Alex Stirling

Say Aphasia is unique in offering long term support for aphasia, led by people with aphasia. There is nothing/nowhere else that does this.

  

I am a speech and language therapist, specialising with aphasia. The provision for people with aphasia has become less and less during my working life. People with aphasia in my area sometimes receive 6 weeks of therapy immediately after their stroke and there is now little else beyond this.  Aphasia is often no longer prioritised (despite the dramatic impact for people and their families on every aspect of their life) .  Dysphagia (swallowing problems) are perceived as more urgent, and provision has moved to focus on that. 

 

I know that people with aphasia often feel isolated and have lost much of their original social network. They benefit hugely from the chance to meet people in a pressure-free, social situation who understand exactly what it is like to have aphasia.

 

It is vital that the groups are led by people with aphasia rather than speech therapists, as this neutralises the power balance and  puts the expertise where it belongs, and ensures that the focus is not on impairment but on participation. I worked at Connect for many years (which was a charity where activities were led by people with aphasia) and closed down around 2016 – I saw the transformative effect on people's lives. 

 

Being able to offer the support from Say Aphasia for free is absolutely crucial. People's finances suffer hugely after any disability and return to work with aphasia is sadly unlikely, partly because of lack of societal awareness of aphasia. Having no charge the only way to offer absolute equity of provision.

 

I wholeheartedly support the work of Say Aphasia and feel that the collaboration we have as speech therapists is extremely important and rewarding for us.

 

 

Want to hear more from Alex? Email her here.

 

 

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