Transcript
Hi, I'm Emma.
In this video,
I would like to
share with you
the importance
of participating
in a community group.
After my stroke,
I had to move in
with my parents.
This was hard
because I had
left home at 18
and I had no friends in the area.
I suffered from depression.
Aphasia can be so isolating.
I had tried a stroke group
but didn't fit in
because none of
them had aphasia.
And they were much older
than me.
Fortunately
my speech pathologist
put me in contact with
an aphasia
community group
in my new neighbourhood.
I was hesitant
to go to the first meeting.
But it didn't take long
before I felt at home
with these people.
They get everything about me.
And we all have
a common experience
of aphasia.
We can laugh and sympathise
with each other.
We can share experiences
and stories.
We raise funds
and employ
a speech pathologist
who conducts group therapy.
We celebrate achievements
and improvements together.
Being with this group
helped me gain confidence
to go back out into
the community.
With the group
I was encouraged to go out
for a meal
or a drink and order
for myself.
Don't feel threatened
to join a group
if your communication
is poor.
Everyone in the group
who knows how hard it is
to relearn to talk.
People will give you time.
Being part of the group
in the community
has improved my mental
and psychological well-being.
It is so valuable to know
you are not alone.
Being involved in
a community group
can also benefit
your loved ones
or carers too.
They can seek advice
and share stories
with people who understand
the challenges
they face in day-to-day life.
It is important
not to compare yourself
with others.
Everyone's
aphasia is different.
There are
many aphasia
community groups out there.
But sadly, more are needed.
The Australian Aphasia Association website
provides links to groups
in every state.
They also host a Zoom group
once a month.
You can join their group
by checking out the website.
There are also Zoom groups
that can connect you
with people
across the country.
My aphasia group
has a weekly Zoom
meeting every Friday.
If you are
in New South Wales
you can connect with us.
You can also join
the genyus network.
That is g.e.n.y.u.s.
This is for young
stroke survivors
and people touched by trauma
who meet
for a Zoom coffee chat
in a safe place.
There will be a
aphasia coffee chat group
with genyus forming
very soon.
You can connect with people
via Facebook groups
such as the AAA
or Aphasia Recovery Connection
in the US.
Technology has greatly helped
people to connect.
You are not alone.
Reach out.
And the benefits are amazing.
