VoCaLise Parkinson's Group

Join our extra supportive small group, designed for anyone with speech, voice, communication, or swallowing concerns. We developed this group after successful trial sessions in summer 2024, where people found it helpful to meet in a smaller setting for peer support.

Our aim

The aim is for group members to increase their confidence in communicating through supporting each other: in conversations together and with the wider North Somerset Support Group, in encouraging each other to do daily home practice (as recommended by their own Speech and Language Therapist), and sharing tips and ideas.

This group is not a substitute for speech therapy. Current evidence shows that effective therapy needs to be high effort and high intensity, which isn't possible in a group format. The focus here is on support, confidence, reducing embarrassment and fear, and helping each other.

Our agenda

The agenda for the group will be set by members during the first meeting on 21 October, where they’ll discuss and decide what they’d prefer based on their needs and wants. We may try easy exercises together, such as relaxation, if the group decides this is something they want. No speakers are planned unless the group members want this.

Those who have seen a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) before are welcome to bring along their exercises to practice (eg NHS therapy, SPEAK OUT Parkinson’s, LSVT etc). Those who would like help will be signposted to local NHS SLT services.

The group will be joined by an SLT who is experienced in speech and swallowing therapy, and is a registered provider of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) - the “gold standard treatment”. However, the SLT will not be introducing new therapy exercises to people. This will be more around information, support and encouragement for people to live their lives with and manage any communication or swallowing difficulty.

Additional details

• Close family and friends are also welcome to attend.
• Suitable for any ability level, we will be seated.
• The cost is a £1 voluntary donation per session.
• We will have a jug of water and glasses for people to sip water as they prefer.

This is an 8 week course, and will take place every fortnight. Please get in touch with Emma before joining on the planned dates.

We need a minimum of 3 people to run the course with a maximum of 20 people.