Around 250,000-300,000 people in the UK have a communication disability directly as a result of a stroke, the most common of which is called Aphasia. Although this equates to around one third of stroke survivors, there is little knowledge about these conditions and the availability of effective support.

Today The Stroke Association launches the Lost without Words campaign which seeks to highlight the impact that communication disability has on stroke survivors whilst lobbying for more long term support that can result in huge benefits.

The human impact of having a stroke related communication disability includes not only the loss of communication skills such as speaking, reading, writing, understanding language but also the loss of independence and confidence as well as an increased risk of isolation and depression and more pressure on carers.

We are encouraging everyone to get involved in the campaign, whether you are or have been directly affected by a communication disability, are related to someone who has experienced this, or just feel strongly about the issue.

Please go to www.stroke.org.uk/campaigns and use the online facility to email your local politician. You don’t have to know their name as the email will be directed straight to them and there is some suggested text to save you time. It really is as simple as clicking a few buttons to get involved the campaign.

For more information on the work of the Stroke Association please visit their profile on ammado or their website