Giving a voice to stroke survivors

A choir which helps give a voice to people who have suffered strokes has been given a lifeline to enable it to continue its work. The Stroke Association’s Bath Aphasia Choir has been awarded a grant by St John’s Foundation to continue to meet in the city every week for the next three years. Over the years the choir, which is made up of stroke survivors who rely heavily on the choir as a method of therapy and source of social interaction, has been funded by various bodies and companies including Virgin Care. The foundation has seen the positive benefits of the group and has agreed to invest £5,000 a year which will allow the choir to keep running at least until 2021. Daisy Dighton from the Stroke Association said: “We can’t fund everything ourselves which is why we are so grateful to St John’s Foundation.” She explained the effects on the vocal cords after a stroke: “Every single stroke is different - some can speak, others forget words, some stutter, and some stop in their tracks. “The choir allows those who cannot speak either fully or partially the chance to express themselves.” Daisy said: “All of them are so happy, they are just so thrilled as it means they can get out the house and meet someone else who has had a stroke. “I have personally seen the difference it can make to their lives. Some people have made massive improvement with their speaking because of the choir. It aids recovery and builds their confidence.” With the money from the grant they can continue to work with a music therapist to improve the conditions of the members suffering with aphasia. Aphasia typically results from a stroke or other damage that affects the left hemisphere of the brain, where language ability is usually located. It might be because a stroke increased the use of the brain’s right hemisphere, where many aspects of music and the melody of speech are located. The connection between improvement of speech after a stroke and singing familiar songs was first reported in 1736 when a young man who had lost his ability to talk as a result of brain damage, surprised townsfolk by singing hymns in church, evidence people can learn to use undamaged portions of the brain to perform “new tricks” – even ones as complicated as speaking. One member of the choir is Stuart Ashman, 65, from Bath. Stuart had a stroke in March 2016 which left him with aphasia. He said: “At the choir I have met lots of people who are my friends. I know the words but my mouth doesn’t always say them. At the choir I can sing the words or hum the tune. I have watched others say they cannot sing and now I sit with them and hear them sing.” Liz Jeggo, support coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with St John’s Foundation, and thankful for their generosity. “After a stroke, around one in three people have difficulty communicating, which can be both terrifying and isolating. But with the right help and support, many stroke survivors are able to find new ways to communicate such as singing, and can rebuild their lives. “Stroke is life-changing, but we

I know the words but my mouth doesn’t always say them. At the choir I can sing the words or hum the tune. I sit with others and can hear them sing too

know that the opportunity to meet other people going through a similar experience can really make a difference to the lives of stroke survivors. It’s hugely important that stroke survivors feel supported in their local community and this group helps them on their road to recovery. “The funding from St John’s Foundation means the choir can continue to be led and developed by the talented trainee music therapist, Laura Cook. We are hoping that with this funding, we can reach even more stroke survivors living with aphasia in Bath. “The choir has gone from strength to strength over the years, we have many stroke survivors who come through the door unable to speak, yet can sing. It’s fascinating to see stroke survivors regain their confidence and be part of something really unique together.” John Thornfield, funding and impact officer at St John’s Foundation, said: “We are delighted to have awarded funding of £5,000 a year to Bath Aphasia Choir until 2021. Their work is unique to Bath and North East Somerset, providing a safe, supportive environment where stroke survivors and their carers can socialise, communicate and feel supported. Their work over the next three years will have a hugely positive impact on the lives of their beneficiaries and we look forward to seeing the project grow and develop with our support.” The Bath Aphasia Choir meets on Wednesdays from 10.30am – 12 noon at Bath Bowling Club, Pulteney Road. If you or someone you know would like to join the choir, please contact Liz Jeggo on Liz.jeggo@stroke.org.uk.