TALK Charity – Helping People With Aphasia After A Stroke – Looking For Volunteers

Published on: 11 Jul, 2016
Updated on: 16 Jul, 2016

Imagine if you suddenly found yourself unable to read a newspaper, write a shopping list, talk to family or friends, use a telephone or many other everyday activities.

About 130,000 people in Britain have a stroke each year and it is generally accepted that a third of these are left with some form of aphasia.

TALK is a vital charity that supports people with aphasia and their families in Surrey. It has five groups in different parts of the4 county – two groups in Guildford, Knaphill, Ashford and Walton-on-Thames – offering long-term social support to people with aphasia.

It needs more volunteers to help with its work.

TALK volunteers benefit by making a difference, meeting new friends, acquiring new skills and increasing community participation. Not to mention having fun and laughter.

There are huge benefits that you will gain volunteering for TALK. You will be making a difference for others and meeting new friends. You will also be part of an increase in community participation and acquire new skills.

That is not to mention fun and laughter.

Aphasia, which means problems with communication (speaking, understanding, reading, writing), has a sudden and profound effect on the person, their family and friends.

It impacts on the individual’s confidence, personal relationships, employment and social life. It is a communication disability that is caused by damage to the language processing centres of the brain, most commonly through stroke.

It can affect the ability to speak, read, write and understand what’s being said and it is a very frustrating and isolating condition.

Aphasia can be mild or severe, depending on the type and extent of damage to the brain. It is one of the most enduring consequences of stroke and can be the most difficult to overcome.

TALK can help and TALK volunteers make a difference.

If you want to join, contact Susan on 07718 425953 to find out more or go to the website talksurrey.org.uk.