In 2020, we weren't able to hold our usual face to face events, so we held our first ever online UK Stroke Assembly events.

We delivered two six-week virtual programmes, reaching over 555 people affected by stroke, of which 96% had never attended an event like this before. We worked with over 40 speakers and hosted a total of 24 online webinars.

Despite not being able to meet face to face, 2020's virtual event brought our community together to share experiences, find support and inspire others.

Catch up or re-watch webinar sessions from Part 1 and 2 of last year's UK Stroke Assembly virtual event.

You can view the programme for July's event here.

Part 1

Week 1: Staying active

Tuesday 16 June 2020

  • 11.00am-11.15am
    Part one: Welcome: Bringing the UK Stroke Assembly to you!
    Hear from our Chief Executive, Juliet Bouverie, on how the Stroke Association is continuing to provide support for people affected by stroke throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
  • 11.15am-11.45am
    Part two: Staying active
    Being active is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your health, especially after a stroke. It has benefits, both physically and mentally. Hear how you can stay active at home, ask questions and get some top tips from other stroke survivors.

Watch session recording - catch up or re-watch our 'Staying Active' webinar:


If you would like further support around 'Staying Active', please visit our Staying active when you're staying at home page, and our Exercise and stroke page, where you can access online resources and support.

What are the benefits of staying active? - watch this interview with stroke survivor Stuart Proctor


Wednesday 17 June 2020

  • 11.00am-11.30am
    A stroke of luck
    Hear from stroke survivor and ex-international swimmer Craig Pankhurst. Gain tips and techniques for staying active whist at home and hear how Craig is supporting stroke survivors across the UK.

Watch session recording - catch up or re-watch our 'A stroke of luck' webinar:


If you would like to find out more about the A stroke of luck charity please visit their website.

Friday 19 June 2020

  • 11.00am-11.20am
    Join our live activity session – Moving more at home
    This session is designed to offer a range of gentle chair-based activities to keep you moving at home. All you will need is some space and a chair.

Watch session recording - catch up or re-watch our 'Moving more at home' webinar.

Week 2: Take action

Monday 22 June 2020

  • 11.00am-11.30am
    Join our community of campaigners!
    In these uncertain times, we need your help to ensure stroke remains a priority. Find out why we have adapted our plans as a result of COVID-19, and take part in some easy ways to ensure that politicians know that stroke matters to you.

Watch session recording - catch up or re-watch our 'Join our community of campaigners!' webinar.


Keep in touch with the Campaigns Team and other people taking action on stroke by joining our Campaigns Network. You will get regular emails with updates and simple ways you can take action.

When we campaign, we speak out when things need to improve, but we also support those who are doing a great job, and encourage them to keep up the good work. If the incredible work of a nurse, doctor, physio, therapist, or even a whole team of people, is something you'll always remember and be grateful for, please share your story. We will pass your comments on to our brilliant NHS stroke teams.

Wednesday 24 June 2020

  • 11.00am-11.30am
    Live cook-along with celebrity chef Sally Bee
    Diet choices impact our health greatly – our initiative #HealthierUK highlights how small changes can make a big difference. Come cook-a-long a delicious low sodium dish with LoSalt ambassador Sally Bee, who has survived five heart attacks, and hear her story on how taking action has helped rebuild her life.

Watch session recording - catch up or re-watch our 'Live cook-along with celebrity chef Sally Bee'


Find out more about our partnership with LoSalt for a #HealthierUK and discover a range of recipes to help you live a healthier lifestyle.

Week 3: Research

Monday 29 June 2020

  • 11.00am-11.30am
    Rewiring the brain: New connections and recovery
    Can the brain rewire itself? Join Dr Niamh Kennedy from Ulster University to discover how we can encourage our brain to reorganise after stroke. The activities you can do to help keep our brains plastic and the beneficial effects of rewiring.

Watch session recording - catch up or re-watch our 'Rewiring the brain: New connections and recovery' webinar.


If you would like to find out more about physiotherapy after a stroke, please visit our physiotherapy after stroke page.

Wednesday 01 July 2020

  • 11.00am-11.30am
    Vision loss after stroke
    Hear from Helen Morse, a researcher funded by the Stroke Association. Helen is looking at whether a new computer programme can test and treat vision loss after stroke. You can also read about her research before the event.

Watch session recording - catch up or re-watch our 'Vision loss after stroke' webinar.


To find out more information and support about home-based therapy for vision, please visit the SIGHT webpage.

If you would like further information around the types of vision problems after stroke and to discover coping methods, top tips and advice, please visit our vision problems after stroke page.

Friday 03 July 2020

  • 11.00am-11.45am
  • Repeat: 1:00pm-1:45pm
    Do you have a question for our stroke research team?
    Sign up to take part in a discussion where you can tell us your questions for stroke research as part of our Stroke Priority Setting Partnership. There are limited places in this webinar. If you can't join this time, we'll tell you about other ways you can take part. Please send your completed form to info@strokeassembly.org.uk to confirm your space.

Week 4: Our support network

Monday 6 July 2020

  • 11.00am-11.30am
    Introducing our Stroke Helpline
    The Stroke Association Helpline supports over 19,000 people a year. The Helpline is part of a package of support we offer to people affected by stroke. Hear directly from our Helpline team and discover ways they are continuing to adapt our services to support people affected by stroke.

Watch session recording - catch up or re-watch our 'Introducing our Stroke Helpline' webinar.


Find out more about our Stoke Helpline. Or for further information and support, please contact our Helpline on 0303 3033 100 or email helpline@stroke.org.uk.

  • 7.30pm-8.30pm
    Are you ready to test your knowledge?
    Join the one and only Chris Tarrant as we welcome you to an evening of quiz fun.

Watch session recording - catch up or re-watch our 'Are you ready to test your knowledge? Quiz with the one and only Chris Tarrant.


We would like to thank everyone who joined us for our live event on Monday 6 July for an evening of quiz fun. Through your generosity and support we were able to raise over £1000.

Wednesday 8 July 2020

  • 11.00am-11.30am
    What's next for My Stroke Guide?
    Join our interactive tour of My Stroke Guide, our online stroke support tool. This is your opportunity to hear about new features and upcoming developments, and ask any questions.

Watch session recording - catch up or re-watch our 'What's next for My Stroke Guide' webinar.


Find out how My Stroke Guide can support your recovery.

Friday 10 July 2020

  • 11:00am-11:30am
    Here for you – Volunteer Telephone Support
    Find out all about our new service that enables us to be there for people affected by stroke across the UK. We will share information, case studies and videos to bring to life the new offer of support.

Watch session recording - catch up or re-watch our 'Here for you – Volunteer Telephone Support' webinar.


To sign up to volunteer for our Here For You service, please apply here.

If you would like to refer someone to the Here For You service, please contact the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100 or helpline@stroke.org.uk

Week 5: Keeping connected

Monday 13 July 2020

  • 11.00am-11.30am
    Intimacy and relationships
    Relationships are important for our lives - whether with family, friends or romantic or sexual partners. But with the pressures of life, looking after our close relationships can sometimes be tough. Add to this the changes caused by stroke and a global pandemic, so we might not have much energy left to think about intimacy. In this session, we will share top tips from counsellors and reflect on how we can nurture our closest connections, all from the comfort of your own living room!

Watch session recording - catch up or re-watch our 'Intimacy and relationships' webinar.


For further support and information, please read our intimacy and relationships page.

Wednesday 15 July 2020

  • 11.00am-11.30am
    Getting online when you have aphasia
    Join this session to find out more about getting back online when you have aphasia. We will talk about some of the challenges people with aphasia face when using technology. We will also be sharing tips from people with aphasia and demonstrating our new aphasia-friendly digital resources.

Watch session recording - catch up or re-watch our 'Getting online when you have aphasia' webinar.


For further support and information, please read our getting online guide.

To find tips and information for video calling, please see our video calling for people with aphasia guide.

Friday 17 July 2020

  • 11.00am-11.45am
    Discovering ways to keep connected
    This week, we turn our attention to the challenges, coping strategies, and top tips for keeping connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. We'll be addressing how shielding and isolation have led us to adapt our daily routines, contact with others and how we navigate new technology. We will also be looking at what life will look like as lockdown is loosened, and what this feels like as we step back into the outside world.

Watch session recording - catch up or re-watch our 'Discovering ways to keep connected' webinar.

Watch this interview with Peter and Jane Scriven, as we look at how they have been keeping connected through the 'Life after stroke centre activity group'.

Week 6: Every stroke and recovery matters

Monday 20 July 2020

  • 11.00am-11.45am
    Every step matters, because every stroke matters
    Across the UK, there are 1.2 million stroke survivors who need our support now more than ever. We understand that many of your fundraising plans have been put on hold recently. This means that events have been postponed and bucket collections cancelled. However, we also know that many of you still want to get involved and continue your fundraising to rebuild lives after stroke. Join us to find out how you can host or take part in a virtual event and raise vital funds for stroke survivors.

Watch session recording - catch up or re-watch our 'Every step matters, because every stroke matters' webinar:


To find out more about our exciting fundraising opportunities, please visit our fundraising page.

Wednesday 22 July 2020

  • 11.00am-11.30am
    What does Coronavirus mean for stroke services?
    Join our panel discussion as we hear from our Chief Executive, Juliet Bouverie who will be joined by Dr Deb Lowe who is the National Clinical Director for Stroke Medicine with NHSE&I and Dr David Hargroves who is the National Clinical Lead for 'Getting it Right First Time' Stroke Programme with NHSE&I. They will discuss the delivery of stroke services during the restoration and recovery phase and review the impact the pandemic has had on our current channels of support.

Watch session recording - catch up or re-watch our 'What does Coronavirus mean for stroke services?' webinar.


Friday 24 July 2020

  • 11.00am-11:30am
    Tips and techniques for managing your emotions
    Explore your emotions and learn how to recognise your feelings. This session will look at self-help techniques and alternative approaches to help manage your emotions.

Watch session recording - catch up or re-watch our 'Tips and techniques for managing your emotions' webinar.


To find further support and information, please visit our emotional support page.

Part 2

Week 1: Staying positive and staying active

11.00am - 11.45am

Staying positive and staying active

Join our panel as we share our staying active experiences, be inspired and gain top tips and advice for reaching you're staying active and staying positive goals.

Watch session recording - catch up or re-watch our 'Staying Positive and Staying Active' webinar:


Online resources:

Week 2: Stroke in younger people

Wednesday 9 September 2020

11.00am – 11.45am

Stroke in younger people

We know in these difficult times finding the right support can be challenging. Join this session as we focus on stroke in younger people; hear personal experiences from our panel as we look at the challenges of adapting to the recent pandemic, moving forward in recovery and finding services and support that is available.

Watch session recording - catch up or re-watch our 'Stroke in younger people' webinar:


Online resources:

Visit Different Strokes to find out how they are adapting their services to support younger people affected by stroke.

Find out more about the N-ROL rehabilitation research that Same You is currently funding.

Also, discover how the Stroke Association is supporting people to continue to rebuild their lives whilst at home by reading about our Stroke Association Connect service.

Week 3: Amazing Brains - the race against time in emergency stroke care

Wednesday 16 September 2020

11.00am – 11.45am

Amazing Brains - the race against time in emergency stroke care

Want to learn more about the latest advancements being made in emergency stroke care research? Join our panel to hear from researcher Dr Graham McClelland, stroke survivor Elizabeth Kay and Stoke Association Research Director Dr Rubina Ahmed.

Watch session recording - catch up or re-watch our 'Amazing Brains- The race against time in emergency stroke care' webinar.


Please visit our virtual exhibition to discover further research in emergency stroke treatment and care. Read and watch short videos from Stroke Association funded researchers, stroke survivors, our charity's Research Engagement Officer, Laura Piercy, and CEO Juliet Bouverie.

Week 4: Managing finances after stroke

Wednesday 23 September 2020

11.00am - 11.45am

Managing finances after stroke

Stroke can have a huge impact on your personal finances. Hear from our experienced panel and gain top tips, advice and support to accessing finance services, and online support.

Watch session recording - catch up or re-watch our 'Managing finances after stroke' webinar