What is the Tavistock Trust for Aphasia?

The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia is a UK-based grant-making trust focused solely on aphasia. It was founded in 1992 by Robin Tavistock, the late 14th Duke of Bedford, after he experienced a brain haemorrhage in 1988 that left him with aphasia. The trust aims to improve the quality of life for people with aphasia, their families and carers.

What the trust does

According to the organisation's website, its work includes:

• Funding pioneering research and projects intended to improve services and therapies
• Acting as a catalyst in bringing together charities working in the same area
• Raising the profile of aphasia among the public, speech and language therapy students, and the medical profession

The trust describes itself as the only grant-making trust in the United Kingdom to focus solely on aphasia.

Key initiatives

Small Grants

Introduced in 2005, these grants are allocated monthly and are intended to provide help to people "at their point of need."

Aphasia Software Finder

Launched in 2011, this resource brings together known English-speaking aphasia therapy apps and software, along with other resources, for people with aphasia and speech and language professionals. The site states it has been visited by 132 countries.

Other programmes

The website also lists the Robin Tavistock Award, a Distinguished Scholar scheme, Student Prizes, projects, the Aphasia Alliance, and PPA (Primary Progressive Aphasia) among its activities.

Who it is for

The trust's stated focus is people with aphasia, their families and carers, as well as the professionals and students who work in this area. Its grant-making and resources are relevant if you are looking for UK-based funding for aphasia-related projects, or for software and apps designed for aphasia therapy.

Background

Robin Tavistock was 48 when he suffered a brain haemorrhage. Prompt surgery saved his life, but he was left unable to access language. With family support and intensive speech therapy he slowly recovered, though he continued to have difficulty finding the words he needed. In 1992 he founded the trust; he died in 2003.

As his family describes it on the site: "After his stroke in 1988, Robin was unable to speak – he could say 'yes' and 'no' but was not able to access language. It was a very frightening and frustrating experience." They add that his aphasia, "the silent disability," most affected his quality of life, and that his hope was that everyone with aphasia would be able to receive the kind of help he had received.

Practical notes

The site includes Donate and Contact options, and mentions subscribing. No pricing details for any services are provided on the page, so check directly with the trust for current terms. If you want to explore its funded tools, the Aphasia Software Finder is the most direct starting point; if you are seeking funding, the Small Grants and Projects sections are the relevant areas.