summer newsletter

‘Thank you’ to all Group Treasurers who have kindly returned their financial information to our Accountant
for inclusion in Speakability’s end of year Accounts 2008/2009.
Affiliated Groups that have not sent details of their finances for last financial year should do so as
soon as possible. It is a legal requirement for those Groups who are formally Affiliated to
Speakability. Please do this so that you are not acting illegally.
I have been greatly impressed with the way that Groups, families, friends and speech therapy teams have
added their support to our SPEAK ABOUT APHASIA MONTH Campaign. I have seen a huge variety of
picture menus and some terrific newspaper reports of your activities. We have also received a number of
cheques towards our new Group Development Fund. Well done and thank you very much!
The postcard campaign will continue to run until the end of March next year and I will keep you
informed of our progress. If you have not yet signed our Petition, you can do so on-line by visiting the
Speakability Website at www.speakabilty.org.uk.
Please can I also take this opportunity to encourage all Groups to consider making a contribution towards
our fund to start new Aphasia Self-Help Groups. This is a voluntary donation which is given where
funds permit and in acknowledgement of help that you received when you were getting started.
As a result of the generosity of some of your Groups, we will soon be launching new Speakability
Aphasia Self-Help Groups in Southend, Plymouth, Southwark & Lambeth and Stratford-on-Avon.
There are many Affiliated Groups who have certainly had our help and support over the years but who
have not yet made a donation to help others. Please do consider whether you can help at one of your
future meetings.
I am also very proud to report that Janet Rockliffe has once again successfully completed the Barrow to
Kendal (40 mile) Walk to raise funds for Speakability. Janet has also become a User Representative on
the UK Stroke Forum Committee. The next Stroke Forum will be held in Glasgow from 1st - 3rd December
2009. If you would like more details and how to get cheap tickets, please contact me on 020 7261 9572.
I took part in a walk recently too – only 12 miles though! This was a Dog & Owner walk through the fields
of Kent. About 30 dogs led the way including my English Springer Spaniel called Scamper. We raised
£300 which will be used to start an Aphasia Self-Help Group in Sevenoaks later this year.
I look forward to meeting more of you as I continue my travels around our marvellous national network of
Groups. Do let me know if you are arranging a special event or activity and please continue to
send in your news.
Finally, please let Lindsey have all contributions for the next edition of GROUP TALK by Friday 23rd
October 2009. You can contact her by phone on 020 7261 9572 or by email:
lindsey@speakability.org.uk.
With all good wishes,
Melanie Derbyshire – Chief Executive of Speakability