World Stroke Day: Act FAST to Save Lives
Date: 28th October 2025
October 29th 2025 is World Stroke Day, a time to raise awareness about one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Every four minutes in the UK, someone is admitted to hospital with a stroke — a statistic that reminds us just how important stroke awareness and fast action truly are.
At Headway UK, many of our members are stroke survivors who receive our ongoing support as they rebuild their lives after brain injury. Because no two brains — and no two strokes — are the same, recovery journeys can look very different. Some survivors may become a wheelchair user, others may walk independently. Some might experience speech or memory challenges, while others may become brilliant storytellers of their past.
What unites all stroke survivors is that moment of crisis — a moment when someone needed to act FAST.
How to Recognise a Stroke: The FAST Test
When it comes to stroke, time saves brain cells. Quick recognition and medical action can make a life-changing difference.
Remember the FAST acronym:
- F – Face: Has one side of the face drooped?
- A – Arms: Can the person raise both arms?
- S – Speech: Is their speech slurred or strange?
- T – Time: If you notice any of these signs, call 999 immediately.
Acting FAST can mean the difference between a full recovery and long-term disability — or even save a life.
Supporting Stroke Survivors
Through our community at Headway UK, we provide practical help, emotional support, and rehabilitation resources for people rebuilding life after a stroke. Our work helps survivors and their families navigate changes, celebrate progress, and rediscover independence.
On this World Stroke Day, we join the World Stroke Organisation in reminding everyone to recognise the signs and act FAST.
Together, we can make sure more people get the help they need, when they need it most.