Aphasia Support Groups

Our support is long-term, for as long as people need it. Having so many years of experience, in leading groups for people with stroke acquired aphasia, we know that people have different needs at different stages of recovery. Unlike many other long-term UK aphasia providers, we have tailored our services to reflect the different needs of people and their families at the different stages of recovery following NHS rehabilitation.

We cater for the whole aphasia spectrum of needs, mild to severe. Our services are specialist led by Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs). Based on an individual’s current needs, receipt of a completed referral form and following an initial informal assessment, the most suitable group will be recommended. Dyscover’s services are a structured group set-up, which identifies and then develops skills for purposeful conversation/ functional communication for people with aphasia within a group setting.

Our groups can hold a capacity of between 8-20 people, are led by an SLT and often an SLT Assistant (SLTA) and supported by a fixed and regular team of volunteers. Our in-person groups will run for 2.5hrs per session and our online groups for 1.5hrs. These sessions run every week across three terms a year (40/52 weeks).

We ask for a termly contribution towards fees to be paid by each participant. Each weekly conversation group costs between £15-£20. In addition we ask for an annual £18 membership subscription. We would not want anyone to miss out on support due to the financial challenges this may pose so ask that you let us know if this might be a problem.

After considering the stage of recovery the person is at, their expectations and goals and any practical considerations, subject to space, we will invite the person to attend one of the following groups:

Foundation

For people who have recently acquired aphasia
2 hour sessions
Dyscover Leatherhead/Kingston or Online

‘Foundation’ programme helps people who have recently acquired aphasia. It helps them to adjust to and live with their disability and helps the person to understand their aphasia and the strategies they can use to improve communication and have meaningful conversations. We offer a high level of emotional and family support and provide a structured programme with individual goal plans included. This support can be either in-person or in online groups.

Extend

For people who are successfully using a range of communication skills
2 hour sessions
Dyscover Leatherhead/Kingston or Online

‘Extend’ Programme suits people who are successfully using a range of communication strategies and who have gained confidence. Aimed at those who have managed to come to terms with their aphasia and are ready to ‘move on’ from patient to active citizen. Programmes are structured but more beneficiary led. There is more emphasis on self-support and providing greater challenges and responsibility in order to promote independence. This can often, but not exclusively, be for pre-retirement age. This support can be either in-person or in online groups.

Sustain

For people who are successfully using a range of communication skills
2 hour sessions
Dyscover Leatherhead/Kingston or Online

‘Sustain’ programme is designed for those who have become more accustomed to living with aphasia, but still need help and encouragement to use their communication skills within a supportive environment. This can be, but not exclusively, for older persons. This support can be either in-person or in online groups.

Explore

For people who are successfully using a range of communication skills
2 hour sessions
Dyscover Leatherhead/Kingston or Online

‘Explore’ programmes are short-term groups with a particular focus, bringing together people with aphasia who have similar interests and goals, such as returning to work/volunteering or reading improvement, for example. This support can be either in-person or in online groups.