Speakability Group Members Attend Reception at Downing Street

Around forty Speakability Group Members and supporters enjoyed a truly memorable evening reception hosted by the Prime Minister’s wife, Cherie Blair, at 10 Downing Street. Also present was Lady Wilson, one of the charity’s Vice-Presidents and former occupant of Number 10!

Mrs Blair spoke about her own experience as a carer of someone who has Aphasia, since her husband's father has had a number of strokes, resulting in this communication disability.

Chief Executive, Melanie Derbyshire, thanked Mrs Blair for her generous hospitality and reminded guests that each of them could influence the way in which Aphasia was viewed and how individuals with speech and language problems were treated. The most disabling feature of Aphasia is the way that people treat you! Aphasia does not make people stupid or less intellectually able. It merely makes it difficult for them to use the traditional channels of communication.