Speak About Aphasia Month 2008

The aim of Speak About Aphasia Month is to create better understanding of Aphasia and how every individual can make a difference by following a few simple rules when they speak to people who have Aphasia. Often, the way that people are treated by their peers is more disabling than the communication disability they live with, but we can change that if we want to.

Speak About Aphasia Month is also an opportunity for local Self-Help Groups to raise funds for their activities and for Speakability to raise funds to develop new Self-Help Groups. In 2008, Speakability Groups are organising sponsored strolls as part of their fundraising events. These have been inspired by the achievements of staff member Janet Rockliffe, who has Aphasia.

Janet's letter to Group members summarises her enthusiasm...

Dear Speakability Group Members,

As you know I thoroughly enjoy walking to keep fit and over the years I have raised hundreds of pounds for Speakability through walking. Last year I did the Keswick to Barrow walk with some friends. It was wet and windy to start with, but the day ended up sunny with blue skies. We really felt a sense of achievement when we finished.

I thought it would be great if all Speakability Groups would do a sponsored stroll as part of Speak About Aphasia Month. The whole idea is to enjoy it on the day!

It doesn’t matter how far you choose to stroll it’s about doing something together as a group.

If you don’t fancy a stroll, please DO organise some form of awareness raising activity, e.g. an information stand in a public place or a coffee morning where people can come and see what you do!

It would be fantastic to have Speakability Self-Help Groups, all over the country, taking a stroll in June. All the money we raise will go towards activities for existing groups or start-up grants for new Self-Help Groups.

Janet Rockliffe