Sunshine Coast Aphasia Group
In 2010 eight couples participated in an eight-week group program for people and partners living with aphasia. This clinic was organized by a group of speech therapists.
For most of the couples, this was the first time they had access to any group activities specifically designed for people living with aphasia. Sometimes the carers met separately with one of the speech pathologists experienced in developing programs for carers. Carers would share their experiences and identified common needs.
Participants agreed that opportunities such as this were greatly needed in the region. So the decision was made to meet once a month at Banjo's Cafe at Maroochydore. A few have passed away and others joined us.
The best part is that we all understand the need to give our aphasia people time to find and speak the words. So eight years have passed and many good friends have been made.
This is an informal, self-help group, with no set membership and no fees. Anyone is welcome to turn up at the monthly coffee gatherings. These are informal get-togethers with no agenda or speaker – just a chance for people to meet and talk to others who either have aphasia and their carers.
Who it's for:
Anyone who is experiencing aphasia for any reason (stroke, injury or primary progressive aphasia – a form of dementia)
When:
2nd Monday of each month (February to November);
Where:
Banjo's Café Woolworths Complex, 50 Plaza Parade, Maroochydore
About this group
We support each other via sharing experiences and a friendly chat. This is a safe environment and there are no official facilitators – just other persons who are learning to live with aphasia, and their carers or partners.
(Link to Facebook or website if applicable)
No Facebook page but this and other aphasia groups are shown on the Aphasia Community website (https://aphasia.community/current-groups#QLD)
Free to attend?
Free, and most people buy their own coffee and/or snack from Banjo’s, to enjoy while we chat.
How to join.
No formal membership and no need to contact first; just show up on the day. We keep an informal list of people’s names, phone numbers & emails, and occasionally may email everyone – e.g. to advise of any special events or dates, such as the venue for our end-of-year lunch. (This year it will be on Monday, 24 November, at Mooloolaba Bowls Club.)
Wheelchair accessible?
Yes
Contact:
Pat Batson, 0427 544 657, p_batson@tpg.com.au
Jill Curtis, 0418 747 108, clearvale@bigpond.com
Carol Boulanger, 0419 756 819, cbems@ozemail.com.au