HealthInfo Canterbury
Community groups for communication difficulties
These groups are for adults with a condition that affects their ability to speak and communicate.
Aphasia Speaks Christchurch (Kōrero Club) and Coffee and Conversation Group
Contact: Community Aphasia Advisor, email Christchurch@aphasia.org.nz, phone 0508‑274‑274.
For more information see Aphasia New Zealand.
Aphasia PAs
A support group for family or friends caring for someone with aphasia.
Meetings are held on the first Saturday of the month at 10:00 am at Dux Dine, 28 Riccarton Road,
Contact: Louise Ogden, email lou.j.ogden@gmail.com, phone 021‑077‑7597
Cantabrainers Choir
Cantabrainers Choir is a choir for people with conditions such as (but not limited to) Parkinson disease, stroke and multiple sclerosis. Participating in a neurological, therapy-focused choir helps people living with acquired brain conditions to improve and maintain speech and communication through singing and socialising.
Christchurch
Cantabrainers Choir meets every Wednesday from 10 am to 11.45 am during school terms.
North Canterbury
In 2023, a pilot choir is meeting in Rangiora every Tuesday from 1.30 pm to 3.15 pm during school terms.
Cost
The first session is free to visit. After joining, there's a charge of $10 for each session attended. Compassionate lower rates can be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Contact details
You can contact the Cantabrainers Choir by email or by phone on 020-4058-4425.
Hei Whakapiki Mauri
Inclusive hui for people with disability or communication impairment. Whānau are also encouraged to attend.
Contact: Ruth, email ruth@kanohikitekanohi.org, phone 027-440-8573
For more information see Hei Whakapiki Mauri
Parkinson's Communication Group
Monthly communication and voice practice groups. Partners welcome. Meetings held at Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Canterbury, 70 Langdons Road, Papanui, Christchurch.
For more information see Multiple Sclerosis & Parkinson’s Canterbury
St John of God Halswell
A communication group for people under 65 with aphasia.
Contact: Rehabilitation Manager , email enquiries.halswell@sjog.org.nz, phone (03) 338‑2009.
Stroke Foundation Stroke Clubs
Communication groups for people aged under 65 who have had a stroke. Available in Hornby, Richmond and Rangiora.
Contact: Community Stroke Advisor, phone (03) 381‑8500.
For more information see Stroke Foundation NZ
University of Canterbury
Short-term communication groups facilitated by speech-language therapy students during their semester clinic on campus. They include conversation groups, book clubs, and cognitive conversation groups for people with dementia or primary progressive aphasia.
A conversation partner programme begins at the start of each year, pairing a person with aphasia (or other communication impairment) with two students. This has a communication focus and can either be in the person with aphasia’s home, or in another community space, such as a library, at the preference of the person with aphasia.
Contact: University of Canterbury Speech and Hearing Clinic, email cmds-clinic@canterbury.ac.nz, phone (03) 369-3133.
Young Stroke Survivors Coffee Group
Meets on the last Tuesday of each month at Moorhouse McDonald's.
Contact: Stroke Foundation, phone (03) 381‑8500.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed August 2021.
Review key: HISCD-79694
