1 in 3 stroke survivors will feel like a burden to their loved ones this Christmas but it’s #StillChristmas. Watch and share this film to help more survivors and their families find support. Give the gift of stroke support this Christmas.

Stroke strikes every five minutes. Our new research strategy sets out how we’ll help change that by investing £15m in the next generation of breakthroughs. The new 2026-2031 research strategy is here: https://t.co/oyNrI6wirU

We encourage survivors, families and carers to watch how these changes unfold. Join us in pushing the government to #MakeStrokeAPriority through support care access, and fund meaningful rehabilitation https://t.co/Fhx9vNyMqw.

This Budget has the potential to bring both opportunities and challenges. The boost in digital health funding and frozen prescription charges are positive developments. But reduced choice on Motability is a concern, and we need more detail on funding for health-centre expansion.

We will monitor developments in this area and advocate for stroke survivors through coalition charities.

Disappointingly, the Budget makes changes to Motability. The new rules limit choice of cars for disabled people and consequently their independence. Stroke survivors with limb weakness and other physical disabilities need car adaptations that meet their needs.

Although aimed at public health, we are mindful of how the Soft Drinks Industry Levy could impact people recovering from stroke with dietary needs.

Lastly, the extension of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy in 2028 to include milk-based drinks & lowering the untaxed sugar threshold is aimed at persuading consumers to make healthier choices and reduce the risks of stroke.

The plan to create 250 new Neighbourhood Health Centres, could expand access to primary & community health services. We hope community stroke services will be closely connected to these centres. Today’s announcement lacks detail about funding, something we will watch closely.

Also important: the Budget includes a £300 million investment in NHS technology to increase staff productivity. That aligns with our long-standing call for the NHS to embrace digital tools to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for stroke survivors.

There was some positive news: the prescription fee freeze in England is a welcome relief. Stroke survivors often need multiple medications, freezing fees helps ease financial pressure.

Today’s #Budget2026 brings changes that could affect stroke survivors . While there weren’t a lot of big announcements on health and care this time, there are a few announcements that may be relevant to stroke. Here’s what we see and why it matters:

Existing guidelines on diet are “so beige to the point of being useless,” says Dr Sundhya Raman. “Prioritise plants on your plate. “If the majority of foods you eat are sourced from plants, it’s a cardio-protective diet,” with the potential to reduce stroke risk by 19%. #UKSF25

Only 200 people in Scotland had a thrombectomy in 2024. We must do better. Innovation is more than an idea. It’s about taking the idea and implementing it effectively. Without that, thrombectomy is nothing but a missed opportunity for thousands of stroke patients. #UKSF25

Prof Will Whitely spoke about research into common viral infections and stroke risk, using data from @BHFDataScience. He shared that flu vaccination is associated with about a one-third reduction in all-cause cardiovascular events among people who receive the vaccine. #UKSF25

This Christmas, help us to support more stroke survivors at every step of their recovery: https://t.co/l76bTOO7oc

Many congratulations to Unit collaborator Associate Professor Melanie Fleming on being awarded a prestigious Senior Non-Clinical Lectureship by the Stroke Association! https://t.co/BOZW9HbFc3 @NDCNOxford @OxfordMedSci @UniofOxford

🧠⚽️ EFL Week of Action Spotlight ⚽️🧠 We’re proud to deliver two weekly stroke wellbeing sessions in partnership with @TheStrokeAssoc, supporting stroke survivors and their carers on their journey to recovery 💪🏻 Last week, we were thrilled to welcome first team captain Ben

Good to call into the @TheStrokeAssoc event at Parliament buildings today & sign the pledge supporting the necessity of the key stroke treatment, thrombectomy, being available in NI at all hours.

A week on from #WorldStrokeDay we’re still marvelling at the response to this year’s theme, which was the long road to rehab & recovery. @TheStrokeAssoc community came together to raise awareness of the struggles stroke survivors face. Thanks @NHSForthValley for stunning pics! 😍