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- Archive 2019
- 2015 Elections: 11 new BME MP’s make history
- 70th Anniversary of the Partition of India
- Black Church Manifesto Questionnaire
- Brett Bailey: Exhibit B
- Briefing Paper: Ethnic Minorities in Politics and Public Life
- Civil Rights Leader Ratna Lachman dies
- ELLE Magazine: Young, Gifted, and Black
- External Jobs
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- Gary Younge Book Sale
- George Osborne's budget increases racial disadvantage
- Goldsmiths Students' Union External Trustee
- International Commissioners condemn the appalling murder of Tyre Nichols
- Iqbal Wahhab OBE empowers Togo prisoners
- Job Vacancy: Head of Campaigns and Communications
- Media and Public Relations Officer for Jean Lambert MEP (full-time)
- Number 10 statement - race disparity unit
- Pathway to Success 2022
- Please donate £10 or more
- Rashan Charles had no Illegal Drugs
- Serena Williams: Black women should demand equal pay
- Thank you for your donation
- The Colour of Power 2021
- The Power of Poetry
- The UK election voter registration countdown begins now
- Volunteering roles at Community Alliance Lewisham (CAL)
Double risk of stroke amongst BME communities
Despite being a treatable condition, stroke continues to be the third leading cause of death in England and the largest cause of disability. Therefore a stroke awareness campaign has been launched by Public Health England which highlights the importance of acting ‘F.A.S.T’ as soon as stroke symptoms present themselves.
Research shows that the risk of stroke amongst people of African, Caribbean and South origin are twice as likely as the general UK population. The stroke mortality rate in England and Wales is almost double for people born in Jamaica and 2 ½ times as high for men born in West Africa.
The new act 'F.A.S.T’ advert aims to show people the signs and symptoms they should look for to identify someone suffering from a stroke, with the aim of making everyone a potential ‘stroke-saver.’ Acting FAST can save lives and potentially limit long-term effects. The campaign explains that people should look for:
Facial weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
Arm weakness : Can the person raise both arms?
Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
Time to call 999.
Although there is a general awareness of stroke, it can be difficult to recognise the onset of symptoms. A stroke is a brain injury caused by a blockage or bleed in the brain. Getting appropriate treatment fast reduces the amount of brain damage and improves the chance of making a good recovery.
Professor Kevin Fenton, Director of Health and Wellbeing at Public Health England said:
People of African and Caribbean origin are twice as likely to suffer stroke as people of European origin therefore it’s important that the act ‘F.A.S.T’ message gets across to these communities. Treatment for stroke is improving, with more and more patients being seen in specialist stroke units. However, in order for people who have had a stroke to get the treatment they need quickly, it’s essential that we are all aware of the signs and symptoms so we can act ‘F.A.S.T’.”
This is the first year that Public Health England have launched the campaign using an African Caribbean male in recognition of the high risk of stroke for this sector.
Staff Writer