Housing Executive staff raise their tea cups in support of Stroke

‘Sip for Stroke’ has taken over Housing Executive offices, with over twenty events taking place across the country including Craigavon, Belfast, Ballymena, Limavady, Downpatrick and Newtownards! Teams and entire office buildings have joined together to support the initiative which not only raises funds but important awareness around the risk of strokes and how small lifestyle changes can help prevent strokes. Blood pressure checks were also available.

The Housing Executive's Chief Executive, John McPeake, said; "The Housing Executive welcomes its partnership with the Stroke Association in helping to raise both funds and awareness of the need for better stroke prevention and care. Some of our staff have been directly affected by a stroke and we are actively engaged in delivering Stroke Association campaigns to reach both our staff and the communities that we serve. A former member of staff and stroke sufferer has presented a video message which can be seen on our website www.nihe.gov.uk. This is a powerful message that informs all of us how a stroke can strike anyone and reminds us of the valuable and much needed services provided by the Stroke Association in Northern Ireland".

Tom Richardson, Northern Ireland Director of the Stroke Association comments; “We are really benefitting from the opportunity to engage with Housing Executive staff and raise awareness of stroke. There are currently over 33,000 stroke survivors inNorthern   Irelandwith stroke affecting an additional 4,000 people each year. The Stroke Association offers valuable advice, information and support through our services and fundraising events such as ‘Sip for Stroke’ ensure we not only get the message out there but raise much needed funds to continue our work.”

To organise a ‘Sip for Stroke event in your office or community, please contact the Stroke Association on 028 9050 8020 or email [email protected] for further information.