Ronnie Corbett Supports Speakability 30th Anniversary Appeal

• To raise public awareness of Aphasia (sometimes called Dysphasia) and the long-term support needs for people with this communication disability, and their families and carers. There is no cure for Aphasia and no drug has yet been developed to alleviate the day-to-day challenge of living without the language skills that we all take for granted. Aphasia is a life-long condition. Speakability is continuing to strive for greater understanding of this communication disability and appropriate resourcing from Health and Social Services to support and empower people with Aphasia, so that they can live life to the full.

• To mark Speakability’s 30th Anniversary and to raise awareness of the practical support and help that the Charity offers to people with Aphasia and their carers, right across the UK. The Charity was founded as ‘Action for Dysphasic Adults’ by the late Diana Law, who experienced Aphasia following a stroke. Speakability is appealing for funds to increase its community-based, long-term and sustainable Self-Help initiatives.

There are more than 300,000 people living with Aphasia throughout the UK. Speakability (Action for Dysphasic Adults) offers a ‘voice’ to people with Aphasia to ensure that their views are heard. Through its national network of Self-Help Groups, the emphasis on empowering the individual is key, and the Charity’s very personal and Free Helpline (080 8808 9572), Website and Information Service, offers access to a range of helpful publications and communication tools.

Speakability’s Aphasia Self-Help Groups provide a safe and supportive environment where people living with Aphasia can practice their speech and explore other ways of communicating. The Groups also act as a forum for socialising, sharing experiences and rebuilding self-esteem. Above all, attending a Self-Help Group helps to restore an individual’s sense of hope for the future.

Speakability Vice-President, Ronnie Corbett, has this to say; "Do you remember the fork handles / four candles sketch, when Ronnie Barker comes into my hardware shop? Whilst amusing, it also showed just how frustrated we can all get when we do not understand each other properly. This happens all-too-often to people with Aphasia. Following a stroke, head injury or other neurological condition, they have difficulty speaking, reading and writing, and this really affects their everyday lives – and everything the rest of us perhaps take for granted. So, as a Vice-President of Speakability, I am absolutely thrilled to be helping the Charity mark its 30th Birthday. I really would encourage you to make a gift towards the development of more Speakability Self-Help Groups – supporting people with Aphasia, their families and carers.”

For further information about your local Self-Help Group or Aphasia, or to make a donation to the 30th Anniversary Appeal, please contact Speakability on 080 8808 9572 or email [email protected].