Veterans WORLD 8 - Features

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COMMUNICATIONS AND DISABILITY

CONNECT - SUPPORTING VETERANS AND FAMILIES AFFECTED BY APHASIA

Photo of Robin Lamerton When RAF veteran Robin Lamerton had a routine operation in 2002, he had no idea he would be left with a long-term disability. Unfortunately, he had suffered a stroke, which left him with aphasia – a communication disability that affects over 250,000 people in the UK.

“When I came round from the operation, I had no pain but I felt very confused and I couldn’t speak,” said Robin. Five years later, Robin, who is 47, still has some speech impairment and also has difficulty walking.

Connect Logo Aphasia affects people differently – sometimes there is complete loss of speech, sometimes there is partial loss. Some people with aphasia find it hard to take part in a conversation, to read or write, follow the television or go shopping. Everyday activities become a challenge, not least because there is little public awareness of aphasia – people often don’t know how to react or cope with a communication disability.

Connect have helped Robin by helping him to re-engage with life again. He even works with the charity part time. Connect support Robin by ensuring that he understands issues and that the information he is given is clear and in an accessible format to allow for tiredness.

Connect, a national charity, publishes resources for anybody affected by aphasia, their relatives and health or social care professionals supporting people with stroke-related communication disabilities.

Photo of Robin Lamerton Robin is working with the “Access to Life in Cornwall” project - an initiative which aims to work in partnerships with service users and their relatives, NHS trusts, Social Care and voluntary organisations. The aim of the project is to help build the skills and capacity of people and organisations across Cornwall to be more responsive to the everyday issues important to people living with stroke and aphasia.

Robin, who is married with three sons, is glad to be able to give something back: “Now I have a new better life with Connect: I am giving something back. Connect has been marvellous and has given me the time, space, help and support to enable me to be an effective worker again”.

For further information visit www.ukconnect.org
or call 0207 3670840.

Reader Offer!

The Stroke and Aphasia Handbook £20.00 postage and packing is free if you mention Veterans WORLD

To order: email lukechamberlain@ukconnect.org
or telephone Luke on 020 7367 0866 (quoting Veterans WORLD).
Special savings available for multiple purchases.

Email enquiries on veterans issues to: veterans.help@spva.gsi.gov.uk

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