Discover our Aphasia Cafe’s

If you’re looking to meet other people with aphasia, and their carers, you’ll receive a warm welcome when you come along to one of our Aphasia Cafe’s.

Scroll down to view the answers to some of our frequently asked questions, including:

• Who can come along to an Aphasia Cafe?
• When and where are your Aphasia Cafe’s?
• Are the venues accessible?
• Are your Aphasia Cafe sessions free?
• What can I expect when I arrive?
• What does a typical Aphasia Cafe involve?
• Will I receive one-to-one support during the Aphasia Cafe?
• How do I know it’s right for me?
• Is the Aphasia Cafe part of your pathway to support?
• How do I get referred to an Aphasia Cafe?
• You don’t run an Aphasia Cafe near me. Can you still provide me with support?

Aphasia Cafe FAQ’s

Q: Who can come along to an Aphasia Cafe?

A: If you’ve been diagnosed with aphasia, or care for someone who has the condition, you’re invited to join us at your local Aphasia Cafe group.

If you would like to bring your carer or a loved one, they are always welcome to stay. Once you have settled into the group, carers and loved ones are welcome to drop-off and pick-up if you feel comfortable without them.

We ask that you please make our team aware of any special requirements or additional support needs prior to attending.

Q: When and where are your Aphasia Cafe’s?

A: You’ll find a list of our Aphasia Cafe locations here. We meet twice per month. Once you’ve registered, you will receive regular reminders via email and WhatsApp. 

Q: Are the venues accessible?

A: Yes. Our Aphasia Cafe venues are easily accessible – suitable for wheelchair users and blue badge holders. 

Q: Are your Aphasia Cafe sessions free?

A: Yes. All of our Aphasia Cafe sessions are free of charge. If you would like to make a voluntary donation towards supporting this service, please feel welcome to do so.

Q: What can I expect when I arrive?

A: A trained staff member or volunteer will be there to welcome you when you arrive. You’ll be offered a cup of tea, coffee or a cold drink – and we always have a big box of biscuits or some homemade treats to share.

You’ll be introduced to people with aphasia, and their carers, who share similar lived experiences and truly understand the impact this condition can have on your life. It’s a brilliant opportunity to make new friends and be part of a supportive community.

Q: What does a typical Aphasia Café involve?

A: Our Aphasia Cafe’s focus on your wellbeing and quality of life outcomes through supported conversation, and reducing isolation.

We usually split the session into three sections:

Part 1: An opportunity for you to catch-up with friends.

• Share your highlight of the week.
• Hear updates from our charity.

Part 2: Take part in a group activity called ‘Words of the Week’.

• You’ll be shown some pictures which represent prominent news stories from the past week.
• Together with your group, you’ll discuss what you think the story is about.
• We then come together to discover if you guessed correctly.
• You’ll be given a printed version of each story. Those who feel comfortable can take turns reading the short sentences out loud.

Part 3: Join in with the second activity of the day – for example:

• A quiz
• A board game
• A crossword or puzzle
• Craft
• Show and tell

Q: Will I receive one-to-one support during the Aphasia Cafe?

A: The sessions are inclusive and there will always be someone to support you. However, we cannot guarantee that you will receive one-to-one support from a staff member or volunteer at every Aphasia Cafe.

Q: How do I know it’s right for me?

A: We ask that you speak to one of our Speech and Language Therapists before you attend an Aphasia Cafe. We’d love to learn more about you so we can support you in the best way possible.

You’re always welcome to join us for a taster session. There’s never any obligation to continue attending.

Q: Is the Aphasia Café part of your pathway to support?

A: Yes. Our Aphasia Cafe group sessions form part of our Stage 3 pathway to support.

• If you’re currently completing Stage 1 or 2, you’ll be invited to join your local Aphasia Cafe when you come to the end of your one-to-one sessions

OR

• You can be referred directly into Stage 3

Q: How do I get referred to an Aphasia Cafe?

A: There are different ways you can be referred.

• You can be referred by your Speech and Language Therapist (either privately or through the NHS).
• You can self-refer. Simply call our team on 01924 562443 or email info@aphasiasupport.org.

Q: You don’t run an Aphasia Café near me. Can you still provide me with support?

A: Yes. We have an online Aphasia café that meets via Zoom. Our online Aphasia Café follows a similar schedule to our in-person sessions. Alternatively, we can help you set up a new Aphasia Cafe through our branch network.