SSOs are non governmental organizations that globally drive better outcomes in stroke prevention, treatment and long term care by:
- Ensuring the meaningful engagement of people affected by stroke and strengthening the patient voice
- Raising awareness about stroke locally and nationally, including risk factors, symptoms and emergency response
- Organizing long term support services and activities with and for people affected by stroke
- Facilitating and participating in collaborations and advocacy with people affected by stroke, health professionals, governments and academics
- Funding and engaging in research into stroke treatment and care.
The role of SSOs is vital because they can:
- Help people who make decisions about stroke care understand what is important to the people affected by stroke
- Provide long term support for people affected by stroke that nobody else can or will provide
- Advocate and act on behalf of people affected by stroke
- Help campaign for change and influence government policies
- Help stroke professionals communicate better with people affected by stroke.
WSO is committed to develop more stroke support organizations.
Every country needs stroke support organizations: “The voice of the stroke survivor”
Please email the International Development Manager - Sarah Belson for further information and practical guidance on setting up and growing a stroke support organization: Sarah.Belson@stroke.org.uk