Yesterday I went to an event hosted by Stroke Association to hear more about their work promoting awareness about the symptoms of strokes and providing support to people who have had one and their loved ones.

The FAST acronym (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) is a test to quickly identify the three most common signs of stroke.

Face weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?

Arm weakness: Can the person raise both arms fully and keep them there?

Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say? Is their speech slurred

Time to call 999: if you see any one of these signs.

For more information about the work of the Stroke Association and more advice on recognising the symptoms of a stroke, you can visit their website via www.stroke.org.uk

Or if you or a loved one has had a stroke and you want to talk to someone about the support the Stroke Association can offer you, you can call their Stroke Support Helpline on: 03033033100.