Stroke Foundation: StrokeSafe Volunteer Speaker Program

Did you know that more than 80% of strokes are preventable?

The Stroke Foundation undertakes a variety of stroke awareness and prevention programs. This includes our StrokeSafe volunteer speaker program.

Who can request a speaker?

The program is available for groups of 10 or more – community groups, social groups, events, conferences or workplaces.

Who conducts the talk?

Our StrokeSafe volunteer speakers are trained in public speaking and experienced in delivering life-saving messages about stroke.

Many of our volunteer speakers have either had a stroke themselves or are close to someone who has. While they will present common information about stroke and its prevention, they will also draw on their own personal experiences, so every talk is different – and very powerful.

Most talks take approximately 30-40 minutes including time for questions, although it can be varied to meet your specific needs. Your presenter covers a range of issues that will help your organisation or group better understand stroke and how it can be prevented. This includes:

• What stroke is – What happens when someone is having a stroke and the different types of stroke.

• How to recognise the signs of stroke – Learn the vital FAST signs which will help you recognise when someone is having a stroke.

• What to do if someone is having a stroke – If you or someone else experiences the signs of stroke, no matter how long they last, call 000 immediately.

• How to prevent stroke – Steps that can be taken to better understand and reduce the risk of having a stroke. 

Is there a speaker in my area?

We have over 160 volunteer speakers across Australia in capital cities and some regional areas.

Once you complete the Speaker Request Form, your local state coordinator will see if there is a volunteer StrokeSafe Speaker in your area and available on the day/s you have requested. We will then confirm the booking or see if there are any other ways we can help you.

Are talks conducted in person or virtually?

StrokeSafe Speakers are available to conduct talks both in person or virtually depending on your preference, Speaker availability and current COVID-19 restrictions.

Virtual talks are available through a variety of free videoconferencing programs, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and many others.

Is there a cost?

This talk is offered free to community groups, thanks to the generous support of individuals and groups who have made donations to help us cover costs such as travel for our volunteers. If your group is willing and able to assist with a donation to keep this service free, we greatly appreciate your support.

Where there is a significant cost for our volunteer speaker to travel, we may ask for this to be covered by your group.

Workplaces and businesses are encouraged to make a donation to support our vital stroke prevention activities. A tax invoice can be provided upon request.

The Stroke Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation. Despite more than 445,000 Australians living with stroke and a stroke occurring every 19 minutes, we receive very little government funding.

Do you offer talks in languages other than English?

Yes, we have trained bi-lingual speakers available to present in Arabic, Chinese (Cantonese & Mandarin), Greek, Italian, Korean, Hindi, and Vietnamese. For other languages, our StrokeSafe Speakers are experienced at working with interpreters.

What people say about StrokeSafe talks

“The talk was incredible, total captivating.  To have her story shared firsthand was both an inspiration and an eye-opener. It really got us all thinking and talking about the way we look after ourselves.  And we've changed!  We stopped buying super salty office snacks, substituting them with organic, healthier alternatives. Our exercise regimes have been seriously reinvigorated too.  Thank you so much for organising this for us, it’s had a huge and very important impact on each and every one of us.”

"The presenter kept our group interested the whole time, and that’s not always easy. Great presentation.”

"This has been one of our best information nights this club has had for many years.”

"Very worthwhile presentation.  The ladies present were very responsive.  Only positive comments.”

To request a speaker please complete our online booking request form found here.

For further enquiries please contact us at: [email protected].