dyscover – rediscovering communication

Posted 9th November 2018

The Thursday group were really honoured today to have had a visit from Lady Emma Kitchener, great great niece to 1st Earl Kitchener and wife of Lord Julian Fellowes.
Lady Emma is a Stroke Ambassador with unfortunate personal experiences of Stroke, which have enabled her to speak with understanding and empathy. She was an extremely charming, engaging and interesting lady who talked with inspiration about facing challenges and was thrilled to hear about our Members achievements post aphasia. The groups listened with eager ears as she also talked a little about her great uncle (gifting everyone with a book all about his life and times) as well as touched on Sundays armistice day parade. Of course we couldn’t not ask about Downton Abbey or asked for a more timely appearance as we remember 100 years ago – Thank you so much.

Posted 9th November 2018
Our involvement in the Eva Park Project is entering its final quarter.
We have 8 members with aphasia and 4 volunteers entering this virtual online world every two weeks as part of an innovative research project led by City University. The project is aimed at improving well-being, quality of life and communication for people with aphasia particularly those that are isolated.

Caroline McDonald, Dyscover’s SLTA co-ordinating our team says: In a recent session in the Eva Park world we practised ordering food and drink in the café and pizza parlour…it proved quite a challenge for everyone and demonstrated the need to keep language simple despite being great fun….. we also recently had a race around the lake and dived underwater to meet the resident crocodile – the virtual fun is endless.
In our final session we having been making a film where everyone has been really enthusiastic, Member Niall’s BBC editing background is coming in very handy as he edits the footage for us!”

Posted 31st October 2018

We are so proud of our volunteer Diane, who after a nomination from us was honoured with a 2018 Elmbridge Borough Council and Elmbridge Volunteer centre – Long service award. The award was presented by The Mayor of the Borough of Elmbridge, Councillor Shweta Kapadia, during a ceremony at Elmbridge town hall last Friday.
The Awards are designed to recognise, and say thank you, to volunteers who have given 5 years or more to a voluntary or community group. Diane has given Dyscover 22 years of service, she is a truly an outstanding volunteer, who is exceptionally loyal and dependable and is always so willing to help.
Thank you Diane, our members have gained and continue to gain so much from your enthusiasm and passion for Dyscover.

Posted 31st October 2018

Member and Volunteer, David, spent an informative day in Westminster at the World Stroke Forum – hearing all about the latest research projects. He is pictured feeding back to Alice and giving information regarding potential projects our members might be interested in taking part in.

Posted 31st October 2018

Over 90% of Dyscover Members have aphasia caused by stroke. Healthwatch Surrey are working with Surrey Heartlands NHS to reduce stroke by consulting with people about the information and care they received. Good to help people with aphasia contribute their views and opinions. #Worldstrokeday