Send us a Text Message.

Reflecting on the Journey: Uncovering the Themes of Aphasia Awareness

In the final episode of Series 1 of 'On the Tip of My Tongue,' hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons review the key themes and insights from their podcast series dedicated to raising awareness about aphasia. They discuss the stigmatization and misunderstandings surrounding the condition, share personal stories from guests such as Dr. Trevor Powell and insights from Michael Shann on the role of carers. The episode underscores the importance of caring, the challenges faced by those with aphasia, and looks ahead to future technological advancements in treatment.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:16 Reflecting on the Series
00:59 Understanding Aphasia and Stigmatization
05:22 Personal Experiences with Aphasia
07:43 The Role of Carers
10:59 Future of Aphasia Treatment
11:15 Conclusion and Next Steps

Support the Show.

To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com

http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/

The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org

Send us a Text Message.

Intertwined Health: Neuropsychology, Brain Health, and Insights from Dr. Trevor Powell

In this episode of 'On the Tip of My Tongue,' Dr. Trevor Powell, a consultant clinical neuropsychologist, discusses the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, emphasizing how psychological processes influence physical conditions. He addresses the stigma surrounding mental health by comparing it to physical health problems. Dr. Powell provides insights into neuropsychology, detailing its evolution and its critical role in assessing and rehabilitating brain injuries. The conversation touches on cognitive rehabilitation, the significance of insight in brain injuries, and the importance of physical and mental activities for brain health. The episode also delves into aphasia, its impact on language functions, and aims to dispel prejudices associated with the condition. Additionally, there is a light-hearted discussion about walking football and its benefits for mental and physical well-being.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Trevor Powell
01:56 The Interconnection of Physical and Mental Health
03:48 Understanding Neuropsychology
04:59 Insight and Cognitive Decline
07:35 Dr. Powell's Journey and Charity Work
11:03 Language Functions and Brain Injuries
15:50 Walking Football and Mental Health
18:16 Final Thoughts on Brain Health

Trevor Powell is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist with over 30 years experience of working in mental health and neuropsychology in the NHS.

He is the clinical lead and manager for neuropsychology service in Berkshire and specialises in head injury (TBI) and more recently Asperger’s Syndrome (ASD).

Dr Powell's books include: The Mental Health Handbook; Head Injury, A Practical Guide; The Brain Injury Workbook and, more recently, Recognising Asperger’s Syndrome.

Support the Show.

To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com

http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/

The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org

Send us a Text Message.

Caring for Loved Ones with Aphasia: A Personal Journey with Ann

In this episode of the 'On the Tip of My Tongue' podcast, we welcome Ann, Jon's wife, to discuss her experience caring for a partner with aphasia following his stroke. Ann shares her professional background in psychology and addiction therapy within the NHS, which provided her some tools in managing Jon's condition. The conversation covers the initial challenges, the importance of early intervention and therapy, and the support systems and strategies Ann employed to assist John's recovery. Ann emphasizes the value of support groups and staying positive, while highlighting her journey from managing overwhelming emotions to achieving significant milestones in Jon's rehabilitative process.

Support the Show.

To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com

http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/

The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org

Send us a Text Message.

Supporting Carers: Insights and Initiatives from Carers UK

In this episode, Michael Shann, head of carer support at Carers UK, discusses his 12.5-year journey with the charity, highlighting its mission to improve the lives of carers. He provides an in-depth overview of the services offered, including a helpline, online and in-person meetups, and various support resources. Michael also elaborates on the challenges carers face, such as mental health issues and financial difficulties, and emphasizes the vital role carers play in the economy. The conversation touches on ongoing campaigns for policy reform and future plans for Carers UK's 60th anniversary, aiming to increase awareness and support for carers.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background
01:44 Day-to-Day Work at Carers UK
03:29 Support Services and Resources
04:36 Membership and Volunteering
06:41 Challenges and Peer Support
09:12 Finding and Accessing Support
11:16 Current Issues and Future Plans
16:54 The Role and Impact of Carers
20:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Carers UK is the leading national charity for unpaid carers.
It supports, advocate for, champion and connect carers across the UK, so that no one has to care alone.

Making life better for carers

Looking after someone can be a rewarding experience but it can also be lonely and bewildering.

For almost 60 years Carers UK has been making life better for carers, raising their voices together to call for change and seek recognition and support.

Guided by a Board of Trustees that's primarily made up of current and former carers, it is here to make life better for carers, listening to what carers tell us and rooted in the real experiences of its members.

Support the Show.

To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com

http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/

The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org

Send us a Text Message.

Understanding Aphasia: A Deep Dive into the Hidden Disability

In this episode of the 'On the Tip of My Tongue' podcast, hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons discuss aphasia, a little-known yet common condition affecting language and communication due to brain injury. They chat with Barbara Chalk, a retired speech and language therapist and trustee of the charity Say Aphasia, to explore why aphasia is under-recognized, the various challenges it poses, and the support structures available for those affected. Barbara shares insights on the nuances of the condition, its impact on self-esteem, and the importance of long-term support and community for rehabilitation and coping.

00:00 Introduction to Aphasia
00:15 Meet the Hosts and Guest
00:32 Understanding Aphasia
02:00 Challenges of Living with Aphasia
05:21 Misconceptions and Public Perception
07:49 Therapy and Rehabilitation
13:08 Long-term Support and Say Aphasia
14:01 Personal Experiences and Coping Strategies
15:08 Funding and NHS Challenges
17:20 Research and Future Directions
32:04 Conclusion and Resources
33:10 Preview of Next Episode

APHASIA

"A lot of people's experience of aphasia is that nobody knows what it is and it's a hidden disability. Not being recognised as having something seriously wrong with you is incredibly frustrating"

"Is there something, is this an insightful way to kind of talk about aphasia? Is there something inherent in the condition itself, being something to do with the voice rather than the body"

ABOUT SAY APHASIA

"The joy of it is it's run by people with aphasia. Now, you know, a lot of people with aphasia are quite young, working age, and if they can't go back to work, they're kind of, all their peers, all their friends will be working and they'll sit at home going feel so hopeless, I can't do anything."


BARBARA CHALK
Trustee of Say Aphasia - https://www.sayaphasia.org

Barbara is a retired NHS speech and language therapist who specialised with adults with aphasia and other neurological conditions.

Barbara has also worked as a personnel manager for a local business and is a director of an established online book business.

She founded and was Chair of the charity, Living with Aphasia, in Exeter which joined forces with Say Aphasia in 2022.

She believes in the positive impact the charity has on people living with aphasia.

She will support their dedicated team to sustain their strong and successful future

To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com

https://sayaphasia.org
http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/

The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org

Support the Show.

To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com

http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/

The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org

Send us a Text Message.

Understanding Aphasia: Personal Journeys and Insights

In this episode of 'On the Tip of My Tongue,' hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons delve into the challenges and experiences of living with aphasia, a language disorder caused by brain injury. Jonathan shares his personal journey following a stroke, highlighting the struggles and the gradual recovery process. The discussion covers different types of aphasia, the importance of early therapy, and the social perceptions and misconceptions surrounding the condition. The episode aims to raise awareness, inspire hope, and provide valuable information for sufferers and their carers.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Story
00:15 Welcome to the Podcast
00:32 Understanding Aphasia
01:09 The Documentary: On the Tip of My Tongue
01:45 Experiencing a Stroke
02:54 Challenges with Language and Recovery
05:25 Raising Awareness and Offering Hope
06:23 Types of Aphasia
10:16 Road to Recovery
16:16 Social Confidence and Perceptions
21:23 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Support the Show.

To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com

http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/

The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org