Dyscover is a small independent charity, established in 1994.
Our services are for people with aphasia and are all led and overseen by Speech and Language Therapists (all Members of RCSLT and HCPC) Assistants and a committed team of Volunteers (all DBS checked).
We have services for people who have aphasia as a result of a brain injury e.g Stroke and services for people with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) e.g. a rare language led dementia.
We run weekly groups and courses and support families too. We bring people together, support groups, couples, regularly and occasionally one-off, give advice, signpost and working with partners, offer extra opportunities including accessible sports and creative courses.
Dyscover is based in Surrey (Leatherhead) and runs a mixture of face-to-face services and online services.
Face-to-face services are run from Leatherhead and Kingston upon Thames (South London). Our expanding online services means we can support people from outside of Southeast England.
Anyone can refer to Dyscover (with the individual’s prior permission). i.e discharging NHS professionals, Relatives/Friends, Self-referrals and other health care workers.
For our main aphasia services, aphasia must be the main communication problem (mild-severe) and without significant difficulties with memory, concentration, perception or behaviour. This may be caused by stroke or another head trauma. We have different groups for people at different stages of their recovery. For face-to-face groups we require people to be independent in the toilet or whose continence can be managed for the duration of the session.
For people with a diagnosis of Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) – a language led dementia, the main symptom should be a progressive loss of speech and language, with relatively preserved insight and memory. Different terminology can often be used so do contact us if unsure. We work to maintain practical everyday communication, and so prefer to include a spouse or other family member in our support sessions and interventions.
We do ask for a subsidised fee for all our services. See details of charges in our Support Groups information. Invoices are issued ahead of sessions/termly programmes. A cancellation fee may be charged for non-attendance. We are a charity and receive no statutory support, therefore rely on a fee contribution, an annual Membership charge (£18), charitable grants, donations and fundraising. Dyscover is committed to supporting those in genuine financial hardship and can offer flexible payment arrangements – please make us aware upon enquiry.
You can phone or email us with informal enquires at any time. Completion of a referral form from our website starts the process. Once a completed referral form is received, we will acknowledge receipt. One of our team will contact you by phone or email for further information on communication and needs. If we feel you are suitable, we will offer you an initial appointment which will involve fact finding, informal assessment and the opportunity to explore how we may be able to help you. We may offer some free trial visits and the opportunity to visit groups.
We do not provide transport or assistance; attendees will need to organise this themselves.
At Leatherhead we have free parking (plentiful) but limited public transport links.
At Kingston we have access to a safe drop off point and limited disabled parking spaces. On-street metered parking is available. Public transport links in Kingston are good and close by.
Both centres are wheelchair accessible, have step free access and disabled toilet facilities equipped with rails. (Please note our team cannot provide help with mobility or personal care).
For all informal enquiries and referrals:
Call: 01737 819419 (answerphone available for out of hours)
Email: info@dyscover.org.uk
Visit: www.dyscover.org.uk
Address: Dyscover, Leatherhead Court, Woodlands Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 0BN
