Stroke Awareness

We were delighted to welcome Sam Axford into school to speak to our pupils about Stroke Awareness. All of Year 3 took part in the talk throughout the day:

"I learnt that FAST means Face, Arm, Speech and Time. I feel better that I can help look out for the signs with my grandparents"
Sienna - Year 3

"I didn't realise that strokes could happen in young people. Jessie J has had one! It means that we all need to know how to avoid a stroke"
Samson - Year 5

The information day is going to lead to a Stroke Awareness Day with the children where they will:

• come to school wearing an item of purple clothing
• experience some activities where they have only limited movement (like the effects of a stroke)
• try liquids of different viscosity

Our School Council then had a session with Nurse Sam so that they could tell their classes about the signs of a stroke and how to avoid it.

They learnt that recognising the signs of stroke or mini-stroke and calling 999 for an ambulance is crucial. The quicker a patient arrives at a specialist stroke unit, the quicker they will receive appropriate treatment and the more likely they are to make a better recovery. If you suspect a stroke, always dial 999.

"We want our pupils to feel confident that they can help in their communities and families. Strokes are something that can affect us all. FAST and prompt action can really help to limit the impact of a potentially fatal stroke. We also believe it is vital for our pupils to hear why a healthy lifestyle is so important. Some very simple tweaks to diet and exercise can really help to improve your overall health!"

Georgina Barron - Head of Upper School

Later in the year we will be holding a Sip for Stroke coffee morning to raise further awareness.