Brain Injury survivor launches Aphasia Support group in County Carlow

Brain Injury Survivor, Paul Flinter is launching ‘Talking Heads’, a support group for anyone living with Aphasia in and around Carlow. This group will begin meeting at The Cabin Cafe, The Old School House, Barrack Street, Carlow, on Friday afternoons from 3rd May but Paul also has plans to launch a National Aphasia support group online.

Aphasia is a disorder affecting a person's ability to understand and/or use words, sentences and conversation resulting from damage or injury to a specific area in the brain. Research shows that up to 10,000 people in Ireland are diagnosed with a stroke each year, and approximately one-third of them will experience aphasia. At the national charity Acquired Brain Injury Ireland (ABI Ireland) stroke is the number one cause of brain injury for those who receive its community based rehabilitation services. Many people experience Aphasia after their brain injury and while it is a common condition, there are not enough resources out there for these people.

Paul Flinter experienced this first-hand in 2022 when he acquired a brain injury as the result of a stroke at the age of 52:

“The stroke left me completely paralysed on my right side and with a brain injury which has caused Aphasia. I had never heard of this before and was only made aware of this when it happened to me. Having aphasia can be very frustrating, not just for me but other people as well. The lack of understanding and knowledge around it has spurred me on to create this group.”.

Paul was fortunate to have the help of his family and ABI Ireland but he realised not everyone has access to that support. Supported by his ABI Ireland Community Rehabilitation Assistant, Anna Henebery, Paul is establishing ‘Talking Heads’ to provide people living with Aphasia with opportunities to socialise and feel heard.

“Not everyone has access to online support groups and when you are living with Aphasia, you feel isolated. I want there to be a place where people like me can go and share their stories and not feel alone. I will not allow myself to be defined by Aphasia and I hope this groups shows others that it doesn’t define you.”

While Paul was being rushed to St. Luke’s General Hospital in Kilkenny after his stroke, medics told his wife, Trish there was nothing more they could do for him. Now he is rebuilding his life and would like to help others to do the same. When he first discovered he had Aphasia, he was very frustrated and lost his confidence. He wants people with Aphasia to see there is hope and that no one is alone with their struggles. Paul is extremely grateful for the support he has received for ‘Talking Heads’:

“I’ve had incredible help from my Rehabilitation Assistant Anna from Acquired Brain Injury Ireland in putting me in touch with Valerie McDonald from Carlow County Development Partnership (CCDP.) They have been amazing in providing the premises for our group meetings. I would also like to thank local councillors for their support, Sandra my assistant from IWA (Irish Wheelchair Association) who helps me daily, also of huge help was Dr Helen Kelly at University Hospital Cork (UHC). But the person who has been a great girlfriend, friend and now wife is Trish.”

Through establishing this group, Paul is raising awareness of Aphasia and the lack of resources out there for people living with Aphasia. He is encouraging anyone with Aphasia to join the ‘Talking Heads’ support group. If you are interested in joining, contact Paul at pflinter@gmail.com.