89% of those with Parkinson’s disease have difficulties with their speech, but only 5% receive treatment. Parkinson’s can affect vocal loudness, intonation (rise and fall of voice), voice quality as well as reduce the clarity of speech, diminish facial expression and impair swallowing (resulting in coughing when eating and/or drinking).
Loud and Clear Speech sessions started with the Andover PD branch in 2013, and are now also run in Winchester, Southampton, Alton, Salisbury and Basingstoke. The sessions are monthly and last for an hour.
What happens during the Loud and Clear Speech sessions?
The session starts with exercises to strengthen facial and tongue muscles. Handouts are provided in order that members can practise at home.
There is a theme each month, for example sport in July to coincide with Wimbledon and Remembrance in November. Members of the group are invited to take turns to read aloud a limerick or quote and a verse of the poem with the goal of learning to self-monitor their own volume, clarity and rate of speech. Members of the group are under no pressure to read aloud; those who choose not to will still benefit from the activity as they can apply the strategies to their own speech.
What will I gain from attending?
- Knowledge of the impact of Parkinson’s on speech and swallowing – and the knowledge of how to minimise the impact of Parkinson’s on speech and swallowing.
- Support from other members.
- Regular access to a speech and language therapist specialising in Parkinson’s disease, who is also a Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD®) certified clinician.
Testimonials:
“I would like to say how much Loud and Clear Speech sessions are helping me to improve my speech. Before I attended them I noticed that people were having difficulty in understanding what I was saying because the quality and strength of my voice were deteriorating, because of Parkinson’s disease.
These sessions are definitely helping me and I hope that over time my speech will improve to the point that I will not have to repeat what I want to say so often!”
– DD, Andover
Read full testimonial here.
“I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease nearly 20 years ago. As time progressed, I became less able to communicate with family and friends. I began to slur my words and to speak too quickly and often too softly. People were always asking me to slow down and to repeat myself.
Since attending her classes, I have noticed a great improvement in my speech.
If you are trying to manage the communication issues of Parkinson’s disease, I would highly recommend Celia to help you.”
– AS, Winchester
Read full testimonial here.
“Any therapy can become boring, leading to drop-out.
But not so with Celia – her enthusiasm and knowledge combine to enable her voice and mouth strengthening sessions to be both effective and fun to do.
The fun part is important because I can honestly say it keeps me interested and engaged so as to keep me attending our regular sessions.”– MK, Winchester
Current Loud and Clear Speech groups:
Venue
Methodist Church
Bridge Street
Andover
SP10 1BLDay
Second Friday of the month except May, June and July 2019 when it will be on the first FridayTime
2.15pm – 3.30pmContact
Judith Sexton
01264 356308
judavidsexton@aol.com
Venue
Popley Down Community Centre
Carpenters Down
Basingstoke, Hampshire
RG24 9AEDay
Second Wednesday of the monthTime
11.15am – 12.15pmContact
Len Potts
01635 297832
Venue
St Francis De Sales Church Hall
Warren Road
Newbury
RG14 6NHDay
First Monday of the monthTime
3.15pm – 4.15pmContact
Eugene Futcher
efutcher@gmail.com
Venue
The Old Sarum Community Centre
Pheasant Drive
Old Sarum
Salisbury
SP4 6GHDay
Second Wednesday of the monthTime
2pm – 3pmContact
Salisbury Branch enquiries
01722 712 567
Venue
Scout Hut,
Rampart Road
Bitterne Manor
Southampton
SO18 1AGDay
First Monday of the monthTime
11am – 12amContact
Mary Shorter
02380 449652
marysh@waitrose.com
Venue
Tubbs Hall and Kings Worthy Community Centre
Fraser Road
Kings Worthy
Winchester
SO23 7PJDay
Second Friday of the monthTime
10.30am – 11.30amContact
Jean Gowland
02380 261 996
jeangowland@gmail.com