News & Campaigns
Stroke Awareness Month: Acting FAST and Supporting Recovery (May 1-31, 2026)
1st May 2026
This Stroke Awareness Month, Headway Black Country is raising awareness of stroke as a form of acquired brain injury and highlighting why recognising the signs quickly can save lives.
A stroke is a medical emergency that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted. It can affect how a person moves, communicates, thinks and feels often with life-changing consequences.
Spot the signs. Act FAST.
Knowing the signs of a stroke and acting quickly can make all the difference:
Every minute counts. Early treatment can significantly reduce the long-term impact of a stroke.
Why this matters
Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability in the UK. Around 100,000 people experience a stroke each year, and 1.4 million people are living with its effects.
For many, recovery is not just physical. People may experience fatigue, memory loss, communication difficulties and emotional changes long after leaving hospital. That’s why ongoing support in the community is so important.
Supporting people across the Black Country
At Headway Black Country, we work with adults impacted by brain injury, including stroke, to rebuild confidence, independence and quality of life. Through rehabilitation, social support and practical guidance, we help people reconnect with their lives and ensure no one faces recovery alone.
From awareness to action
This month also comes as we prepare for our Rotary Dragon Boat Race 2026 at Himley Hall.
While the event is a fantastic day of teamwork and community spirit, it also plays a vital role in supporting our services for people living with brain injury, including stroke survivors.
Every donation and every show of support help us continue this work across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
Find out more about the Dragon Boat Race and how to support us: https://headwayblackcountry.org/rotary-dragon-boat-race-2026/
Learn more about stroke
For more information about stroke, including causes, symptoms and recovery, visit Headway UK: https://www.headway.org.uk/about-brain-injury/individuals/types-of-brain-injury/stroke/
Need support?
If you or someone you know is living with the effects of stroke or another brain injury, we are here to help.
Get in touch with Headway Black Country today.