SUPPORT has been shown for a Winchester group that helps people who are suffering from a rare syndrome that affects their ability to communicate.
Winchester MP Steve Brine visited support group Say Aphasia to learn more about the challenges facing those living with the condition.
Aphasia affects a person's ability to speak, read and write and is usually a result of a stroke, head injury, brain haemorrhage, or a brain tumour. The charity aims to support those affected by Aphasia and raise awareness of the condition.
Mr Brine said: “It was really powerful, and moving, meeting members of the group and hearing their stories as well as their ongoing challenges living with communication difficulties.
“I am passionate about the prevention agenda, going back to my time as a health minister, and would like to see health systems everywhere take seriously practical things that can really help with stroke incidence such as salt reduction strategies.”
Jez Hodgkinson, who runs the Winchester and Southampton Say Aphasia group alongside Lloyd Brammer, said: “Awareness around Aphasia is really low and that can often be really unhelpful to people who struggle with it. By having the group as a place to talk to others in the same boat as you is so useful.”
Lloyd, from Oliver's Battery, has been a member of Say Aphasia since suffering a stroke in 2016.
Mr Brammer said: “Some members can barely talk and the normal everyday things people take for granted they cannot achieve.
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“Many members struggle reading, writing, learning or speaking.”
Mr Brammer praised Mr Brine for putting the group in contact with head of NHS Alex Whitfield who contacted Winchester hospital’s key workers in the stroke ward.
Mr Brammer continued: “The connections Steve made have been wonderful. All in all a brilliant visit.”
Mr Brine was joined on the visit by Hampshire county and Winchester city councillor Jan Warwick.
Councillor Warwick added: “It was a pleasure to meet members of the local Say Aphasia group.
"Group members did an excellent job of highlighting areas where local authorities could do more to help particularly with better communication and access to support.”
The Winchester branch of Say Aphasia meets on Mondays every fortnight at 10am at Parish of St Peter Pastoral Centre in Jewry Street.
For more go to sayaphasia.org/winchester
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