Speechmatters and The Stroke Association announce merger

Speechmatters and The Stroke Association will officially launch their merger on the opening day of Aphasia Awareness Week on Monday 9 October at 11:00am in the Belfast Castle.

Speechmatters, now part of The Stroke Association, is the only dedicated provider of Aphasia support in Northern Ireland and is also proud to be launching the second year of its award winning Communicate Campaign to raise awareness of Aphasia.

Commenting on the merger, Speechmatters' Chief Executive Jackie White said:

"This merger is great news for Speechmatters and for stroke survivors in Northern Ireland and the UK. With the strength of The Stroke Association behind us, we will be able to continue to deliver high quality, professionally-led services to people living with Aphasia.

"Speechmatters, now part of The Stroke Association will continue to lead in the provision of support to the 10,000 people in Northern Ireland with Aphasia. We will continue to nurture our existing partnerships, ensuring that we don't duplicate those services already being provided by other organisations and that we complement the activities of our partners in the HSS Boards and Trusts. "

The merger of Speechmatters with The Stroke Association will ultimately result in an increased investment into Aphasia and stroke services. The organisations will work in synergy to bring about urgent and vital change for the people of Northern Ireland.

Jon Barrick, Chief Executive of The Stroke Association said:

"We are delighted to be joining forces with Speechmatters after a long association with them. By pooling our resources and expertise in this way we can really add value to all aspects of our work. We will combine our strengths and expertise for the benefit of all people affected by stroke and Aphasia in Northern Ireland.

"Many Speechmatters members face communication difficulties on a daily basis as a result of stroke. I am passionate about working together to improve the lives of stroke survivors and people with Aphasia through research, better services and campaigning to raise awareness. Joining forces will ultimately enable us to support more people and help them to rebuild their lives after stroke. "

Eric McCullough, Chair of The Stroke Association's Northern Ireland Committee, said:

"This merger is a positive step forward and is great news for people with Aphasia and stroke survivors in Northern Ireland. As Speechmatters and its members now become part of The Stroke Association, their voices will not be forgotten."

ENDS

For further information please contact the media team at The Stroke Association on 020 7566 1500 or email the Press Office.

Notes to editor

1. Speechmatters' merger with The Stroke Association will increase its ability to deliver and expand its service provision. It also provides Speechmatters access to The Stroke Association's administrative and support facilities. Following the merger, Speechmatters' staffing and expertise will be preserved a long with its identity.

2. Speechmatters is the only organisation in Northern Ireland solely dedicated to the needs of people living with Aphasia. Aphasia is a devastating communication disability which affects a person's ability to understand and process language. Speechmatters provides a range of professionally led services such as conversation groups, carers' support groups, advocacy and home liaison support as well as training, information and advice. For more information email Speechmatters or call 028 90401389.

3. Through a combination of billboards, on-bus and radio advertising over the coming weeks, the Communicate Campaign aims to increase recognition and understanding of the term 'Aphasia' - a devastating communication disability, resulting from a stroke or head injury.

4. The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. The charity funds research into prevention, treatment, better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services which include communication support, family support, information services, welfare grants, publications and leaflets. The Stroke Association also campaigns, educates and informs to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society acting as a voice for everyone affected by stroke.

5. A stroke is a brain equivalent of a heart attack. A stroke can be diagnosed by using FAST - Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Test all three. If these symptoms are present call an ambulance straight away.

6. The Stroke Helpline available provides information on stroke to the general public and is open between 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday on 0845 3033 100.

7. The Stroke Association is the winner of the 2006 Healthcare and Medical Research Category at UK Charity Awards and the winner in 2005 of the Medical Charity of the year as awarded by Medical Journalists

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