Friends Voices

Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949

Aphasia Re-Connect

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.


2017

Aphasia Re-Connect founded by Sally McVicker

2018

Aphasia celebrate one year with charitable status

2019

As part of their annual plan, 2 new groups are formed

2020

Lockdown meant groups could not meet face-to-face but Aphasia Re-Connect continue to provide remote support for all existing and new members

2022

Aphasia Re-Connect run some new initiatives including a wellbeing event, a research event in conjunction with UCL and a board games cafe campaign.

2024

Aphasia launch their cookbook

2025

Members had a tour of the National Portrait Gallery. This was followed up by an online art workshop

Stories from Aphasia Re-Connect

"Seeing what one could do to help them is just something that was rewarding"

Listen 00:10:24

Story: Julie Cook, Peter Cook - Bromley, Londonwide