stroke. The member regained speech within days and had one month of rehabilitation to restore muscle strength before returning home.

We live in a world full of acronyms and abbreviations however not many of them can be accredited with preventing the severity of a stroke or indeed perhaps the saving of a life. I congratulate the National Stroke Foundation, its ambassadors and all connected with the FAST campaign.”

Jill Wilmott, War Widows’ Guild of Australia – Victoria. Karen says: “We all like to think that every time we speak we might save a life or assist in preventing dependent disability.

“I spoke to a community group of about 20 women in their 70s and 80s. The organiser of this talk contacted the NSF to let us know that a lady who heard me talk had a stroke a few months after hearing my presentation.

“The good news is, because of the strokesafe Ambassador presentation, she recognised the signs of stroke, called 000 and has made a strong recovery.

“The key thing I’ve been reminded of is that every life is important. The quality of life of every stroke survivor matters. Stroke recovery is a difficult and lonely journey for all stroke survivors and those close to them, regardless of age”.

“I have had so much help from so many people I want to give back to others.”