LOST WITHOUT WORDS CAMPAIGN

That this House welcomes the Stroke Association's Lost without Words campaign which aims to raise awareness of the impact of stroke-related communication disabilities such as Aphasia, Dysarthia and Dyspraxia; notes that an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 people in the UK are currently living with a stroke-related communication disability; recognises that without access to appropriate support those affected can experience depression, isolation, relationship break downs, inability to return to work and dependence on welfare; commends the work of voluntary sector organisations in providing ongoing programmes of communication support for stroke survivors in the community; further recognises that such support can help people regain or replace vital communication skills lost following a stroke; is concerned that across most of the UK too few stroke survivors have access to such support services; is further concerned that many local health authorities are not sufficiently aware of the incidence and impact of stroke-related communication disabilities or the interventions that are available; and calls on the Government and health and social care providers across the UK to review the provision of support for people with communication disabilities following a stroke.