Actors Sanjeev Bhaskar and Bhasker Patel urge community to take part in stroke survey

London, 6 February 2018: Actors Sanjeev Bhaskar and Bhasker Patel are calling on South Asians to participate in a new survey by Public Health England (PHE) in conjunction with Asian and black media, to understand the current levels of knowledge about stroke.

The survey is designed specifically for Asian and black communities and will run during PHE’s Act F.A.S.T. campaign.

Stroke is now the fourth largest cause of death in England and South Asians are at a higher risk than their white counterparts due to high blood pressure and diabetes being significant factors.

Actor Sanjeev Bhaskar who is committed to improving the community’s understanding of the risks and signs of stroke, said:

“The Asian community is at a higher risk of having a stroke and are more likely to have a stroke at a younger age therefore it’s important we recognise the signs and know how best to respond when we see them in ourselves or others so more lives can be saved.

“I would urge the Asian community to take advantage of this unique opportunity to play a direct role in helping PHE to understand whether the message is getting through to our community.”

Actor Bhasker Patel who is featured in the stroke Act F.A.S.T. film adds:

“The stroke Act F.A.S.T. campaign reminds people of the key signs of stroke and the importance of calling 999 immediately if they notice any single one of the signs in themselves or others.

This survey will make us all think about what we know about stroke and hopefully will encourage us to find out more information that we can share with our family and friends. All you have to do is answer a few simple questions, it only takes a few minutes.”

Professor Julia Verne, Public Health England Director, said:

“We are committed to ensuring that those at risk of stroke recognise the signs and know what to do if they notice any single one of the signs so that we can improve chances of survival.

We’d like to encourage as many South Asian people as possible to complete the survey to help us understand current levels of knowledge of our Act F.A.S.T. messages.”

The survey can be completed online at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/strokesigns and will close on 28 February 2018.