Drawing for People with Aphasia has been running since 2013 providing drawing workshops and trips to galleries and museums for people with aphasia (an impairment of language following stroke or brain injury) and other neurological and mental health conditions.

Visit the website: www.aphasiadrawing.org

Aphasia is a devastating condition which can lead to a loss of confidence, depression and isolation. People with aphasia can find it hard to understand what others are saying, and to express themselves.

Evidence shows that being part of a group and doing art activities has many positive benefits; building confidence and self-esteem as well as improved concentration, communication skills and quality of life.

In order for the project to continue we need to raise funds.

Here are some of the things that people from the group have said:

“I find this group very positive and uplifting in many ways. Everyone benefits enormously from this socially...my own personal experience is like an awakening”

​“It’s a focal point of my life. I don’t go out or socialise apart from this”

“Because of the group I want to go on and study art further - I have kept what I’ve done here for a portfolio”

“Being in the group builds confidence I feel able to talk more easily here knowing that everyone has the time and patience”

"I never thought I’d do drawing - I’d never set foot in a museum or gallery before the group”

​“It gets us out of the house - we’re not stuck in isolation”

​“Since having a stroke, I keep a busy schedule with a lot of speech therapy and excerise classes. While these are beneficial to me, at times it’s overwhelming. Since starting art classes, I’ve found a way to keep calm and enjoy my time - I’m incredibly grateful. I wish we could have more than one class a month!”

“I’ve been coming since 2013 and as a result my reading and concentration have improved tremendously because of drawing”

“When we go out in the world we can talk about our drawing class - it gives us something to talk about. We have a laugh here, it’s fun - when you’ve had a stroke there’s not a lot that’s funny”

“I go to more exhibitions now as we started going as a group - and when I’m at home I feel like drawing”

“When you have difficulties with communication art is an inspiration - a huge arena opened up”

​“When I was fighting housing and benefits issues I was able to argue because I got the confidence and courage here”

“There’s little enough for disabled people now”

​“Having tea and chatting with the group is lovely!”