A SUPPORT group being set up in Tavistock in September to help suffers of dysphasia is keen to recruit volunteers.

Dysphasia is a communication disability usually caused by stroke. It affects the ability to use and understand words. The intellect remains but communication becomes a struggle and confidence is shattered.

The Tavistock Dysphasia Support Group is to meet fortnightly at the Anchorage Centre from September 7.

Dysphasia Support organiser in West Devon, Mary Baker said: ?Without volunteers the service could not exist. It is to this aim that I am appealing for any person who enjoys meeting people and sharing the spoken word to contact me.?

She is responsible for organising a service that complements the work of speech and language therapists for people who have had a stroke.

?As you can appreciate, after such an event, people often lack confidence and as a result easily become isolated, so the aim of the service is to improve the quality of their lives by rebuilding self-confidence and improving morale.

?To do this the service depends of the good offices of volunteers. No volunteer is put into a situation with out relevant training and support. Very soon volunteers realise the value of their contribution which deepens the enjoyment in the work.?

Ms Baker can be contacted at the Stroke Association, Plymouth on 01752 664553.