Stroke survivors often experience difficulties with language and communication after a stroke. To help bridge this gap, Taranaki Base Hospital in New Zealand has started a community group led by stroke survivor Grant Kenny. Kenny suffered from speech and language difficulties after a stroke two years ago, and now volunteers with the Speech Language Therapy (SLT) team at the hospital to lead a communication group for those experiencing similar issues.
The group meets every two weeks, and patients and their families are invited to participate. The sessions are designed to help group members improve their language and speech challenges through activities like discussion questions, story creation, and word games. The positive atmosphere in the group encourages increased confidence, improved mood, and functional improvements in speech and language skills.
Kayley Williamson, the Speech-Language Therapist at Te Whatu Ora Taranaki who initiated the community group, notes the positive impact it has had on patients and their families. She describes Kenny as a natural leader and helper, and encourages others with aphasia or speech and language impairments to consider joining the group.
The North Taranaki group has grown to include 24 patients, and a South Taranaki group has six members. For those interested in joining, contact the SLT Department at Te Whatu Ora Taranaki for more information. June is aphasia awareness month, and Kenny encourages those with speech and language challenges to join the group, stating that it is a great excuse to get out and socialize.
