Rugby Aphasia Cafe: Creating a Lasting Legacy
At Aphasia Support, we know just how important it is for people with aphasia and their families to have somewhere to turn.
When Catherine Cope's dad, Jim, began experiencing difficulties with his speech and understanding, their family didn't know what was happening or where to find help. Despite years of medical appointments, a rare diagnosis of Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) and an increasingly difficult journey, they were left without the advice, resources or support they so desperately needed.
At the time, Aphasia Support served the Yorkshire region, and there wasn't a charity they could turn to in their hometown. Now, almost ten years later, Catherine has joined forces with Aphasia Support to bring our much-loved group sessions to Warwickshire. Having raised over £4,000, Catherine has spearheaded the launch of our first Rugby Aphasia Cafe, ensuring other local families don't have to face aphasia alone.
Remembering Jim
Catherine's dad, Jim, was a friendly, generous and funny man. A fabulous grandfather, Cub Scout leader and Rotarian, he loved helping others and was always happy to stand in front of an audience and make people laugh. But things began to change.
Jim was beginning to struggle to find the words he wanted to say, often taking longer to process what people were saying and respond. As his condition progressed, so did his frustration and anxiety. Catherine recalls how hard it was to see her dad, who used to be so naturally sociable, struggle to communicate. For a while, they found ways around the difficulties, using pen and paper to draw pictures and illustrate what Jim wanted to say. They also continued to enjoy some of their favourite activities together, including playing crib. Sadly, as the condition progressed, everyday communication became increasingly difficult.
“It was difficult to watch for everyone, including his wife, Janet, my brother Michael, and other family members and friends who were amazing, patient and understanding. Following diagnosis, there was no valuable advice offered or given for his condition and our family felt very much alone. We were unable to access any help groups or resource libraries to ease my dad’s uncomfortable and increasingly anxious state.”
Jim lived with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) for at least eight years before he sadly passed away in 2016, aged 75. Throughout this time, Jim, Catherine and their family felt very much alone, with little practical advice or support available to help them understand the condition and find ways to keep Jim connected to the people and moments that once brought him joy.
Making a difference for other families
Before Catherine retired in 2025, she began thinking about how she could make a difference to the lives of others affected by aphasia in her local community. Having experienced first-hand the impact of limited support, she was determined to help other families access the understanding and guidance she had once longed for. After discovering Aphasia Support's mission to grow beyond Yorkshire, Catherine was one of the first people to join our charity's Branch Network.
With support from her wonderful family and friends, Catherine began fundraising, starting with an emotional 'Stroke 4 Stroke' challenge in loving memory of her dad, Jim. To date, Catherine has raised an incredible £4,000 to help make the new group possible.
“I wanted to help someone - anyone who might be in a similar position to my dad - and know we were doing something to ease the pain and stress of living with aphasia.”
A warm welcome in Rugby!
On 5th November 2026, we were delighted to open the doors to our brand new Rugby Aphasia Café at Willoughby Village Hall. Led by Ellis Becks (Speech & Language Therapist), the café offers residents a safe and friendly place to meet, share experiences and spend time with others who truly understand what it's like to live with, or support someone with, aphasia.
Following a brilliant first session, Ellis said:
"What a lovely day we've had holding our very first Aphasia Café in Rugby! There were a few nerves and lots of excitement, but seeing people come together, chat, share experiences, realise things they had in common, and enjoy each other's company made it all worthwhile. It was so special to see connections being made for both people with aphasia and their families, and smiles all round.
None of this would have been possible without Catherine and her absolutely brilliant fundraising efforts. We are so grateful for all the time, energy and dedication she's put into making this happen. A huge thank you, Catherine!"
Catherine is equally excited about what lies ahead:
“The café will be inclusive, offering people with aphasia and their loved ones a safe space, a community. A place where we will offer a friendly face, professional support, good company, patience and understanding. I could not be more excited for Aphasia Support. I look forward to volunteering my time and helping other families affected by aphasia living in Warwickshire and surrounding areas.”
Here at Aphasia Support, we are incredibly grateful to Catherine for helping us bring this vision to life. It's a wonderful example of how lived experience can help shape our work and make a lasting difference in local communities.
Come and join us!
Our Rugby Aphasia Café takes place on the first and third Thursday of every month, from 10.30am to 12 noon, at Willoughby Village Hall, Main Street, Willoughby.
If you or someone you know is living with aphasia in Rugby or the surrounding areas, we'd love to hear from you. Sign up through our online referral form, or contact us by phone on 0300 102 3500 or email at info@aphasiasupport.org.
Please Note: An online referral must be made before attending. Once a referral has been made, please wait for a member of our team to get in touch with further information.
Find out more and make a referral: https://www.aphasiasupport.org/pages/rugby
