Stroke Association steps in to fund Devon’s Life After Stroke service

Stroke survivors in Devon will continue to receive vital support after the Stroke Association agreed to temporarily fund the Life After Stroke service.

The charity has stepped in after NHS Devon and Plymouth City Council withdrew their funding, leaving the future of the service in jeopardy. 

A petition to save it, launched by stroke survivor Graham Devaney from Burrington, gathered over 2,700 signatures but failed to reverse the decision.

Now, the Stroke Association has pledged to cover the costs for the next 15 months, providing a temporary lifeline while a long-term funding solution is explored. 

This decision follows a commitment from NHS Devon to work with the charity to secure sustainable funding from April 2026.

The Stroke Association cited the exceptional financial circumstances faced by NHS Devon, which is currently under Level 4 NHS England special measures; the highest level of oversight.

Jacqui Cuthbert, the Stroke Association’s associate director for the South West and the Channel Islands, said: “We recognise the extreme financial circumstances that NHS Devon currently finds itself in. 

“We have a joint commitment from NHS Devon to work together closely to find a long-term solution to support those affected by stroke after the Stroke Association funding ends in 2026.

Devon has one of the highest stroke prevalence rates in the UK, with over 32,000 stroke survivors living in the county.

Graham Devaney, who led the campaign to save the service, welcomed the interim funding but stressed the need for a permanent solution.

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who signed the petition, which shows how immensely valued it is by stroke survivors and carers in Devon.

“It’s great news that the Stroke Association has been able to fund it on an interim basis but with Devon’s aging population and growing number of stroke survivors it’s essential to find a long-term solution.”