About AphasiaNZ
Aphasia New Zealand (AphasiaNZ) Charitable Trust is a national organisation and registered charity providing support services, resources, education, and information to anyone in New Zealand living with or affected by aphasia.
At least 17,000 New Zealanders have stroke-acquired aphasia. Thousands more have aphasia due to a brain injury or brain tumour. The Ministry of Health (MoH) estimates up to 20% of people with dementia have PPA (Primary Progressive Aphasia). Aphasia leaves the intellect intact while eroding the ability to talk, read, write, and understand what is being said.
AphasiaNZ has been helping people with aphasia and their whānau since 2007, having been formed in direct response to the expressed needs of people living with aphasia at the first AphasiaNZ conference in 2005.
In December 2011, we transitioned from an Incorporated Society to a Charitable Trust to assist all people affected by aphasia rather than just members.
We support and assist people with aphasia, their families, extended whānau, and the wider community through our resources, support services and educational workshops to communicate effectively and reduce the barriers faced by people with aphasia.
We encourage individuals, families, not-for-profit groups, and businesses to join as Friends of AphasiaNZ to access Friend-specific services and resources. Don’t hesitate to contact us as we welcome your interest and support.
When you join as a Friend of AphasiaNZ you will receive a welcome pack containing resources appropriate to your needs, including a copy of the latest edition of the NZ Stroke and Aphasia Handbook if you would like this.
Our Mission and Aims
The mission of AphasiaNZ is to empower people with aphasia to participate in their own communities.
We aim to:
- Promote and support the participation of people with aphasia, in their own communities,
- Increase public and professional awareness of aphasia through the education of our communities,
- Act as a national influence group to attract funding, media attention, and campaign for public policy change,
- Act as an independent source of information for people with aphasia, families/whānau, health professionals, and the greater public,
- Facilitate support for people with aphasia and their families/whānau and friends.