The merger of Speakability with the Stroke Association will improve support for people who have communications problems after a stroke

Speakability, a charity supporting people with aphasia, is set to merge with the Stroke Association.

The merger is part of plans to ensure more stroke survivors across the UK living with speech problems receive vital support.

Around a third of stroke survivors experience aphasia, though many recover well with support.

Jon Barrick, chief executive of the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke is an incredibly cruel condition.

“It can hit you out of nowhere and rob you of your ability to read, write and speak.

“By teaming up with Speakability, we can provide more stroke survivors with the advice and support they need to overcome an extremely frustrating and isolating disability.”

Much has changed, in no small part due to our campaigning work and our national network of local self-help groups

Melanie Derbyshire, Speakability chief executive, said: “For those who have aphasia, every aspect of their day-to-day life and relationships are likely to be negatively affected.

“When Action for Dysphasic Adults (now Speakability) was formed by Diana Law 35 years ago, there was little or no provision for people living with aphasia.

“Now much has changed, in no small part due to our campaigning work and our national network of local self-help groups.

“While stroke is not the only cause of aphasia, it is by far the biggest single cause. Our merger with the Stroke Association will enable us to direct finite resource to reaching and offering support to many more of the estimated 400,000 people in the UK living with aphasia as well as their friends and carers.”