Korero Clubs & Groups
The best way to get the latest updates about a group is to email the CAA responsible for the group. Click here for the CAAs’ email addresses.
Group meetings (which are often Kōrero (conversation) Clubs or Aphasia Support Groups) provide an opportunity for people with aphasia to communicate in a supportive environment, gain confidence, meet others with aphasia, share experiences, and have open discussions with those with and affected by aphasia. Carers, family members, friends and professionals are welcome to attend most meetings.
A person who knows about aphasia provides support and facilitates most meetings. Some meetings also include guest speakers and local updates, as well as aphasia information, training and communication techniques, and other topics of interest. The meetings are free of charge, but a koha (donation) is welcome as we do not receive any Government or Health funding for our services.
AphasiaNZ Kōrero (conversation) Club/group meetings are currently offered in Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupō, Hawkes Bay, Whanganui, Wellington, Johnsonville, Kapiti Coast, Levin, Masterton, Christchurch, Alexandra, Dunedin and Invercargill. There are also several online Kōrero Clubs – click here to email our Online Kōrero Club Facilitator to find out more.
Support group meetings for young people with aphasia, and for families who have a loved one with Primary Progressive Aphasia are also held regularly online.
There are a variety of groups and services available for people with aphasia throughout the country – contact us for more information.
Other Meetings and Support for People with Aphasia
Dunedin Aphasia Support Group
Meets fortnightly on Fridays at 10.30am at the Mornington Presbyterian Community Centre. Refreshments are provided. The group is for people with aphasia and support people are welcome too. You can enquire about the group through its Facebook page – click here.
Tauranga
The Brainwave Singers is an exciting local voice and research initiative for people with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s or stroke. Led by Dr Robin Matthews, the choir includes a series of voice and breathing exercises to help maintain good vocal volume and function. Research reveals compelling evidence that singing helps voice, breathing and wellbeing and can also help to ‘rewire’ the brain after injury, and so could help with conditions like aphasia following a stroke. The choir meets on Wednesday mornings at the Greerton Citizens Hall, Maitland Street, Greerton, Tauranga.
Palmerston North/Manawatu
The Strive Communication Group meets every Thursday and anyone living with aphasia, stroke, or brain injury is welcome to come along. The group meets at Strive Rehabilitation Manawatu – Whakaoranga Takakawe ki Manawatu. Click here for the details: Strive Communication Group Flyer
Lower Hutt
A group of people affected by aphasia, and their partners/spouses, meets every Thursday fortnight from 10.30am-12pm at the Lower Hutt Seventh Day Adventist Church Community Centre on Witako Street. The group conducts brain exercises, quizzes, and board games. Bring along something for morning tea. Contact us for more details.
Nelson
Monthly aphasia support group meetings are held in Nelson, in conjunction with the Stroke Foundation. Get in touch with us for more information.
Christchurch Aphasia Carer’s Coffee Group
A group of people with partners/spouses or loved ones with aphasia meets on the third Saturday of the month at 10am at the Dux Dine Cafe/Restaurant, 28 Riccarton Rd, Riccarton. Contact us for more information.
Rodney Aphasia Group (RAG)
Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of the month from 1.30pm-3pm at Rotary House in Silverdale (north of Auckland City). New members are welcome. Meetings are held for sharing, education, and companionship, and members have the opportunity to attend a range of short courses and/or rehabilitation programmes, aimed at improving communication for people with aphasia. Some courses are also available for spouses and caregivers. For more details, email Lisa Fowlie, RAG Administrator at rodneyaphasiagroup@gmail.com
For the Rodney Aphasia Group website, click here.
We are continually updating a directory of support meetings for people affected by aphasia in New Zealand – please check back for regular updates.
New Meetings
If you would like a meeting in your area or region contact us and we will support people in your region to get meetings and a network up and running.