Answers to questions which are commonly asked by our members
Will it cost money to attend Speakeasy?
We rely on donations to fund our work. We would be grateful for a £7.50 donation each time you come. Talk to us if this would be difficult for you, we many be able to find a way around it.
I don’t live in Bury – can I still get help?
Yes, we have many members from outside Bury. If you can travel to us we will try to support you.
Do I need to ask my doctor or therapist to refer me to Speakeasy?
No, just contact us directly and we can tell you when to come along
How long will I have to wait before I can start coming?
At Speakeasy we don’t have waiting lists, people can come along as soon as they need us. Your first contact is usually a video call with a Speakeasy therapists so they can help you access the support that is right for you.
My husband has difficulty communicating but he does not want to come to Speakeasy. Can I still come along?
Yes. Speakeasy support is designed for people with aphasia, for couple affected by the aphasia together and for carers on their own. This support without the person who has aphasia is just as important and can assist the couple to live better lives. We have online support and also our meetings in Ramsbottom have time and space allocated for discussions just with carers. Discussions often includes tips and tricks, explanations for the aphasia or related health difficulties, signposting to other sources of help. Crucially this also offers opportunity for support from other carers. Although our speech and language therapists have a vast amount of information about aphasia they do not know what it feels like to be a carer or someone with aphasia. Other carers can provide a support network of people who understand how it feels. This is crucial support for any carer. They can have time to talk to each other and get support from someone else who is in the same situation. They often have their own activities, and they regularly ask for information about such things as lifting and helping movement, finances and benefits, managing medicines. Sometimes they just want time to relax on their own knowing that their partner is engaged and supported in other activity just next door.
How long can I keep coming for?
We don’t discharge people at Speakeasy, people can come for as long as they need to.