Aphasia Uncovered

Did you know that around 85% of people in the UK don’t know what aphasia is? Yet across Leeds and Wakefield alone, an estimated 4,277 people are living with aphasia following a stroke. Thousands of individuals face daily communication challenges that many of us simply don’t understand. That’s why we’re delivering free training sessions to build confidence and awareness among professionals supporting local people with aphasia.

Led by experienced Speech and Language Therapist, Catherine Hayes, and supported by someone with lived experience of aphasia, these sessions offer a unique opportunity to learn directly from both clinical expertise and personal insight.

Who Should Attend?

• Staff and volunteers working in charities or organisations
• Professionals supporting people with aphasia
  

What You’ll Learn

• What aphasia is and how it affects communication
• The real-life impact of aphasia on individuals and their families
  
• Practical strategies and techniques to adapt your communication style
• How to use a 'total communication' approach
• How to create more inclusive and supportive conversations
• The support landscape for people with aphasia and their carers in West Yorkshire

Why This Matters

"Aphasia changes how you communicate, but it doesn't change who you are." - Steve, person with aphasia

Aphasia can make it difficult to speak, understand, read, or write - but it does not affect intelligence. With the right awareness and approach, we can all play an important role in making communication more accessible and empowering for those affected.

This free training is part of a wider programme delivered across West Yorkshire by Aphasia Support, and is generously funded by the British Aphasiology Society.

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