Speechmatters and The Stroke Association to merge

Speechmatters and The Stroke Association will officially launch their merger on the opening day of Aphasia Awareness Week on Monday 9 October at 11:00am in Belfast Castle.

Speechmatters, now part of The Stroke Association, is the only dedicated provider of Aphasia support in Northern Ireland and is also proud to be launching the second year of its award winning Communicate Campaign to raise awareness of Aphasia.

Commenting on the merger, Speechmatters’ Chief Executive Jackie White said:
“This merger is great news for Speechmatters and for stroke survivors in Northern Ireland and the UK. With the strength of The Stroke Association behind us, we will be able to continue to deliver high quality, professionally-led services to people living with Aphasia.

“Speechmatters, now part of The Stroke Association will continue to lead in the provision of support to the 10,000 people in Northern Ireland with Aphasia. We will continue to nurture our existing partnerships, ensuring that we don’t duplicate those services already being provided by other organisations and that we complement the activities of our partners in the HSS Boards and Trusts. ”

The merger of Speechmatters with The Stroke Association will ultimately result in an increased investment into Aphasia and stroke services. The organisations will work in synergy to bring about urgent and vital change for the people of Northern Ireland.

Jon Barrick, Chief Executive of The Stroke Association said:

“We are delighted to be joining forces with Speechmatters after a long association with them. By pooling our resources and expertise in this way we can really add value to all aspects of our work. We will combine our strengths and expertise for the benefit of all people affected by stroke and Aphasia in Northern Ireland.

“Many Speechmatters members face communication difficulties on a daily basis as a result of stroke. I am passionate about working together to improve the lives of stroke survivors and people with Aphasia through research, better services and campaigning to raise awareness. Joining forces will ultimately enable us to support more people and help them to rebuild their lives after stroke. ”

Eric McCullough, Chair of Speechmatters, part of The Stroke Association said:
“This merger is a positive step forward and is great news for people with Aphasia and stroke survivors in Northern Ireland. As Speechmatters and its members become part of The Stroke Association, their voices will not be forgotten.”