From election commitments, to holding decision-makers to account and turning Parliament purple, here’s how you’re supporting us to make stroke a priority across the UK.

A campaigner in Wales standing next to the 'Senedd Cymru' sign on the front of the Welsh Parliament, holding a sign with the Stroke Association logo on it in English and Welsh.
Wales:

Wales has a new political landscape, with Plaid Cymru forming a minority government. This means different parties need to work together more closely, making it especially important that stroke remains a priority for everyone.

Thanks to your support, we’re in a strong position to do this. Plaid Cymru’s leader has already committed to supporting our three priorities for improving stroke care in Wales.

We’re continuing to work with the Welsh Government and NHS leaders to improve stroke services. Together with clinical experts and people affected by stroke, we’re helping to update the Quality Statement for Stroke. This is an opportunity to turn national ambitions into real improvements in stroke support.

As a new Senedd begins, we’ll keep working with politicians from all parties to make sure the needs of people affected by stroke are heard. By sharing experiences and speaking up for change, supporters like you are helping to build a better future for stroke care in Wales.

Three campaigners in Scotland sit together on a stage at Holyrood with big banners saying 'Make stroke a priority in Scotland' behind them.
Scotland:

Thanks to your support with our campaigning ahead of the May elections, stroke will be higher on the political agenda in the new Scottish Parliament than ever before.

The Scottish National Party (SNP), Scottish Greens, Scottish Labour, and Scottish Liberal Democrats committed to delivering a national 24/7 thrombectomy service in their election manifestos. With strong cross-party backing, there’s a real opportunity for this to be achieved during the next five years.

Scottish Labour and Scottish Greens have also committed to improving rehabilitation, while the SNP has promised support for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland’s (CHSS) rollout of new stroke rehabilitation gyms.

This encouraging focus on stroke is down to the collective efforts of us, CHSS, and supporters whose experiences show why change is needed. But manifesto commitments don’t guarantee delivery, so we must keep holding politicians and government to their promises.

Almost half of newly elected MSPs are new to Parliament, giving us an opportunity to help them understand the realities of life after stroke and get them working on much-needed changes. Your voices are invaluable in this – join our campaign to make stroke a priority in Scotland.

A group of campaigners in Northern Ireland supporting a 24/7 thrombectomy service hold up a large number '500' at Stormont
Northern Ireland:

In May, stroke survivors and campaigners gathered at Stormont to mark 500 days since the Northern Ireland Department of Health missed its commitment to deliver a 24/7 thrombectomy service. Thrombectomy is one of the most effective emergency treatments for stroke. But in Northern Ireland, the service is still only available between 8.00am and 5.00pm, meaning around 140 people each year are estimated to miss out.

People affected by stroke shared their experiences and highlighted the difference timely treatment can make. Some spoke about how thrombectomy helped their recovery, while others described the impact of not being able to access it when it was needed.

The Health Minister told those gathered that expanding thrombectomy to a 24/7 service remains a priority, but that funding still needs to be agreed.

Our team in Northern Ireland will continue to work with politicians and decision-makers to secure confirmed funding and clear timescales needed to deliver this vital service.

Together, we will keep speaking up to make sure everyone who needs thrombectomy can access it, whatever time of day they have a stroke.

Uma Kumaran MP, wearing a purple top and a Stroke Association pin badge during Prime Minister's Questions in May 2026
England:

Thanks to your support, we marked Stroke Awareness Month in May by making Parliament purple.

Our campaigners encouraged MPs to support Make May Purple by sharing stroke information on social media, wearing purple and Stroke Association badges, and speaking up for better stroke care.

During Prime Minister’s Questions on 20 May, stroke parliamentary champion, Uma Kumaran MP, wearing a Stroke Association badge, shared her family’s experience of stroke and asked what the government is doing to improve stroke care. 

She was joined by MPs from across Parliament, including former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who also showed their support by wearing Stroke Association badges.

We’re now following up with MPs so they continue to champion improvements in treatment, rehabilitation and support.

Thank you to everyone who contacted their MP to highlight stroke as a cause and make sure the voices of people affected by stroke are heard.

Join our Campaign Network

Help us to deliver life-changing improvements for people affected by stroke.

Email campaigns@stroke.org.uk to receive campaign updates and opportunities to get involved where you live.

Stroke News magazine

This article is featured in the summer 2026 edition of our magazine, Stroke News. Subscribe to our future editions available in print, on audio CD or via email.