Speakability (Action for Dysphasic Adults)

Project: Rebuilding Communication in Southwark and Lambeth
Funded by the Cicely Northcote Trust - 2009/10 and 2010/11

“Before I came to Speakability I stayed at home and felt very lonely. I have new friends from the Group and my words are getting better.”

Waterloo Group Member - Ezekiel

The following report comes to us from Speakability, February 2011:

Funding from Cicely Northcote Trust has enabled Speakability to start two new Aphasia Self-Help Groups in the Southwark and Lambeth area. The Group Members are people who have Aphasia (language-loss) following a stroke, head injury, brain tumour or other neurological condition, e.g. M.S. and Pick’s Disease.

Referrals come from individuals themselves via the Speakability Helpline, through the local hospital Speech and Language Therapy teams and the Community Neuro-rehabilitation team.

Speakability Self-Help Groups encourage members to practice their speech and explore other ways of communicating in a friendly, non-threatening environment. A range of activities help to re-build confidence and self-esteem. Practical support, sharing of experiences and the opportunity to make new friends coupled with better understanding of their disability, offers members a sense of hope for the future. The two Groups were initially developed by Speakability staff members and are now both thriving. Speakability has since recruited skilled volunteers to support Group members and their chosen programme of activities.

Waterloo Speakability Group meets fortnightly at the Speakability office, 1, Royal Street, London SE1 7LL. The Group currently empowers 9 people with Aphasia aged 44-85 years. The Group is supported by 2 volunteers with Speech and Language Therapy experience.  Carers are also supported by the Speakability staff team.

Southwark Speakability Group meets monthly at the Darwin Court Centre. The Group currently empowers 10 people with Aphasia aged 40–80 years. The Group is supported by 2 volunteers, one of whom is a stroke survivor and the other with Speech and Language Therapy experience. Carers are also supported by the Speakability staff team.

Funding has also enabled Speakability to develop a new ‘Carers Workshop’ programme offering practical support for family members. The first of these workshops was held at Trinity House on 12th August 2010. The ‘pilot’ workshop was considered a huge success by the first group of attendees and a fuller programme will be rolled out in 2011. Part of each workshop involves the attendee in creating a ‘communication tool’ specific to meet the needs of the person for whom they care. An interactive and supportive network for Carers is being developed through the Speakability Website Discussion Forum.

Thank you!