SAFE is a non-profit-making organisation representing a broad range of stroke patient groups from over 30 European countries. In late 2016, SAFE and ESO initiated a Memorandum of Understanding to mutually improve stroke care and gain priority for stroke among decision makers, leading to joint projects: 
1.	The Burden of Stroke in Europe Report was presented in the European Parliament in May 2017. The findings predict an increase of 34% in the number of strokes between 2015 and 2035, due to an ageing population. The implementation of guidelines, interventions and organised stroke care varies considerably across Europe, contributing to significant variations in outcomes for stroke survivors. The report provides data for decision makers for changing inequalities and improving stroke care.
2.	Building on the report, the partners have prepared a European Stroke Action Plan 2018 to 2030, aligning and extending the WHO Global Action Plan on NCDs 2013-2020 and providing a road map for stroke services and research areas in 7 domains, including life after stroke, which has been under-represented in guidelines so far.  
3.	The Stroke Support Organisation Faculty Tool (SSOFT) is a new eLearning tool on advocacy training for Stroke Support Organisations. The focus is on empowering stroke patients and their advocates for stroke care. The launch of the six learning modules is planned between April and December 2018.

ADVOCACY FOR A BETTER STROKE CARE ACROSS EUROPE. Cooperation of the STROKE Alliance for Europe (SAFE) and the European Stroke Organization (ESO).