Advocacy is an essential component of democracy and a cornerstone of a free and open society. It provides a means for people to express their opinions and to influence the decisions that affect their lives.

The patient voice is a most valuable tool in health advocacy. Patients, carer’s or those affected by heart disease or stroke are experts by virtue of their lived experience. In the context of Heart & Stroke Voice Ireland, advocacy can take many forms, eg:

• Speaking up and calling for action in response to the needs and rights of patients, stroke survivors and their families.
• Elevating the voice of the patient, stroke survivor or carer so that their needs or preferences are heard and represented in healthcare decision-making processes.
• Raising public awareness of issues affecting patients, stroke survivors or carer’s and if necessary lobbying for policy changes.
• Building a community of advocates who share a passion for making a difference in the lives of patients, stroke survivors and their carer’s.
• Sharing your story of your lived experience with the media, policy makers or attending events to raise awareness of important health issues.
• Representing the patient, survivor or carer’s perspective in advisory boards (industry, research or healthcare services)
• Participating in PPI (Public Patient Involvement) initiatives across research, education, service design or service delivery.

As an affiliate of Heart & Stroke Voice Ireland you will have access to resources and training to help you to become a more effective advocate, firstly and foremost in your own healthcare but also as part of a wider alliance of advocates so that there is a strong and united voice in Ireland for those living with or affected by heart disease and stroke.

By becoming an affiliate of this alliance, you can play an important role in shaping the future of cardiovascular healthcare and contribute to improving outcomes for heart patients and stroke survivors as well as their families and carer’s across the country.