The Chichester Say Aphasia are always looking to welcome new volunteers to help out at their drop-in groups. The
Chichester group runs every Monday from 10.30am to 12.30pm at St Paul’s Church, Churchside,
PO19 6FT.
Support groups
The Say Aphasia charity provides support groups across the UK for people with aphasia; a language
and communication disability caused by a brain injury like a stroke. Aphasia affects over 350,000
people in the UK but is little understood or known about by the public. It is the only aphasia charity
set up by people with aphasia for people with aphasia; helping them to adapt to their new way of life
and regain their independence and confidence.
Brain injury
Aphasia occurs due to injury to the brain such as a stroke. It affects access to language, resulting in
difficulties following conversations, speaking, reading and writing. People’s language can be affected
to different degrees so not everyone’s aphasia looks the same. Imagine for a moment not being able
to verbally order a coffee or ask for a bus ticket. This may be what life could look like for someone
with aphasia. Aphasia is a lifelong condition and means that the person living with aphasia, their
friends and family will need to adjust to a new way of communicating to overcome barriers. This may
mean having to write or draw things instead of speaking. Due to the damage in the brain, people
with aphasia may find it difficult to process conversions as quickly as before. Aphasia frequently
results in loss of employment and a reduced social network, leading to isolation for the person living
with aphasia.
Volunteer
As a volunteer, you can help members to communicate with each other, help to organise activities, or help out with teas and
coffees. If interested contact hello@sayaphasia.org or fill in the application form.
