An Art working party met this week to plan the 30th Anniversary Art Project. Members have been consulted about how they would like to celebrate 30 years of aphasia support through Dyscover.
John is keen to ensure the frustrations and isolation of aphasia are highlighted but is also eager to depict the positivity and strength he gains from attending Dyscover. Alison – our long-term professional artist – has a wealth of ideas to bring this tricky abstract concept to life, but with the creative minds of 2 long term volunteers and artists Pat and Camilla the plans started to come together very quickly.
We hope to display the artwork, which will be produced by our Members next term, will be displayed locally with the aim of raising awareness and celebrating the long-term success of Dyscover.
Members of the Wednesday afternoon group at Leatherhead enjoyed an interactive talk on Classic Cars prepared by Volunteer Steve. His talk included a mixture of facts and figures e.g. the difference between a classic car and a vintage car and a ‘top trumps’ style interactive game. He brought in an assortment of car parts including a carburettor and some classic car door handles which gave rise to a lot of guesswork and discussion.
It was wonderful to have 19 ambassadors attend our recent ambassador update meeting over Zoom. It has been a busy term for our ambassadors with 13 different activities ranging from training and visitor sessions to community group presentations and talks at fundraising events and Julie, Dyscover’s new Service Manager and Lead SLT, thanked all the ambassadors for their hard work. We had some valuable discussions and lovely feedback from ambassadors about activities they’d taken part in. Talking about her visit with Rhona to an NHS Stroke Communication group in Farnham, Sarah said ‘I was honoured to be talking about Dyscover’.
Staff and volunteers are finding our wonderful new laminated map resources so helpful in supporting members in their conversations. Kingston Member, John told his group about his cruise down the West Coast of California and Mexico. Volunteer Bee was able to track (and illustrate!) his journey on our map of North America with the help of a dry-wipe marker, which was a fantastic visual aid.
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Laminated map resources are so helpful supporting pw #aphasia have #conversations John told his group about his cruise down the West Coast of California & Mexico. #Volunteer, Bee was able to track (& illustrate!) his journey with the help of a dry-wipe marker
We love it when our members suggest topic ideas but it’s really fantastic when they also take the initiative to make them happen! Last week Thursday morning member Nick created a fantastic quiz for his group which not only showed off the breadth of his own general knowledge but also generated lots of discussion, rivalry and fun in the session! It was lovely to see all the members joining in and debating whether a potato is a vegetable and working together to reach a consensus on team answers.
By coincidence our AGM always times well with this awareness raising week. Our Trustee Board are extremely ‘hands on’, they are all volunteers, and all bring a different skill set. Our Members are very familiar with many of them, they are a huge support to Alice and the team and all have individual responsibilities which cover different areas of running a charity.
Last weeks AGM was a good opportunity to look back at the past year and reflect on all the achievements. Times are very challenging for this sector but knowing and trusting that you have a good solid team is an enormous support and something everyone can put their trust in. Thank You!
Our SALTs!
What a team! – just sharing a screenshot from our latest Speech and Language Therapists meeting. The complete team! Welcoming our new Service Manager and Lead SLT Julie Samuel, was Rhona Palmer our Advanced SLT and temporary Service Manager, Rosemary Townsend our Principal SLT for PPA services, Maggie Stapleton and Lin Cockayne our group Speech and Language therapists and Barbara Greenwood our online facilitator Speech and Language therapist. #aphasia #PPA
Volunteer Training – September
Our most recently recruited volunteers working with face-to-face groups took part in Aphasia Awareness Training, led by Speech & Language Therapist Maggie Stapleton at our Leatherhead office in September 2023. Having learned more about aphasia and the impact it can have on people’s lives, the volunteers had conversations with some of our members. We are grateful to our Aphasia Ambassadors, Jenni, Nial and Bryan for assisting with this practical aspect of the training.
Where space allows we welcome external participants and students to these sessions. Please contact us for further information on these workshops.
We spiced up the session for our Thursday morning members with a Guess the Spice activity. Members sniffed a selection of spices and herbs, using labels to help name them and photo resources to help describe how they are used. This fun and inclusive activity generated some interesting conversations around cooking and food preferences.
Gymnastics returned last month, and the Members took no time in setting themselves fairly impressive challenges supported by the brilliant team at Leatherhead and Dorking Gymnastics Club. It takes a certain amount of courage and self-belief to overcome physical barriers and reduced confidence brought about by stroke. However, the team carefully design apparatus and equipment each week aimed at encouraging the Members to push forward with something new each time.
The Dyscover Golfers returned to Betchworth Park last month under the coaching of Disability Golf Pro Karl Spurrier. We have worked with Karl for over 6 years and his understanding of aphasia and expertise in coaching players with physical disabilities enables members of all abilities to participate. Our Golfers are also supported every week by Dyscover volunteers who also have a passion for the game. Barry, ex-member, now group Volunteer and Trustee provides ongoing guidance and runs the additional practice sessions.
The BAS annual 3-day conference dedicated its first day to Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). Rosemary was involved and delivered a presentation called ‘Mixing and Matching – curating effective peer support for people living with PPA’
Five of the couples we support through our PPA services shared what they felt were their key ingredients for effective peer support.
Working collaboratively alongside Jean Rutter, both were surprised and honoured when at the end of the day they received the clinical comet award.
