This year we are supporting Speakeasy for our annual collection.
Speakeasy is a self-funded charity supporting people who develop aphasia (difficulty communicating through speech) after having had a stroke or a brain injury – it is celebrating its 40th birthday this year! Speakeasy’s mission is to make a positive difference to the lives of people who have aphasia and their carers. To achieve this they provide support for people when they need it and for as long as they want it. Whilst those with aphasia tend to focus on what they can no longer do as a result of their condition, Speakeasy’s emphasis is on focussing on activities that members can do.
Working with speech therapists, members play an active role in designing the work of the charity so that it can provide a wide range of activitie, including regular meetings, projects and community events, which are tailored to people’s needs.
These therapeutic activities are designed to assist with building skills and confidence, and improving communication. As a result, some members now have little fear standing up in front of a large audience and sharing their experience of aphasia, which can be very helpful to those members and carers who are new to the condition.
Regularly meeting at Ramsbottom CC, Speakeasy places strong emphasis on supporting the careers of people with aphasia, recognising that they too need guidance to understand the condition, to provide effective support and to cope with the extra stress that caring can bring.
Whilst only very small, the charity has an excellent reputation, both locally and internationally, with many NHS speech therapists visiting the sessions at Ramsbottom Cricket Club to see how Speakeasy engages with its members and carers. Many of Speakeasy’s members and carers also take part in cutting edge aphasia and stroke-related research projects.
Speakeasy’s Chief Executive, Gill Pearl – who recently moved to Blackrod – will be speaking during the service on Sunday 5th October, so please come along to find out more about the work we do.
For more information on Speakeasy’s work and activities please visit: https://www.speakeasy-aphasia.org.uk (Charity number 516092)
If you wish to make a donation, please use one of the Harvest Collection envelopes. Thank you.
