"Seeing what one could do to help them is just something that was rewarding"
Listen 00:10:24
Story: Julie Cook, Peter Cook - Bromley, LondonwideStories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949
London

Aphasia Re-Connect is a national charity with the primary aim of connecting people who suffered a stroke and now experience aphasia, via a variety of support groups.
The group was founded in 2017 by Sally McVicker, a qualified speech and language therapist, who was motivated by the large number of people who expressed the need for communication support in the longer term.
The charity seeks to promote 3 key values in inclusion, participation, and community through supporter conversation, and giving access to communication.
Aphasia Re-Connect offers a vast variety of groups so that everyone, whether they prefer face-to-face groups or online ones, or whether they prefer to just chat or do a particular activity like cooking, can find the support group that fits them, with the ultimate goal for people to gain communication skills.
Aphasia Re-Connect founded by Sally McVicker
Aphasia celebrate one year with charitable status
As part of their annual plan, 2 new groups are formed
Lockdown meant groups could not meet face-to-face but Aphasia Re-Connect continue to provide remote support for all existing and new members
Aphasia Re-Connect run some new initiatives including a wellbeing event, a research event in conjunction with UCL and a board games cafe campaign.
Aphasia launch their cookbook
Members had a tour of the National Portrait Gallery. This was followed up by an online art workshop
Listen 00:10:24
Story: Julie Cook, Peter Cook - Bromley, Londonwide