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-making organisation that represents stroke support organisations (SSOs) across Europe. Established in Brussels in 2004 to bring together the collective voice of stroke, we have grown to 36 members from 30 countries.
Together we are the voice of over nine million stroke survivors in Europe. We are the only umbrella organisation in Europe empowering SSOs to reduce the scale and impact of stroke. In addition, on behalf of our members, we aim to be a leading organisation in the development of stroke policy and advocacy at a European level. We will do this by being active across the whole stroke care pathway facilitating awareness, campaigns, advocacy, education and research.
In 2024, our 20th year, we will launch our new strategy which sets out our vision of a Europe where preventable stroke is eliminated, death and disability is minimised, and every person affected by stroke lives their best life possible. We will do this by bringing together and empowering SSOs to deliver campaigns, advocacy, education, research and awareness raising.
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
- We will build capacity in European stroke support organisations by producing tools, training, information and by providing members meeting opportunities.
- 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.
- 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
- We will work in partnership with the European Stroke Organisation to mobilise key stakeholders to work with their governments to deliver a comprehensive stroke plan in each country
- 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.
If you want to learn about us, please click below:
Board members Our members Governance Resources
