After my Stroke in 2011, I didn't know what it meant to have Aphasia and how I would manage at home with the communication difficulties I had. Having Speech and Language Therapy at home really helped me to improve my communication and confidence. With the help of lots of professionals and organisations, I was able to improve my reading, writing and speech. There are lots of different sources of support in the community but it is difficult to know where to go to access these. I want to help other Stroke survivors with Aphasia to manage at home.

It can be daunting and challenging for Stroke patients and their families after discharge from hospital. Often there can be a wait for therapy services to be involved and this can be hard.

ACT has been started for patients stroke and their partners to help deal with the aphasia before and after discharge from Hospital. We will provide support to start the path of recovery with your communication skills before you are discharged and immediately after you return home. ACT will provide advice and support on how to manage the first few days at home; for example, thinking of ways to communicate how you would like something for breakfast and keeping a diary of little changes and improvements to look back on later.

We need help to raise money to get this new project off the ground. I believe this is of great value to Stroke patients and their families as this isn't something that is currently available and would make a big difference to supporting patients' discharge from Hospital.

I am walking the Bournemouth Marathon 10K on Saturday 7th October 2017 and would be grateful for any contributions that will go towards this new group.