Communication Support Pack
Our Communication Support Pack is full of essential accessible information and communication tools to help support you with communication difficulties at home and in the community. It includes information to help your family and friends to learn about communication difficulties too.
Order a free Communication Support Pack.
The information can answer important questions you have about aphasia and other communication problems. There are practical tips, plus a communication card to show to others, to help them better understand what you are experiencing and how they can help.
You can use these tools with your family, friends, and health professionals to communicate well. Letting people know how you want them to communicate with you can help ease any anxiety you may have and support you to feel more in control.
Communication tools can give you the understanding and confidence to have good conversations, learn new ways to connect throughout your stroke journey.
Our communication tools have been created with people with aphasia and other communication difficulties, as well as healthcare professionals.
Communication support tools
Our Communication Support Pack includes the following information and support tools. These are also available to view online and download.
- "Communication problems after a stroke" guide
This guide is for people who know someone who has a communication difficulty, as a result of a stroke. It can help people gain new skills, improve communication, and have good conversations.
- "Stroke" – aphasia friendly guide (PDF)
This guide is for people with aphasia. It contains information which can help people to understand more about when you have a stroke and how to move forwards.
- "Your communication after a stroke" – aphasia friendly guide (PDF)
This guide is for people with aphasia. It explains what aphasia is and provides practical information and tips on how to communicate well.
- Communication Picture Book
This picture book is for people who have moderate, to severe, communication difficulties as a result of a stroke. It can help people with communication difficulties to communicate well at home and in the community. The pictures and icons cover a wide range of everyday topics. Allowing people to use pictures and icons to tell people about themselves, how they are feeling and to let others know what they want and need.
- Communication card
Stroke survivors can use this free, wallet-sized card to inform people they have had a stroke and may need help to communicate. You can also order communication cards seperately from our shop.
Click on 'Communication support tools - Welsh language' or the '+' sign to view and download communication support tools in Welsh.
Communication problems after a stroke
View online or download PDF in Welsh
"Stroke" – aphasia friendly guide (PDF)
View online or download PDF in Welsh
"Your communication after a stroke" – aphasia friendly guide (PDF)
Communication Picture Book – Community (PDF)
View online or download PDF in Welsh
Communication Card (PDF)
View online or download PDF in Welsh
Getting online
Going online can keep you informed. It can help you stay in touch and help you communicate. It can also help you gain independence and it can be fun. This guide to getting online has information to help you get online and use technology.
Find out more about improving your communication skills in the Online Community. As well as free access to trusted information and support 24/7, the Online Community connects you with people who understand what you are going through. You can share your experiences and find out how others manage their recovery.
Other useful communication aids and tools
In this section
Picture dictionaries
Smartphones and tablets as communication tools
Video calling
Picture dictionaries
Like our Communication Picture Book, a picture dictionary can be a valuable tool if you have communication problems.
The ICOON wordless picture dictionary was created as a communication aid for people travelling to countries where they're unable to speak the native language. It works well for people with aphasia, who often describe the condition as like being in a foreign country where they can't speak the language and where no one understands them.
You can download the ICOON wordless dictionary on the iTunes app store.
Other picture-based resources:
Smartphones and tablets as communication tools
Smartphones and tablets can be great communication tools for people with aphasia.
There are a number of apps – both free or paid – that could help you with communication.
In addition to apps, a lot of smartphones and tablets have built-in features that could be useful communication tools such as:
The camera, to record information visually.
Notes, to write down reminders.
Maps, to show people where you've been or to find your way somewhere.
The Aphasia Software Finder can help you find the right app for you. When considering software or Apps, the advice of a suitably experienced Speech and Language Therapist is recommended.
Video calling
You can use a computer, tablet or smartphone to make a video call. People with aphasia often find video calling better than a phone call.
These guides for people with aphasia will help you use Skype, Zoom and WhatsApp.
Additional support
Search to see if we run communication support services in your area.
If you are a healthcare professional, visit our professional pages.
Return to aphasia and communication
Useful Links
Complete guide to communication problems after stroke
Helping someone with communication problems