Maidenhead Speakability Group calls out for local volunteers

Press release -

Maidenhead Speakability Group calls out for local volunteers

A Maidenhead support group is calling out for new volunteers to join them and help local people with communication difficulties find their voice again.

More than 350,000 people in the UK have aphasia, a communication disability which can be caused by stroke, head injury or other neurological condition.

Maidenhead Speakability Group is run by and for people with aphasia, supported by the Stroke Association. The group meets every two weeks on a Wednesday between10:00am and 12:00pm, at Braywick Sports Ground in Maidenhead.

Terence Hodgson, 64, from Maidenhead, attends the Speakability Group with his wife Angie. Terence has survived three strokes and has aphasia as a result.

Angie Hodgson said: “At the meetings Terence and other local stroke survivors support each other, share experiences, rebuild their self-confidence and develop new skills. It’s a wonderful group who are all so welcoming and supportive.”

Claire Shropshall, Health Promotion and Engagement Coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “We have around 10 group members of different ages and backgrounds who all have one thing in common – they have aphasia. The condition can be absolutely devastating, but with the right help and support, people can make fantastic recoveries, and that’s what the group is all about.

“Support from Maidenhead Speakability can make a real difference to a stroke survivor’s recovery and mental wellbeing. Without the support of local volunteers, we couldn’t be there for people who need help through one of the most difficult and frightening periods of their lives.”

To find out more about Maidenhead Speakability call Claire Shropshall on 01344 306 177 or email claire.shropshall@stroke.org.uk. To find out more about Stroke Association Voluntary Groups, visit www.stroke.org.uk

Topics

  • A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke. 
  • Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk

    • Contacts

    Angela Macleod

    Angela Macleod

    Press contact Communications Officer Scotland press and Stroke Association research communications 0131 555 7244
    Laura Thomas

    Laura Thomas

    Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
    Ken Scott

    Ken Scott

    Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
    Daisy Dighton

    Daisy Dighton

    Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
    Martin Oxley

    Martin Oxley

    Press contact Press Officer South of England 07776 508 646
    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
    Scott Weddell

    Scott Weddell

    Press contact PR Manager Stroke policy, research and Northern Ireland 02075661528
    Katie Padfield

    Katie Padfield

    Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
    Out of hours contact

    Out of hours contact

    Press contact Media queries 07799 436008
    Kate Asselman

    Kate Asselman

    Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
    Tell us your story

    Tell us your story

    Press contact 07799 436008

    The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

    The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

    Stroke Association
    240 City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK