World Stroke Day – events across the week
Engage with our stroke supports in your community
Read MoreTo mark World Stroke Day (Saturday 29 October) The Irish Heart Foundation patient support team is hosting a series of online talks from Monday 24 to Friday 28 October.
The free online talks for people affected by stroke will discuss some of the most common challenges stroke survivors face including, physical, emotional, financial and lifestyle-related issues.
Stroke Survivors and their families often experience many challenges as they re-adjust to life after stroke.
Featuring stroke survivors, health professionals and other experts, this series of informational talks will provide practical advice and guidance to help stroke survivors live well at home after stroke. The talks are designed for stroke survivors and their families as well as healthcare professionals with an interest in stroke recovery and rehabilitation.
Most of our the events will be hosted on Zoom, and registration links are available at the bottom of this page. Some of the talks will only be available to members of the Irish Heart Foundation’s Life After Stroke Facebook group – so please ensure to sign up to join the group.
We look forward to seeing and hearing from you throughout the week. If you have any questions please get in touch by email: strokeservices@irishheart.ie.
Mon, 24 October 2022 from 9 am
The Irish Heart Foundation has a growing range of short-term and longer-term programmes to support people who have recently been discharged home from hospital post stroke. This short, pre-recorded presentation introduces these supports and provides information on accessing these programmes.
This talk will be available to watch on the Irish Heart Foundation’s Life After Stroke Facebook Group from 9am. Sign up now.
Mon, 24 October 2022, 11 am – 12:30 pm
Michelle Murray, from Quest Brain Injury Services on strategies for managing fatigue post-stroke.
Fatigue after stroke is different, not like typical tiredness. People may feel constantly weary, even after rest. It can affect mood and motivation. Post-stroke fatigue is not always obvious to those around us and that can be frustrating. Michelle will give practical advice and strategies to help manage fatigue. To hear this talk join Michelle and the IHF team live on Zoom.
Tue, 25 October 2022, 11 am – 12:30 pm
Join Ciara Breen, Occupational Therapy Manager in Galway University Hospitals on the patient journey from hospital to home and beyond
This talk will include preparation for discharge from hospital post stroke and discuss how families, healthcare teams, and the person with stroke can work in a collaborative way to smooth the transition to home or indeed to a new or changed home.
Ciara will discuss some of the common challenges that can occur and will also give tips from her clinical experience for overcoming hurdles such as sleep and fatigue, adjusting to cognitive changes, trying new tasks, and getting back into the community. Like all Occupational Therapists, Ciara is a fan of problem solving and would welcome hearing your points of view. She will also be available to answer questions. Zoom meeting.
Tue, 25 October 2022, 2 pm – 3. 30 pm
Erica Balfour, Mindfulness Teacher on the benefits of mindfulness
After a stroke, it is easy to be focused on future worries or past regrets. Mindfulness helps you to focus on the “now” – how you are in the present. This type of meditation can help reduce stress and improve low mood. Erica will explain mindfulness and its benefits and introduce some simple techniques for you to practice. To hear this talk, join Erica and the IHF team live on Zoom.
Wed, 26 October 2022, 11:00 – 12:30 pm
Stroke nurses Melissa and Lauren from the Mater Hospital in Dublin on how you can take steps to reduce your risk of a further stroke
Managing your blood pressure, cholesterol and other health conditions, such as diabetes can help reduce your risk of a second stroke. Also, good habits such as eating healthily, quitting smoking and being active can all have an impact. Stroke nurses, Melissa and Lauren will explain how you can take steps to reduce your risk of stroke. To hear this talk, join Melissa and Lauren and the IHF team live on Zoom.
Wed, 26 October 2022, 2 pm – 3.30 pm
Stroke Survivors Gavin Rushfort, Yvonne Oldman and Fiona Bardon will share their personal experiences of stroke
Fiona, Gavin and Yvonne will share their unique experiences of stroke. They will explain their recovery journeys, the challenges they faced, the supports that have helped and their goals for the future. Their stories show courage and resilience and we hope will inspire others towards their recovery goals. Join us live on Zoom to hear this talk.
Thu, 27 October 2022, 11 am – 12:30 pm
Orna O’Brien, Dietitian with the Irish Heart Foundation on healthy eating and lifestyle advice
In this session, Orna O’Brien, Registered Dietitian will provide practical lifestyle advice to protect your brain, heart and blood vessels. The talk focuses on nutrition, physical activity and behaviour change strategies to get you into the right mindset for making changes and set you up for success. (Zoom meeting)
Thu, 27 October 2022
Fionnuala Trench, Community Pharmacist
This is a pre-recorded presentation which will be available on the Live After Stroke Facebook page. Fionnuala will cover various topics including common medicines prescribed for people after a stroke. She will explain the importance of remembering to take your medicines daily and give advice on where to find accurate medical information whether in the community or online.
This talk will available to watch on the Irish Heart Foundation’s Life After Stroke Facebook Group. Sign up now.
Orla Barry from Citizens’ Information on grants and entitlements for stroke survivors
Orla Barry is Development Manager with North Connacht and Ulster Citizens Information Service, Sligo and Tubbercurry. The Citizens’ Information Service provides free, impartial information, advice and advocacy services to the public from 215 locations nationwide, on a wide range of topics including, Social Welfare, Housing, Health, Employment, Money and Tax, Moving Country etc.
Irish Heart Foundation
Minutes can save lives. World Stroke Day 2022 aims to raise awareness of the signs of stroke and the need for timely access to quality stroke treatment. The more people who recognise the signs of stroke and take action, the more lives can be saved. Watch our short video on the Life After Stroke Facebook to lean about the most common signs of stroke and how to act F.A.S.T.
This Talk will be held in the Irish Heart Foundation’s Life After Stroke Facebook Group. Sign up now.
Our Life after Stroke Facebook Group helps support stroke survivors and their families.
Sign Up Now
Engage with our stroke supports in your community
Read MoreFunding will improve the quality of life and wellbeing and will significantly reduce the burden on frontline services
Read MoreThe Irish Heart Foundation Stroke Conference for Healthcare Professionals will take place on November 15th 2024.
Read MoreRenowned English designer Joe Vanek on life almost five years after a stroke.
Read More