11th June 2025
A new support group has opened its doors in Thame to offer a vital lifeline to people living with aphasia — an often-overlooked communication disability that affects over 350,000 people across the UK.
Run by national charity Say Aphasia, the group aims to bring much-needed support to local residents who are coping with the devastating effects of this condition. Despite its prevalence, many remain unaware of aphasia, which is typically acquired after a brain injury such as a stroke.
Aphasia affects a person’s ability to understand or produce language, impacting speaking, reading, writing, and listening. For many, it feels like waking up in a foreign country where communication is impossible — leaving them isolated from friends, family, and everyday life.
The Say Aphasia group in Thame is designed to counteract that isolation. By creating a welcoming, understanding space, the charity helps people with aphasia regain confidence and reconnect with their communities.
“Our groups are unique in that they’re run by and for people with aphasia,” says a spokesperson from the charity. “They offer a safe, judgement-free space where members can socialise, practice communication skills, and support each other in managing life with aphasia.”
Say Aphasia’s mission is not just to raise awareness, but also to actively reduce the emotional toll of the condition. Through drop-in sessions, they provide meaningful social interaction and the chance for people to feel seen, heard, and valued.
Residents of Thame are encouraged to spread the word about the new group. With greater awareness and community involvement, the hope is to create a more inclusive and understanding environment for those living with aphasia.
For more information about the Thame support group or to get involved, visit: www.sayaphasia.org
