dyscover – rediscovering communication

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!!”

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.

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.

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!