Charity appeals for volunteer speech support workers to help those with aphasia

Aphasia often occurs when people have had a stroke or brain injury, damaging the communications centre of the brain and affecting speech and the ability to communicate with others.

Formed in 2011, Speak With IT has been helping people with aphasia to work on communication goals using therapy apps on an iPad and supported conversation for 10 years. Volunteers provide one to one support in the home and over video call.

The charity aims to supplement the work of speech and language therapists and charities such as Stroke Association to improve communication and help combat loneliness.

Charity manager, James Major said: "The last year has been really difficult for everyone but especially for people with disabilities like aphasia. There is a strong link between disability and social isolation and the pandemic has made the situation worse.

'We are keen to hear from new volunteer speech support workers from across Castleford and Pontefract to meet demand.

It would be a great opportunity for someone who wants to give back to their community or who has an interest in speech and language therapy. The hours for this opportunity are flexible, beginning at two and a half hours per month with travel expenses covered.’

The deadline for applications is Friday May 28. For more information on how to become a volunteer speech support worker visit www.speakwithit.org/volunteer and complete an application form or call the Speak With IT office on 01924 888608 for an informal chat.