I was referred to TALK in 2023, attending the Ashford group weekly to help my ongoing recovery following a stroke 18 months earlier (during the COVID-19 years).
The amazing team of Volunteers encouraged me to consider becoming a volunteer myself, which I did (reluctantly at the time) in January 2025. On reflection now, this step greatly helped me with re-building my lost confidence, after the inevitable isolation a stroke recoverer feels after such a life-changing event; also giving me a purpose again after feeling so low & hopeless.
I've now become a member of a team once again, having always worked full-time since my graduation; made friends not only with fellow recoverers at TALK but also the Volunteers as well as the wider charity management team.
In April 2026 I agreed to apply to become a Trustee, as the charity board feel I can provide valuable insights of the lived experience about the daily challenges of living with Aphasia, & am pleased this application was accepted in May!
I am looking forward to what the future of TALK holds at this exciting & positive time of change in it's 30 year history.
