ISS and the Stroke Association shortlisted for the Better Society Awards 2020

As finalists in the category ‘Partnership with a Health Charity’, ISS has supported the Stroke Association for three years with fundraising, volunteering and awareness-raising initiatives, most recently providing virtual support in response to social distancing restrictions. 

Now in their sixth year, the Better Society Awards shine a spotlight on commercial companies that create social value by driving a better, more equal, and sustainable world.

Innovation & long-term support

ISS is the Stroke Association’s first corporate partner to develop a workplace training programme as part of the Stroke Association’s nationwide prevention campaign. ISS employees volunteered to be Stroke Prevention Ambassadors and were trained to run ‘Know Your Blood Pressure sessions’ across the ISS organisation for onsite teams to increase awareness and promote health and wellbeing. 

We have also provided valuable support for the running of ‘Stroke Clubs’; community groups established by stroke survivors to give vital long-term support for other stroke survivors, their families and carers. In addition to financial support, our people – from frontline colleagues to C-Level executives - have volunteered their time to support Stroke Clubs.

Martin Wayman, Head of Corporate Responsibility for ISS said "We’re proud to reach the finals of the Better Society Awards to recognise the great partnership that we have with the Stroke Association. Initiatives such as the Ambassador programme, the Know your Blood Pressure sessions and Stroke Clubs provide vital long-term support for stroke survivors and the Stroke Association at large, raising awareness for the valuable work that they do."

Overcoming social distancing

With the impact of COVID-19, ISS has supported the Stroke Association with their new digital programme with fundraising being reallocated to online interest groups to help those affected by stroke. In addition, to reduce the isolation experienced by many stroke survivors, the ‘Here for You’ scheme is underway to match ISS volunteers with a stroke survivor at risk of feeling isolated for weekly calls over 12 weeks. 

Looking ahead, we are also creating opportunities for our employees to deliver virtual stroke prevention sessions; such innovation will continue to support those affected by stroke and their families.