​Wakefield Speakability Group calls out for local volunteers

A Wakefield support group is calling out for new volunteers to join them and help local people with aphasia on the road to recovery.

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.

Wakefield Speakability Group is run by and for people with aphasia, supported by the Stroke Association. The group meets on the first Tuesday of each month between 12:30-3:30pm at The White Horse on West Lane, Sharlston Common, Wakefield.

Ken Rollin, chairperson at Wakefield Speakability Group, had a stroke in 1999 aged 61, which left him with aphasia.

Ken said: “At our meetings we support each other, share experiences, make new friends, rebuild self-confidence and develop new skills. We practise

communication using words, drawing, pictures and gesture. We all understand aphasia and encourage each other in our recovery. We’d love for more volunteers to come along and support the group. We’d encourage anyone interested to come along and find out more.”

Maria De Giorgio, Community Development & Partnerships Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “We have around 30 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 Wakefield 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 Wakefield Speakability call Maria De Giorgio on 07799 436028. To find out more about Stroke Association Voluntary Groups, visit www.stroke.org.uk