VOLUNTEERS are being asked to give an hour a week to chat to those who have a communication problem following a stroke, says Mandy Weare of the Conversation Partner Scheme.

Mandy said: “The scheme has been set up by the adult speech and language therapy department in Gloucestershire to assist in reducing the isolation of people in the community who have aphasia, a communication problem following a stroke. We particularly need volunteers in the Forest area, especially Coleford and Lydney.

“Volunteers undertake a short training course and are then paired up with a person with aphasia. The volunteer visits them in their home for an hour a week for six months and receives full support throughout this time. Volunteers will learn valuable skills and confidence in communication as well as the satisfaction of making a difference to someone.”

Anyone interested should contact Mandy on [email protected] or 0300 422 8105 for more information. A training day is taking place in January.