Sep 23, 2024
We are delighted to let you know that the General Assembly in June elected Hariklia Proios as our President for a second term. Hrvoje Jurlina was elected as our new Vice President. Congratulations!
Read what their ambitions are for the coming years.
Hariklia Proios, SAFE President
What is your background?
I’ve spent the last 25 years of my life working to support people affected by stroke, something that has taken me across both the U.S. and Europe. My background is in speech-language, and I am a professor at the University of Macedonia and recently I am also at the CSD department at Adelphi University in New York.
The most rewarding part has been creating and running support groups wherever I go. It’s been such a privilege to work with people from all walks of life, helping them navigate the challenges that come with life after a stroke. I’ve also had the honour of serving as President of SAFE for the past three years. Working with our incredible team to advocate for stroke survivors has been a really rewarding experience.
What is your vision for the future of SAFE?
Looking ahead, my vision for SAFE is simple: I want to keep fighting for stroke survivors. My goal is to ensure that no matter where they live or what resources they have, every stroke survivor gets the care, support and respect they deserve. The disparities in stroke care across different European countries are heartbreaking – some places provide incredible support, while in others, people are left to navigate recovery on their own. That’s something I’m determined to work to change.
We have already made great strides towards this with our work on the Stroke Action Plan for Europe and our Life After Stroke Forum. In the next chapter, we need to build on this work with our member stroke support organisations, working together to deliver campaigns, advocacy, research and raising awareness.
Hrvoje Jurlina, SAFE Vice President
What is your background?
I am a doctor of Family Medicine at a Community Health Centre in Zagreb. My professional journey took a profound turn ten years ago when, at the age of 39, I experienced a stroke at work. That moment became a catalyst for my commitment to improving the needs of stroke survivors, as well as the needs of their families and caregivers.
Five years later, my father suffered a massive stroke and I became his primary caregiver until his passing ten months later. This experience reshaped my perspective on stroke, not just as a survivor, but as someone who intimately understands the emotional, physical and logistical challenges faced by caregivers.
I was recently appointed as Vice President of SAFE and serve as Second Vice President of the Croatian Stroke Society. These roles allow me to merge my personal experiences with my professional expertise, offering a unique, three-dimensional perspective on stroke care and advocacy.
What is your vision for the future of SAFE?
My vision for the future of SAFE is to continue being the strong voice for stroke survivors, advocating for improvements within healthcare systems to ensure comprehensive recovery. We aim to educate about care options and empower stroke survivors and their families by advocating for their rights. SAFE holds a unique position with our ability to unite all the key players, healthcare providers, social services, patient advocate groups, and the families of stroke survivors, into a coordinated and collaborative approach to post-stroke care. I believe that with continued advocacy and collaboration, we can create a healthcare environment that supports stroke survivors through every stage of recovery, offering them not just survival, but a meaningful quality of life.
Oct 21, 2020
Dear Friends,
We are in very difficult times. We have never seen a pandemic like this affecting our everyday lives. I hope you and your loved ones are safe and well. We want to let you know that SAFE is here for you and continuing to work despite all the problems around.
While COVID 19 is at the forefront of our thinking, stroke still exists. We know that many of you will be at the front line of services and will be seeing the impact of COVID on individuals who have suffered from stroke. We want to hear from you, we want to know what is happening to stroke survivors in your country, we want to know what is happening to your stroke support organisations and we want to know your ideas as to how we can help.
In addition to finding out how COVID 19 is affecting you and your country, SAFE has adapted its work for 2020. Unfortunately, we have not been able to meet with our members through our usual regional meetings, but we have managed to been up, virtually, June and we will again in November. We have delayed the launch of our economic burden of stroke report until November year. The SAFE General Assembly will be held in November this year and we will do this virtually as we are not able to gather you together for a face to face meeting. I am also excited to let you know that that our first European life after stroke forum is going virtual! The date of 12 March 2021 remains the same and we will share more information with you over the coming months. We will fund one representative from your SSO, and one therapist or nurse from your country. The conference will also be open generally to delegates interested in improving life after stroke services. More information, please click here.
What is happening in the world is a lot for everyone to take in just now, and everyone is having to rapidly adapt their lives on a daily basis. I would like to thank all of you for all the exceptional work you are doing. Please continue to keep well and be safe, do what you can to ensure the survival and sustainability of your stroke support organisation, and we hope to hear from you soon.
With best wishes,
Jon Barrick
President
On behalf of the Board of SAFE
Feb 20, 2020
Life after stroke is a key priority within SAFE’s strategy. It is our pleasure to share with you the date of the first European Life After Stroke Forum – the 19 November 2020 in Barcelona, Spain.
This first European Life After Stroke Forum is driven by the need to implement the Stroke Action Plan for Europe and to create a network of stakeholders involved in professionally researching, advocating and providing evidence for improved life after stroke care.
SAVE THE DATE – EUROPEAN LIFE AFTER STROKE FORUM, 19 NOVEMBER 2020, BARCELONA, SPAIN
We hope we could get you to support the European Life After Stroke Forum by sharing this information with people you know.
When? 19 November 2020
Where? Hotel Catalonia Barcelona Plaza, Barcelona, Spain
Who can attend? Organisations and individuals who operate in the life after stroke area and are research, policy, advocacy or support oriented.
How to register? The registration link will be available soon. Stay tuned!
Please put this date in your calendar and stay tuned for more information that will follow.
We hope to welcome you to Barcelona,
SAFE team
Jan 5, 2020
You can access and download the SAFE Annual Report by clicking on this button below
SAFE Annual Report 2019
In addition, please see below the message of the President of SAFE, Jon Barrick:
This has been a busy and exciting year for our organisation, especially in terms of advocating on pan-European level. We have continued work around the Stroke Action Plan for Europe, forming an implementation committee with the European Stroke Organisation. We held a seminal event at the EU Parliament raising the profile of stroke more than ever before, engaging with the Deputy Director General of the EU’s DG Sante and the EU Committee of the Regions. Through our funding of Oxford University’s project on the economic impact of stroke, we have produced up to date and compelling evidence about the cost of stroke in Europe. With all this accomplished, we continue to press ahead, as we have now completed the third and final year of the research which will provide us with vital European and country specific data on the future economic impact of stroke and power of interventions. The Economic Impact of Stroke in Europe report will be launched in full at the Joint World Stroke Organisation/European Stroke Organisation conference in Vienna in May 2020.
We have continued with the Angels project to produce vital information booklets on stroke to distribute to patients and families while in hospital. We have provided this information in 15 different languages to ensure that more people across Europe can use our materials to improve the lives of stroke survivors.
We continue our educational work with those who wish to understand stroke support organisations and become advocates for better care through our online teaching and learning tool SSOFT, and our regional and working conferences. A particular highlight for me in 2019 was the concrete evidence of the value of our partnership orientation, our Industry partners have been very supportive again, our outreach to ESO has been reciprocated, and we continue to see the number of SSO’s grow, and then become members of SAFE. Yet again we go into a new year with record membership which bodes well for the future.
As SAFE goes from strength to strength in activities to reduce the number and effects of strokes, the Board must also ensure the long-term sustainability of SAFE. The Board has achieved much of its work through dedicated voluntary time but has recognised that this needs to be added to by full
time paid staff. The Board agreed that SAFE required more permanent leadership to drive forward and to achieve our goals. I am delighted to let you know that we recruited our first Director General this year and I know you will all join me in welcoming Arlene Wilkie into the SAFE family.
In 2019, we have been able to deliver many significant achievements because of our close working community. I would like to thank those that have worked with and for SAFE this year, and to the members and sponsors who have supported us practically and financially. This next year is my last as President and I am looking forward to ensuring we have a solid 2020 of achievement to strengthen the long-term sustainability of all stroke support organisations in Europe.
Jon Barrick
SAFE President
Aug 23, 2019
SAFE is very pleased to announce the new Director General, Arlene Wilkie, commenced in post on the 12th August, leading and overseeing the delivery of all SAFE activity and projects, working with our existing experienced team of Jelena Misita, Communications Manager, Gary Randall, SAFE European Research Officer, Lucinda Shaw, Partnerships Manager and Sandra Jackson, Secretariat.
Arlene Wilkie, SAFE Director General
Arlene Wilkie, the new Director General, comes with a wealth of experience and expertise, derived from a variety of organisations and roles over the last twenty years in the healthcare sector, primarily in patient focused organisations. These include Director of Research and Policy at Breast Cancer Campaign, Chief Executive of the Neurological Alliance (a membership organisation of 70 neurological organisations in England), Chief Executive of The Migraine Trust, and Interim Director of Services and Influencing at the Brain Tumour Charity UK.
“I am so pleased to have joined SAFE. In the brief time I have been within here I have been so impressed by the passion of the staff and the board, and their determination to see a reduction in the number of strokes in Europe and the impact they have on peoples lives. I will strive to raise the profile of stroke and stroke survivors and ensure all is done to achieve the stroke action plan for Europe. I am also really looking forward to getting to know and working with all our supporters and members.” said Arlene.
One of Arlene’s great strengths is alliance building, particularly around policy development and implementation, and in her role she will be co-chairing the implementation committee of the Stroke Action Plan for Europe, and playing a leading role in our partnership group. Arlene can be contacted at arlene.wilkie@safestroke.eu
“SAFE has been through a very thorough recruitment process, and from over 130 initial candidates we are thrilled that Arlene has agreed to join us. Her track record is very impressive and over the next few years with the need to ensure sustainability of SAFE whilst pursuing important objectives such as the Stroke Action Plan for Europe and the strengthening of stroke associations in each country of Europe we know we will benefit from her leadership. The appointment of a Director General is a bold step and demonstrates SAFE’s belief that stroke care and the needs of stroke survivors must be pushed higher up the agenda.” stressed Jon Barrick, SAFE President.
Feb 13, 2018
Written by Sarah Belson, published on worldstrokeorganization.blogspot.com
We want to make sure that the voices of people affected by stroke are heard throughout the Congress in an exhibition of stroke survivor, family and caregiver testimonials.
The 11th World Stroke Congress will focus on the latest developments in stroke prevention, acute management and restorative care after stroke. Reducing the burden of stroke on people with lived experience and their family and care givers drives everything the World Stroke Organization does.
In previous years the visibility of people with lived experience of stroke has been promoted through art exhibitions, both physical and online, and a hobbies ebook. (more…)
Mar 31, 2026
The Stroke Action Plan for Europe (SAP-E) has been featured in The Lancet Neurology, underscoring the growing international recognition of the SAP-E and the urgency of addressing stroke as a major public health challenge.
The article highlights that stroke is still one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide. Stroke Services Tracker data from 2023 shows it still has a huge impact on people’s health and quality of life. While the chances of dying from a stroke or living with severe disability after one are improving, the total number of people having strokes is increasing as populations grow and people live longer.
Across Europe, there are still big differences in the care people receive after a stroke. Access to specialist stroke units, emergency treatments and rehabilitation services varies widely between countries. These gaps in care mean that outcomes can differ significantly between countries and regions, including a person’s chances of survival and recovery.
The recently updated SAP-E sets out a comprehensive roadmap to address these challenges, with ambitious targets for 2030. These include reducing stroke incidence, ensuring that patients receive care in dedicated stroke units as well as strengthening prevention, treatment and long-term support.
The Lancet Neurology feature highlights both progress and gaps, noting improvements in national stroke planning alongside ongoing challenges in implementation and resourcing. It calls for stronger monitoring, accountability and investment to ensure that evidence-based strategies are translated into practice.
The inclusion of SAP-E in The Lancet Neurology reflects the increasing global attention on stroke research, prevention and care, and reinforces the importance of coordinated action to reduce the burden of stroke across Europe and beyond.
Click to read
Mar 26, 2026
Comhghairdeas!
Ireland has become the 16th country to endorse the Stroke Action Plan for Europe (SAP-E) Declaration, marking a significant step forward in strengthening stroke research, prevention, care and support in the country.
By signing the Declaration, the Irish government formally recognises stroke as a leading cause of premature death and long-term disability. The commitment aligns Ireland with European and global efforts to reduce the burden of stroke
Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, confirmed the signing and announced plans to develop a new National Stroke Strategy. The strategy will be shaped in consultation with patients, clinicians, researchers and policymakers, and will align closely with SAP-E priorities.
The recently updated SAP-E sets out ambitious targets for 2030, including reducing stroke incidence, improving access to specialist stroke care, and strengthening rehabilitation and long-term support, and research priorities.
Clinical and patient advocacy leaders, including our member the Irish Heart Foundation, have described the signing as a “major milestone,” highlighting its potential to reduce death and disability while improving quality of life for those affected by stroke.
Read more
Irish Heart Foundation
Press release from Irish Department of Health
Stroke Action Plan for Europe
Mar 24, 2026
At ESOC 2026, a dedicated programme for Nurses and AHPs will explore the latest evidence, practical challenges, and patient-centred approaches shaping modern stroke care. From rehabilitation science to holistic recovery, the programme is designed to support your daily practice and professional development.
Highlights include:
- Beyond the Obvious: Integrating Under-recognised Challenges into Holistic Stroke Recovery
- Trial Design in Rehabilitation – Challenges and Solutions
- Thriving After Stroke: Evidence, Experience, and Empowerment
- Rehabilitation and Recovery Treatment Advances
- Beyond the Acute Event: Mechanisms and Management of Post-Stroke Complications
Join a multidisciplinary community committed to improving outcomes across the stroke pathway – from early recovery to long-term care.
Click for more information
Mar 20, 2026
The European RES-Q+ research project aims to improve stroke care by combining the global RES-Q registry, an international database tracking stroke care to improve treatment quality, with digital tools and artificial intelligence.
As part of this work, stroke survivors and clinicians have co-developed a virtual assistant (VA) to support survivors after they leave hospital.
The VA will help them track important health issues (such as blood pressure), track what medicine to take when, store key documents and invite users to complete short questionnaires while providing summaries to healthcare professionals to support smoother and more joined up hospital checkups.
By strengthening the connection between hospital care and home recovery, the VA aims to improve the care, support and long-term outcomes for stroke survivors.
Arlene Wilkie, Director General of SAFE, says:
“Stroke recovery does not end when a stroke survivor leaves hospital. By connecting home recovery with hospital checkups, the virtual assistant helps ensure that no important details or changes are missed. This is an important step towards more personalised and joined up stroke care.”
For more information
- Click to visit the RES-Q+ website: https://www.resqplus.eu
RES-Q+ has received funding from the European Union under grant agreement No 101057603.
Mar 19, 2026
The EU Horizon funded research project, VALIDATE, aims to make sure AI can safely support doctors treating people with stroke.
When a patient arrives at hospital with a stroke, doctors must decide quickly which treatment will give the best chance of recovery. But predicting recovery can be challenging because every stroke and every patient is different.
VALIDATE is developing AI tools that analyse medical data to help doctors estimate how a patient might recover to support effective treatment decisions. Alongside this, the project will make sure these AI tools are fair, safe and carefully tested before being used in everyday care.
“We need to make treatment decisions very quickly when someone has a stroke,” said Dr Marta Rubiero, stroke neurologist and clinical validation lead in the project. “Clinical research is how we learn which treatments work best and make sure new tools really help patients.”
The project tests AI systems using diverse patient data and involves doctors, researchers and patient representatives throughout the process. Strict European safety and ethical standards are followed to prevent errors and bias.
Arlene Wilkie, Director General of the Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE), said: “Research participation is essential to improving stroke care. VALIDATE shows how working together can lead to trustworthy innovations that benefit patients and families.”
Researchers hope the project will help make stroke treatment more personalised and improve recovery for patients across Europe.
For more information, click to view video
Or visit the Validate website: https://validate-project.eu
The VALIDATE project receives funding from the European Commission’s Horizon Europe Programme under grant agreement number 101057263.
Mar 18, 2026
On Brain Awareness Week’s third day we are focusing on UMBRELLA, a European research project that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools to improve how strokes are diagnosed, treated and managed.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts. Quick treatment is vital, but recovery can be long and complex and many survivors remain at risk of another stroke.
UMBRELLA aims to support doctors by using AI to help them make faster and more personalised decisions, while keeping patient information safe and private.
The project follows a careful process: health data is securely collected, organised and analysed inside hospitals. Personal details are removed, and strict privacy rules are followed. The AI is then trained to recognise patterns and tested to make sure it works safely and truly helps patient care.
Led by Vall d’Hebron Research Institute and Siemens Healthineers, and supported by the EU’s Innovative Health Initiative, the project brings together hospitals, researchers, patient organisations and companies from across Europe.
“Stroke survivors live with many long-term challenges. Better tools to support them are urgently needed. UMBRELLA is an exciting step toward more personalised and effective stroke care, with the potential to make a real difference for patients and families across Europe,” said Arlene Wilkie, Director General of SAFE.
By improving diagnosis, treatment and prevention, UMBRELLA aims to transform stroke care and improve the quality of lives of thousands of people.
To learn more about the project:
Visit the Umbrella website https://umbrella-ihi.eu
Or contact research@safestroke.eu
This project is supported by the Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (IHI JU) under grant agreement No 101172825. The JU receives support from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme and COCIR, EFPIA, Europa Bío, MedTech Europe and Vaccines Europe.
Mar 17, 2026
EAST-STROKE is a European study that is exploring whether treating an irregular heartbeat earlier after a stroke could help prevent second strokes.
Atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition where the heart beats unevenly and sometimes too fast. This can lead to blood clots forming in the heart, which in turn may travel to the brain and cause stroke. Doctors usually treat these patients with blood-thinning medicines and drugs to slow the heart rate down.
EAST-STROKE will test whether adding an additional treatment to restore a normal heart rhythm, (rhythm control) soon after a stroke can further reduce the risk of future strokes and heart problems.
Rhythm control may include additional medications or a procedure called ablation, where doctors carefully treat small areas of heart tissue that are causing the irregular rhythm. The goal with this treatment would be to help the heart beat normally again.
Many stroke survivors are left with long-term disabilities following a stroke. For those who also have atrial fibrillation (AF), the risk of having another stroke is high.
“Life after stroke can be a long and difficult journey. By treating the heart rhythm problem early, we hope to reduce the risk of further strokes and help stroke survivors avoid more complications that affect their daily lives.” said Dr Märit Jensen, Neurologist at University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf.
The study will include 1,746 patients in multiple countries and is funded by the European Union.
Arlene Wilkie, Director General of the Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE), said: “If this treatment approach proves safe and effective, it would change how we care for stroke patients with atrial fibrillation and could help prevent many future strokes.”
If successful, the EAST-STROKE trial could lead to a major shift in stroke treatment, helping thousands of patients worldwide avoid recurrent strokes and heart complications.
For more information, see video: https://youtu.be/JM7wKqkCEYk
Or visit the EAST-STROKE website: https://east-stroke.eu
The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 101156541
Mar 16, 2026
When someone has a stroke, every minute counts. Quick and accurate diagnosis is critical to ensure patients receive the right treatment as soon as possible.
The POC4Triage project brings together hospitals, researchers and patient organisations across Europe to test four portable devices in real emergency settings, from ambulances to hospital emergency departments. By running the study in multiple countries, researchers can see how these tools perform in different healthcare systems and diverse groups of patients.
At Amsterdam UMC (Netherlands) and Vall d’Hebron Hospital (Spain), researchers are evaluating two brain-monitoring devices:
- A lightweight electroencephaloeraphy (EEG) patch placed just below the hairline to measure brain activity
- A functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) device that uses harmless light to monitor blood flow in the brain
The devices are tested in stages, first with healthy volunteers, then in emergency departments and finally in ambulances. This stepwise approach allows teams to improve the technology before it is used in urgent care.
Patients who take part may not benefit directly during their own emergency, but their involvement is vital. By contributing to research, they help doctors understand how to recognise stroke earlier and diagnose more accurately. In the future, this could lead to faster treatment and better recovery for stroke patients across Europe.
Arlene Wilkie, Director General at Stroke Alliance for Europe says:
“POC4Triage shows how research in real emergency settings can lead to devices that improve stroke care. Time is brain, every improvement in speed and accuracy has the potential to save lives, reduce disability and quality of life for survivors in the future.”
For more information
POC4Triage has received funding from the European Union under grant agreement No 101137358.
Jan 30, 2026
SAFE was pleased to attend the launch of the new MEP Cardiovascular Health Group at the European Parliament in Brussels. Chaired by MEP Romana Jerković (S&D, Croatia), the group met with around 50 delegates from the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health to discuss the year’s work programme and to mark the launch of a new publication by the Alliance: “A European Cardiovascular Health Plan: The Roadmap.”
Representing SAFE at the event were Arlene Wilkie, our Director General, alongside Liliana Curea from ALIA, Romania, and Adam Siger from Fundacja Udaru Mózgu, Poland. The formation of this dedicated group within the European Parliament represents a significant step forward in driving coordinated EU action to improve cardiovascular health outcomes across member states.
Read more
Jan 30, 2026
The EACH Cardiovascular Health Summit 2025 in Brussels brought together policymakers, clinicians, researchers and patient advocates to address Europe’s biggest health challenge: cardiovascular disease.
The event focused on tackling inequalities, improving prevention and early detection, and strengthening patient‑centred care across Europe. A major highlight was the official launch of the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan by the European Health Commissioner, marking a historic step forward for cardiovascular health across the EU.
SAFE was represented by Arlene Wilkie, alongside SAFE members Marina Charalambous (Cyprus), Diana Wong-Ramos (Portugal), Adam Siger (Poland) and Dorina Dobreva (Bulgaria). Arlene participated in a high‑level panel discussion where she welcomed the new Plan but urged the community to ensure that stroke is not left behind, emphasising the need for integrated action across all cardiovascular conditions. Diana also took part in a panel discussion where she highlighted the importance of reducing inequalities across Europe and stressed how coordinated EU‑level action can help close persistent gaps in cardiovascular outcomes.
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