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Dr Suzanne Beeke

I trained as a speech and language therapist (BA Hons, Reading University, UK) qualifying in 1993. After graduating I took a part time research assistant role on an aphasia project at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh where I caught the research bug. During my 3 years in Edinburgh I also worked in adult neuro at the Western General Hospital and supported student speech and language therapists at QMU. I then moved to UCL, taking up a research post on one of the first externally-funded projects in the UK to use conversation analysis (CA) to explore the impact of acute-onset aphasia on individuals' everyday conversations with family members, led by Professor Ray Wilkinson and Emerita Professor Jane Maxim. I continued to work my way up as a researcher and completed my PhD in 2005 (Rethinking agrammatism: using conversation analysis to investigate the talk of individuals with aphasia). After an ESRC/MRC funded post-doctoral fellowship I became a lecturer and then the first head of department of the newly formed Department of Language and Cognition from 2008-2013. I also secured Stroke Association funding for what became Better Conversations with Aphasia, a communication partner training intervention based on my PhD and post-doc work. I am now an Associate Professor and Programme Director of the MSc in Speech and Language Therapy.

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/pals/research/language-and-cognition/language-and-cognition-research/better-conversations-lab

UCL Communication Clinic for people with aphasia and families
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/pals/ucl-communication-clinic

Twitter: https://x.com/BCAphasia

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The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org

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We're talking to Pete Coady, the peer leader for Darlington and Bishop Auckland, Say Aphasia. Pete was a salesman for Mondelez Cadbury before he had a serious road accident that left him with aphasia

https://www.sayaphasia.org

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The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org

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In this first episode, we're talking to Tom Ryan Elliott, a young man who had a terrible brain injury, which resulted in aphasia and epilepsy. And we're going to talk about, in particular, disability in the workplace.

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The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org

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Reflecting on the Journey: Uncovering the Themes of Aphasia Awareness

In the final episode of Series 1 of 'On the Tip of My Tongue,' hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons review the key themes and insights from their podcast series dedicated to raising awareness about aphasia. They discuss the stigmatization and misunderstandings surrounding the condition, share personal stories from guests such as Dr. Trevor Powell and insights from Michael Shann on the role of carers. The episode underscores the importance of caring, the challenges faced by those with aphasia, and looks ahead to future technological advancements in treatment.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:16 Reflecting on the Series
00:59 Understanding Aphasia and Stigmatization
05:22 Personal Experiences with Aphasia
07:43 The Role of Carers
10:59 Future of Aphasia Treatment
11:15 Conclusion and Next Steps

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Support the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JonathanHirons

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The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org

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Intertwined Health: Neuropsychology, Brain Health, and Insights from Dr. Trevor Powell

In this episode of 'On the Tip of My Tongue,' Dr. Trevor Powell, a consultant clinical neuropsychologist, discusses the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, emphasizing how psychological processes influence physical conditions. He addresses the stigma surrounding mental health by comparing it to physical health problems. Dr. Powell provides insights into neuropsychology, detailing its evolution and its critical role in assessing and rehabilitating brain injuries. The conversation touches on cognitive rehabilitation, the significance of insight in brain injuries, and the importance of physical and mental activities for brain health. The episode also delves into aphasia, its impact on language functions, and aims to dispel prejudices associated with the condition. Additionally, there is a light-hearted discussion about walking football and its benefits for mental and physical well-being.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Trevor Powell
01:56 The Interconnection of Physical and Mental Health
03:48 Understanding Neuropsychology
04:59 Insight and Cognitive Decline
07:35 Dr. Powell's Journey and Charity Work
11:03 Language Functions and Brain Injuries
15:50 Walking Football and Mental Health
18:16 Final Thoughts on Brain Health

Trevor Powell is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist with over 30 years experience of working in mental health and neuropsychology in the NHS.

He is the clinical lead and manager for neuropsychology service in Berkshire and specialises in head injury (TBI) and more recently Asperger’s Syndrome (ASD).

Dr Powell's books include: The Mental Health Handbook; Head Injury, A Practical Guide; The Brain Injury Workbook and, more recently, Recognising Asperger’s Syndrome.

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Support the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JonathanHirons

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The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org

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Caring for Loved Ones with Aphasia: A Personal Journey with Ann

In this episode of the 'On the Tip of My Tongue' podcast, we welcome Ann, Jon's wife, to discuss her experience caring for a partner with aphasia following his stroke. Ann shares her professional background in psychology and addiction therapy within the NHS, which provided her some tools in managing Jon's condition. The conversation covers the initial challenges, the importance of early intervention and therapy, and the support systems and strategies Ann employed to assist John's recovery. Ann emphasizes the value of support groups and staying positive, while highlighting her journey from managing overwhelming emotions to achieving significant milestones in Jon's rehabilitative process.

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Support the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JonathanHirons

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The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org

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Supporting Carers: Insights and Initiatives from Carers UK

In this episode, Michael Shann, head of carer support at Carers UK, discusses his 12.5-year journey with the charity, highlighting its mission to improve the lives of carers. He provides an in-depth overview of the services offered, including a helpline, online and in-person meetups, and various support resources. Michael also elaborates on the challenges carers face, such as mental health issues and financial difficulties, and emphasizes the vital role carers play in the economy. The conversation touches on ongoing campaigns for policy reform and future plans for Carers UK's 60th anniversary, aiming to increase awareness and support for carers.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background
01:44 Day-to-Day Work at Carers UK
03:29 Support Services and Resources
04:36 Membership and Volunteering
06:41 Challenges and Peer Support
09:12 Finding and Accessing Support
11:16 Current Issues and Future Plans
16:54 The Role and Impact of Carers
20:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Carers UK is the leading national charity for unpaid carers.
It supports, advocate for, champion and connect carers across the UK, so that no one has to care alone.

Making life better for carers

Looking after someone can be a rewarding experience but it can also be lonely and bewildering.

For almost 60 years Carers UK has been making life better for carers, raising their voices together to call for change and seek recognition and support.

Guided by a Board of Trustees that's primarily made up of current and former carers, it is here to make life better for carers, listening to what carers tell us and rooted in the real experiences of its members.

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Support the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JonathanHirons

To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com

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The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org

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Understanding Aphasia: A Deep Dive into the Hidden Disability

In this episode of the 'On the Tip of My Tongue' podcast, hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons discuss aphasia, a little-known yet common condition affecting language and communication due to brain injury. They chat with Barbara Chalk, a retired speech and language therapist and trustee of the charity Say Aphasia, to explore why aphasia is under-recognized, the various challenges it poses, and the support structures available for those affected. Barbara shares insights on the nuances of the condition, its impact on self-esteem, and the importance of long-term support and community for rehabilitation and coping.

00:00 Introduction to Aphasia
00:15 Meet the Hosts and Guest
00:32 Understanding Aphasia
02:00 Challenges of Living with Aphasia
05:21 Misconceptions and Public Perception
07:49 Therapy and Rehabilitation
13:08 Long-term Support and Say Aphasia
14:01 Personal Experiences and Coping Strategies
15:08 Funding and NHS Challenges
17:20 Research and Future Directions
32:04 Conclusion and Resources
33:10 Preview of Next Episode

APHASIA

"A lot of people's experience of aphasia is that nobody knows what it is and it's a hidden disability. Not being recognised as having something seriously wrong with you is incredibly frustrating"

"Is there something, is this an insightful way to kind of talk about aphasia? Is there something inherent in the condition itself, being something to do with the voice rather than the body"

ABOUT SAY APHASIA

"The joy of it is it's run by people with aphasia. Now, you know, a lot of people with aphasia are quite young, working age, and if they can't go back to work, they're kind of, all their peers, all their friends will be working and they'll sit at home going feel so hopeless, I can't do anything."


BARBARA CHALK
Trustee of Say Aphasia - https://www.sayaphasia.org

Barbara is a retired NHS speech and language therapist who specialised with adults with aphasia and other neurological conditions.

Barbara has also worked as a personnel manager for a local business and is a director of an established online book business.

She founded and was Chair of the charity, Living with Aphasia, in Exeter which joined forces with Say Aphasia in 2022.

She believes in the positive impact the charity has on people living with aphasia.

She will support their dedicated team to sustain their strong and successful future

To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com

https://sayaphasia.org
http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/

The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org

Support the show

Support the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JonathanHirons

To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com

http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/

The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org