The changes are the result of a significant alteration in Stroke Foundation service delivery in response to funding constraints.
This includes the Community Stroke Navigator service, which has moved from a "one-to-one" to a "one-to-many" approach.
"With the changes in the health system, charitable funding challenges and the predicted stroke ‘tsunami’ coming, we have had to pivot and change our service delivery to something more sustainable," Mrs Hyslop said.
"We shifted to the new model in July, so it has been interesting to work on a new way of reaching as many people as possible," Mrs Hyslop said.
As part of this new approach, the Stroke Foundation will host its inaugural "Life After Stroke" wananga (seminar) in Dunedin next Tuesday, October 22, in South Dunedin. This free event is open to all.
Local health professionals and people with lived experience will share information on a wide range of topics, including secondary stroke prevention, taking charge after stroke, rehabilitation, fatigue and personal stories.
There will also be time set aside for questions.
"I believe this seminar will be valuable for a lot of people — those who are at risk of stroke as well as those who are living with the aftermath of a stroke," Mrs Hyslop said.
"It will be informal and interactive, and will be a good opportunity for people to experience peer support — talking with someone who ‘gets it’ is very powerful.
"And it is a chance to bring heath professionals, experts and people on a stroke journey together."
Mrs Hyslop said more seminars like this would be organised in future, as a means of providing a "fence at the top of the cliff" service.
She would also continue to give presentations to public health organisations and health improvement practitioners across Otago.
"The more information they have about stroke prevention and life after stroke, the better they are able to support their patients."
In addition, the Stroke Foundation still worked one-on-one with people who lacked family support or who were isolated.
There was also a national Stroke Foundation helpline where people could have their questions answered by knowledgeable people.
Mrs Hyslop said educating the community was vital, as strokes continued to be the leading cause of disability among adults.
About 10,000 people had a stroke each year, and about 89,000 people were living with the effects of stroke in New Zealand.
"Those numbers are expected to rise sharply, as we are facing a stroke tsunami — it is estimated there will be a 40% rise in the number of strokes in the next decade.
"And the cost of strokes to the country is predicted to rise to $1.7 billion by 2038."
She said 25%-30% of strokes occurred in the under-65 age group and most strokes were preventable.
Maori and Pasifika people tended to have strokes earlier and experienced more severe effects.
• The Stroke Foundation "Life After Stroke" seminar will be held on October 22, 9am-noon, in the Iwi Room, Nations Church, 334 King Edward St, South Dunedin.
To register, email help@stroke.org.nz. Entry is free, koha welcome to help cover costs.
• For information and advice about stroke, freephone 0800STROKE (0800787653) or visit www.stroke.org.nz to find its range of services.
