Rodney Aphasia Group's story

Stroke survivors in Auckland are relearning daily skills lost after stroke thanks to a grant from Stroke Aotearoa which is funding speech therapy courses facilitated by Rodney Aphasia Group.

Rodney Aphasia Group is a non-profit based in Orewa which provides support to over 70 individuals living with aphasia. The courses provide vital speech therapy, self-advocacy and wellbeing tools.

Loraine began experiencing mild aphasia after a stroke in 2024. Soon after she began regularly attending courses with Rodney Aphasia Group.

“We have found these meetings to be extremely helpful and informative. This group is doing an incredible job for people who would otherwise be without support and contact with fellow sufferers.”

Pam attends with her husband Eric who is a stroke survivor. Initially they struggled to access support and were thrilled to find a group operating locally.

“My husband had a stroke just over 2 years ago, and we found there was a lack of groups to aid in his recovery. The camaraderie within the group is very beneficial, along with the monthly activities. There is good discussion and learning from others within the group who have similar problems & issues.”

Rodney Aphasisa Group co-founder Peter Kingston has met many stroke survivors who have benefited from speech therapy.

“It is not only a place to learn how to cope with our disabilities but also to feel supported and enjoy a few laughs, while re-learning what the stroke has taken away.”

Annabel Grant has attended courses as a PhD student and praises the group for its holistic approach to support.

“The ongoing benefits are clear: members develop resilience, discover new strategies for living with aphasia, and maintain social connections that might otherwise be lost. This peer support model creates a positive cycle where experienced members help newcomers while continuing their own journey of adaption. Aphasia affects not just communication but social participation and quality of life. This group addresses these broader impacts in ways that individual therapy alone cannot.”