Aphasia cafe to work with NHS trust after visit from Spen Valley MP
The MP for Spen Valley has welcomed progress to improve support for local people living with aphasia.
After meeting members, families, and volunteers of the Aphasia Café in Kirkheaton in September, Kim Leadbeater wrote to the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust to encourage a closer partnership with Aphasia Support, the charity that runs the group.
In response, the Trust’s Chief Executive, Rob Aitchison, confirmed that senior staff will meet with Aphasia Support to explore new ways of working together, including improving the current offer and developing volunteering opportunities for people affected by aphasia.
Kim said: “I’m delighted to see such a positive outcome from my visit to the Kirkheaton Aphasia Café. Aphasia Support does incredible work helping people rebuild confidence, communication, and connection after life-changing events like stroke.
“The response from Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust is really encouraging, and I’m pleased that collaboration is now underway to strengthen local services.
“This is a great example of what can be achieved when charities and the NHS work together.”
Aphasia is a communication disorder that affects a person’s ability to speak, read, and write, often as a result of stroke or brain injury.
More than 350,000 people in the UK live with the condition, including around 2,000 in Kirklees.
James Major, Chief Executive of Aphasia Support, added:
“We’re very grateful to Kim for her support and for helping us open these important conversations with the NHS.
Improving access to therapy and support can make a huge difference to people living with aphasia and their families.”
Kim has pledged to continue advocating for better awareness, access, and inclusion for people with communication difficulties across Spen Valley and beyond.