Melanie's 10th Year Appeal

Dear Friend,

I am writing to explain our impact in 2011/2012 and to ask if you will pledge your help to sustain this vital work by making a donation to a special £10.00 Appeal. The Appeal marks the fact that on 1st September, I started my 10th year at Speakability.

Unlike some of the other national charities, Speakability does not have a large pot of reserves. We spend our income thoughtfully, respecting the fact that we are stewards of the gifts that individuals choose to make. We strive to offer information, practical support and self-help opportunities in answer to real need and in the way that people with Aphasia and their carers have asked us to.

Our founder, the late Diana Law, had a stroke which left her with only a handful of words. She was appalled at the way she was treated – it was as if she was stupid and that her opinions and experience of life were no longer valid. Diana started the charity because she wanted to change the way in which the loss of language skills was viewed by the public, the government and medical professionals. She also wanted people with Aphasia to retain a sense of hope – a belief that it was possible to regain self-confidence and through practice, determination and exploration to rebuild communication and overcome the barriers to a fulfilling life experience.

During 2011/2012 more than 1,400 people were helped by our FREE Helpline and Information Service. We welcomed 23,746 visitors to our ‘easy to use’ website which gave them access to a wide range of Fact Sheets and ‘good ideas that work’. More than 1,600 people accessed our on-line Discussion Forum and we sold our award-winning (but low-cost) publications to 68 different health authorities, PCTs and social care organisations. Our Workbook for Carers is very popular because it outlines practical activities that carers can do to encourage communication. Our Communication Tools are highly praised and are effective because people with Aphasia are directly involved in their creation. In addition to the simple Communication Board and Medical Passport, in May 2012, we were delighted to publish FAST TALK, which has phrases and pictures to assist everyday conversations.

I am also immensely proud of our national network of some 80 active, long-term, Aphasia Self-Help Groups – some in existence for 5, 10 and 15 years! Through these Groups, we are supporting more than 3,000 people across the UK. Of course, this just wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of the Group Members themselves and the outstanding contribution of more than 100 volunteers. Whenever I visit a Speakability Group I am humbled. It is truly a privilege to meet our Group Members and to spend time hearing their recovery stories. We are active campaigners to gain better understanding of Aphasia and involve as many Group Members as possible on national advisory committees and in consultations about NHS services. In 2011-12, we were once again a key voice on behalf of people with Aphasia in the preparation of the National Guidelines for Stroke Rehabilitation which will be published by the Royal College of Physicians shortly.

I know that whilst we have achieved positive outcomes and empowered many individuals to a more fulfilling recovery journey, there is still work to be done. I also know that Speakability Trustees, staff, volunteers, Group Members and supporters combined, have the experience, track record and necessary energy to deliver more if we can raise sufficient funds.

Now, more than ever, I need your help. I need to raise £60,000 in order to continue our vital work. To this end, I am asking all our friends to consider making a £10.00 donation to mark the start of my 10th year at Speakability. You can make your donation online by visiting http://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/melaniederbyshire or if you prefer to make a donation by cheque, please follow this link to a printable donation form.

For your continued interest and commitment to offering hope, information, support and opportunity to people who have Aphasia and their carers, I really would be extremely grateful.

Kind regards,

Melanie Derbyshire
Chief Executive of Speakability