Stroke still strikes every five minutes in the UK, destroying lives in an instant. The current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic makes it even more difficult to rebuild them again. The Stroke Association has been working harder than ever to make sure we can still be there for people affected by stroke, and our NHS.
That’s why we’re partnering with Smooth Radio for our latest awareness campaign, to let people know that we’re still here to support them to rebuild their lives after stroke during these difficult times.
We worked closely with our media agency, PHD Manchester, to develop the radio partnership, which features Smooth Radio presenter Myleene Klass and Andrea McLean interviewing real stroke survivors about their experiences. These enhanced radio ads play throughout the day.
“The number of people attending Accident and Emergency departments has been down by over 50% in recent weeks. Worryingly, hospitals tell us they are seeing fewer stroke patients” said Dominic Brand, Executive Director of Marketing and External Affairs for the Stroke Association.
“With our ability to deliver services dramatically impacted by the lockdown, we need to let people know that stroke is a medical emergency and they need to call 999 if they see or experience any of the FAST symptoms. It’s vital that people also know the Stroke Association is still here, working with the NHS, to support survivors to rebuild their lives after stroke.”
The radio partnership is part of a wider campaign running throughout May and early June, with a series of ads featuring stroke survivors sharing their stories across radio and digital channels, including social media.
“We’re pleased to shine a light on the support that the Stroke Association is providing stroke survivors, both at this crucial time, and in general throughout the UK,” said Joe Woolrich, Media Manager at PHD Manchester. “With many listening longer to radio during the lockdown, we felt it was important to engage listeners on an emotional level and complement the important news updates and health information that audiences are receiving.”
Dominic Brand added: “Working with PHD Manchester and Global (who own Smooth Radio) has been an essential part of helping to give stroke survivors a voice to share how the pandemic has affected them.”
Global is home to the UK’s best-loved radio stations, including Heart, Capital, LBC, Capital XTRA, Classic FM, Smooth, Radio X and Gold.