Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Reading Group

#WorldBookDay2024 – Dyscover’s weekly Reading Group are reading their first whole novel together. They have set an ambitious goal of reading one chapter a week, using reading strategies they have learnt in the group to support their independent reading at home. For most members, this is the first time they have read a book since their stroke. 


Horse Riding Feb 24

Dyscover have launched their first ever Horse-Riding Course in collaboration with Horsley, Bookham and Leatherhead RDA.

This has been a lengthy project with a taster session offered last Easter, but we are now offering a very special opportunity to learn to ride, and get to know the horses over a 4 week structured course. David was a rider before his stroke and was thrilled, in week 1, to manage a trot on his horse, something he was not sure he would be able to achieve so quickly.


30th Anniversary Art Project

This term has seen the launch of our first every Art Project drawing inspiration from Dyscover’s forthcoming 30th Anniversary Celebrations.

We wanted to depict Dyscover over 30 years in Art and our long-established professional Artist Alison Carlier is leading an ambitious project to involve all our face-to-face members in this exciting challenge.

After consultation our Members they said they wanted to highlight the support and opportunities they have received over the years and also to make sure there is an element of celebration and excitement in reaching this milestone. We do still have some members who have been receiving support since the very start.

The finished piece of collaborative Art will be displayed in April at Leatherhead Theatre. Watch this space for more information on how and when you can come along and view the display.


Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Training

All staff have updated their Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion knowledge and understanding by undertaking recent training. There are many important things for Dyscover to consider going forward. Staff very much enjoyed the pictures representing the difference between equality and equity, which was one of the many takeaway points.


Across the World

Online support for People with Aphasia – we have been successfully running our unique groups, online for nearly 4 years now!

This continues to be a favourite choice for over 35 Members on a weekly basis – wherever they may be!

Someone in Brazil at 7am, another in Dubai at 2pm and the rest of the team in and around London at 10am.

New online groups spaces available  – pls enquire.


Flying Experiences

Our Dyscover members never cease to amaze us with their wonderful stories and last week’s session on Travel in the Kingston group was no exception. Members shared experiences of their first time flying in an aeroplane and John told the group about his first flight in the 1940s in a Stratocruiser, an extraordinary rounded-nosed bulbous-looking plane that we were able to share photos of using an iPad. Julian’s first experience in the air was in a glider while on holiday in Cornwall as a young lad and he shared a wonderful photo as he described the exhilarating experience.


Aphasia Conference – for people with aphasia & their carers

When: Sunday 14th & Monday 15th April 2024

Where: A Conference Centre in Coventry

The theme: ‘Wellbeing and aphasia’

This is a wonderful opportunity.

Do something new, develop confidence, be inspired.

Learn from each other and share ideas.

Find out about new services and ways to help.

Meet people with aphasia from around the world!

Cost: £120-150 includes overnight accommodation and all meals

Want to know more? contact: aphasiaconference2024office@speakeasyaphasia.org.uk  


VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES

We are looking for new volunteers to join the teams at Leatherhead (Thursday morning) and Kingston (Tuesday morning) Come and help to support people with aphasia in a weekly conversation group. Information in Linktree.

Swipe to see if this could be the role for you.

Visit our website for more information: dyscover.org.uk

Or contact our Volunteer Coordinator Liz: lgrace@dyscover.org.uk

Or call: 01737 819419

#volunteer #volunteeropportuntiy #kingstonvolunteering #charityvolunteering #aphasia


New year training – First Aid

We accomplished our latest first aid training, delivered once again, so magnificently by Claire @BritishRedCross. A mix of team representatives attended this important training course (staff, volunteers & Trustees).

A definite key life skill as you never know when it may be needed!

Key takeaway – is get that heart pumping whichever way possible whilst awaiting help.



Rhona’s farewell

Many will know that we said a fond farewell to Rhona at the end of last term.

Her departing words were: “It’s hard to believe that I have worked with Dyscover for 15 years!  I have always tried to put myself in the shoes of someone with Aphasia. Dyscover aims to do just that, and I couldn’t have had a better place develop my particular interests as a Speech and Language Therapist. It has been a privilege to walk alongside so many amazing people as they navigate their recovery. Working at Dyscover is truly inspiring, so thank you to all the members and fantastic volunteers and staff who have helped me deepen my understanding of Aphasia and all its challenges. What a lot I have learnt!!”


Christmas Lunch 2023

Over 100 Members, Relatives, Volunteers, Staff, Trustees and a few of our community partners came together last Tuesday for our annual Christmas Lunch at the very welcoming Tyrrells Wood Golf Club.

A delicious lunch and festive merriment were flanked by a very successful Hamper raffle, long service volunteer awards, presentations and some special goodbyes.


Karen’s Nepal Talk

Members of the Thursday morning Leatherhead Group were taken on a photographic tour of Nepal and parts of India by Dyscover’s Office Manager Karen.  Here, Karen is describing the Buddha prayer flags and the meaning of their colours.  She shared beautiful photos she had taken, including local women harvesting rice by hand, close-ups of a one-horned white rhino and the birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini.  Members asked questions and enjoyed the ‘virtual’ tour of this fascinating part of the world.


Julian’s recovery milestone – passing his driving assessment

Kingston member Julian celebrated passing his driving assessment with his friends at the Kingston group this term. “For me, and probably for everybody, it’s scary having to do the driving assessment, because you know that if you get it wrong, you won’t be able to drive again…. I found it quite stressful… Lots of people at Dyscover knew I was going to have the test and would ask me about how it was going. When I felt anxious about it, everybody reminded me that I had been able to drive before my stroke and said, ‘you can do it!’. I have always enjoyed driving, and getting my license back has given me back my independence.

Julian’s first drive after he passed was to the Dyscover Kingston group!


Member – Phil Collins – MBE

Congratulations to Member, Phil who recently received an MBE from Princess Anne for his services to Policing and Anti-Corruption work.


Fundraising events 2023

Get involved, have fun and help us to raise vital funds.

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