A PEER support group is celebrating its fifth year of providing a monthly social drop in for people with Aphasia and their carers/families.

Say Aphasia Skipton is part of the Say Aphasia charity which now has 16 support groups around the UK. The group has members from Skipton, Ilkley and East Lancs.

Aphasia is a communication disability which usually occurs after a stroke or head injury. This lesser-known condition can affect a person’s ability to speak, read, write, use numbers or process words.

As there is very limited support for people with Aphasia, over the last five years the group has tried to raise more awareness of this isolating condition. One way in which this has been achieved has been through augmented reality art exhibitions and displays in the local area which capture elements of living with Aphasia. Mark Chappell is the Peer Leader of the group and is a keen artist: “With my communication difficulties, art is a great way for me to express myself,” he said.

The Say Aphasia charity relies on donations and grants to provide support and the Skipton drop in group wishes to thank all those who have contributed to the charity over the last five years to keep it running. It is now looking forward to continuing to provide support in the future. Anyone with Aphasia is welcome at the group which meets monthly at Skipton Town Hall.

Visit: SayAphasia.org for more information about Aphasia, the Skipton group or to make a donation.