Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland Welcomes Parliamentary Debate on Aphasia  

Rona Mackay, MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden, has secured a historic first debate in the Scottish Parliament to raise awareness aphasia and the challenges faced by those with the communication disorder later this month.  

Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, [CHSS], the charity that provides direct support to people in Scotland with aphasia, welcomed the chance for Parliament to learn about and debate this complex speech and language disorder. 

CHSS, one of Scotland’s leading health charities, has worked with Ms Mackay to raise awareness of aphasia as part of the charity’s Aphasia Framework. The Framework has been developed with people with aphasia and healthcare professionals with specific expertise in this area. The charity hopes the debate, which will take place on Tuesday 16th December, will explain what aphasia is, the challenges faced by those with the disorder and highlight CHSS’s calls for improved access to NHS rehabilitation and third sector support services. 

CHSS offers a range of support to people living with aphasia through community healthcare support services, which support people with advice, information and skills to live well with aphasia. 

Jane-Claire Judson, Chief Executive of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said: “Aphasia can be incredibly challenging for someone, and their loved ones, to deal with and there isn’t a widespread knowledge of the condition.  

“Many people are familiar with a stroke, but fewer people are aware of aphasia, which impacts 1 in 3 stroke survivors.  

“Aphasia can have a monumental impact on a person’s relationships with family and friends, everyday social interactions, and their ability to access work or services. Individuals can also face stigma and negative treatment as a result of living with the condition. 

“That’s why parliamentary debates like this one are so crucial to raise awareness of the communication disorder, what it’s like for those living with aphasia and their families, and what needs to change to ensure they are fully supported.  

“We’re grateful to Rona Mackay for raising this important issue in the Scottish Parliament and hope that we can have a meaningful debate about what we can do to support people living with aphasia.” 

According to a 2024 CHSS survey which received responses from 250 people with aphasia, 67% of people experienced difficulty in accessing services and 43% of people with aphasia said their condition impacted on their ability to work as before. Four in five (83%) said their speech was affected. 

Tom and Karen Morris, from Edinburgh, had their lives changed in 2019 when Tom had a stroke and he now lives with aphasia. Karen cares for Tom and will attend the debate. 

Karen said: “Although the stroke stole many physical and health aspects from Tom, the thing I miss most about him is his communication and his voice. 

“Aphasia is exhausting for both of us. Tom’s aphasia limits his ability to process information coming into him and how he conveys any information he wants to get out. 

“As a carer, I need everyone to remember Tom is an important human being, a precious member of our family and society who deserves understanding and patience.  

“Being a carer of someone with aphasia can be incredibly lonely. Social relationships and invitations drift and fall away because people are not quite sure how to act and deal with you as a couple anymore.” 

With support from Karen, Tom wrote: “What people need to know about my aphasia is that some days – or even within some parts of a day – I am good at understanding and speaking a little. Other days there is just no chance. In short, I can have good hours and bad hours within a single day. 

“Aphasia is extremely isolating and lonely. It’s a condition that can still be frightening for me.” 

Rona Mackay, MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden, said: “It is my great pleasure to lead this debate in the Scottish Parliament. It is so important to raise awareness of this debilitating condition and to highlight the great work and support that Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland carry out every day. I look forward to hearing contributions from colleagues across the Chamber.” 

Glenn Carter, Head of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists in Scotland, said: “We welcome this debate which will provide MSPs with an opportunity to learn more about the challenges faced by people living with aphasia. 

“Speech and language therapists provide crucial support by helping individuals with aphasia rebuild their communication skills, interact with loved ones, and get back to work and leisure activities. It is vital that every person with aphasia in Scotland has access to speech and language therapy when they need it.” 

To find out more about aphasia please click here.

If you’re living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid and are looking for advice and information, please contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899. You can also text ADVICE to 66777 or email adviceline@chss.org.uk.