Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability amongst adults. There are approximately 27,000 new and recurrent strokes each year in Australia with one occurring every 19 minutes. Stroke affects people of all ages but predominantly occurs in the elderly. There are almost 445,000 people living after stroke in Australia. Despite public misperception, there are proven treatments for stroke prevention and recovery.

The Stroke Foundation is a national not-for-profit organisation that works with stroke survivors, carers, health professionals, government and the public to reduce the impact of stroke on the Australian community. Our mission is to prevent stroke, save lives and enhance recovery. We are the voice of stroke in Australia.

Our Values of Courage, Excellence, Compassion, Integrity and Leadership are an integral part of our culture, brand and positioning, and inform our decisions and behaviours in our dealings internally within the organisation, and externally with our stakeholders.

About the program

The Stroke Foundation’s Brand and Community Engagement program aims to raise the profile of stroke as a major health issue and the role of the Stroke Foundation in fighting it.

A key component is stroke prevention and awareness activities. StrokeSafe presentations are offered across Australia to community groups, workplaces and as part of special events. Talks are delivered by trained volunteers to groups to raise awareness of what stroke is, how to reduce stroke risk, how to recognise the signs of stroke (using the F.A.S.T. test) and what services are provided by the Stroke Foundation. Training and presentation resources are provided to ensure StrokeSafe presentations are delivered consistently across Australia.

Stroke Foundation volunteers also assist in delivering a number of community events and programs nationally and within specific states including:

• Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check

• National Stroke Week (August)

• Education sessions at health and wellness events

• Displays at other community events such as shopping centres or festivals.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Complete an average of 10 events/presentations per calendar year in your local area
• Proactively promote presentations within your local community and encourage a variety of groups to host a presentation, especially those in priority areas (regional locations).
• Deliver endorsed messages in StrokeSafe presentations in a consistent and approved manner
• Distribute any resources relevant to each presentation
• Assist with specific Stroke Foundation events. Duties may include greeting and marshalling attendees, assisting with questionnaires, distributing information and being a media Ambassador
• Process any relevant reimbursement claims in a timely manner including providing any required supporting material
• Notify manager of any issues in a prompt manner or your availability changes
• Other duties as required

Note – volunteers are not permitted to give any medical advice or answer any questions that are medical in nature.

Program targets/objectives

By participating as a volunteer, you will support the local state team and the national Brand and Community Engagement team to deliver agreed work plans and educate Australians about stroke.

Your background, skills and experience

• Good verbal communication skills to deliver clear information to community groups

• Willingness to learn and become familiar with content of StrokeSafe presentation

• Basic computer literacy and a willingness to learn

• Majority of talks occur during business hours, therefore availability during these hours would be highly regarded

• Ability to work with others and understand the perspectives of others

• Enthusiastic, confident and a positive outlook

• Punctual and well presented

• National Police Check required

• Evidence of full COVID-19 Vaccination is required

• No prior experience required.

The Stroke Foundation embraces cultural diversity and strongly encourages suitably qualified people from all cultural backgrounds to apply.