Stroke is a leading cause of death and adult disability in Europe, impacting stroke survivors and their support networks across many aspects of their lives. With 1.5 million cases in 2017, projected to reach 12 million by 2040, the costs to the society could soar from €60 billion to €86 billion without targeted investment. Urgent action is needed to address preventability, unmet survivor needs, and the lack of comprehensive national plans and support networks.
Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE)
We are a non‑profit organisation representing stroke support organisations (SSOs) across Europe. We bring together the collective voice of stroke through our network of 37 members in 31 countries.
As the only European umbrella organisation dedicated to SSOs, we speak on behalf of more than nine million stroke survivors. We work to reduce the scale and impact of stroke by leading policy and advocacy efforts at the European level, addressing the entire stroke care pathway through coordinated campaigns, education, research and awareness initiatives.
Our strategy
Our vision
We want a Europe where preventable stroke is eliminated, death and disability is minimised and every person affected by stroke lives their best life possible
Our mission
Over the next five years and beyond, our mission is to reduce the incidence and impact of stroke in Europe, by bringing together and empower SSOs to deliver campaigns, advocacy, education, research and raise awareness.
Our goals
- That everyone affected by stroke is supported by a national stroke support organisation
- A substantial reduction in preventable stroke through acting on risk factors and symptoms
- Making stroke a European health, care, social and research priority
- Equality of stroke care in each European country through implementation of comprehensive national stroke strategies
- Maximise our effectiveness by being a professional, ethical, financially stable and sustainable organisation
Our action plan
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We will build capacity in European stroke support organisations by producing tools, training, information and by providing members meeting opportunities
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We will raise awareness of signs and symptoms of stroke and provide up to date information on the importance of primary and secondary stroke prevention
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We will ensure that stroke and the stroke survivor voice is clearly represented in the work of relevant European/ EU bodies (such as European Parliament, European Commission, Council of Ministries, Presidencies of the European Union and in Horizon Europe stroke projects) and World/WHO groups
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We will mobilise key stakeholders to work with their governments to deliver a comprehensive stroke plan in each country
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We will ensure that we are an effective organisation by having a committed and engaged board and staff, good governance and the financial recourses in place to support our work
In 2026
In 2026, our work will focus on advancing the implementation of the Stroke Action Plan for Europe (SAPE) by strengthening national stroke strategies and expanding the capacities of our SSO members. With the launch of the European Commission’s Cardiovascular Health (CVH) Plan, we will also place increased emphasis on ensuring our activities align with this important initiative.
We will continue to prioritise both stroke prevention and life after stroke. Through strokeprevention.info, we will broaden public awareness of prevention and risk reduction. We will also organise the European Life After Stroke Forum (ELASF) and provide dedicated support the newly established European Life After Stroke Task Force.
Together, these priorities will enable us to address the entire stroke care pathway and further reinforce our commitment to advocacy, education and collaboration across Europe.
If you want to learn about us, please click below:
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