Say Aphasia is an absolutely vital part of our Stroke Pathway. It enables us to ensure that people with aphasia have a way to meet each other and experience the benefits of conversation and sharing experiences. It also enables people to see that other modes of communication other than speech are valid and effective.

 

Say Aphasia supports the transition from SLT to real life. Before this group, we were very concerned that people were left without opportunities for support and engagement after speech and language therapy ended (and therapy was often limited to the first few weeks).

 

Not only is long term inclusion supported but it enables people with aphasia to take on roles as peer leaders and to feel valued for that role, knowing that they are providing support for others. The group is unstructured and focused on social interaction which is often not the case in other groups that people attend which can be more focused on impairment.

 

We know that Say Aphasia reduces social isolation and that people are already forming new contacts and friendships in the group. We know that many people with aphasia have lost a great deal of their social network as those around them don't feel equipped to communicate with them. The relatives have also given feedback that they are able to meet each other in another room and receive support from others who really understand their situation