Winchester aphasia group hosts sea shanty singalong to rebuild speech and hope
A Hampshire support group for people with aphasia will host a sea shanty singalong in Winchester next month to combat isolation and foster connection. Founder Jez Hodgkinson says the sessions have transformed lives since launching four years ago.
The city of Winchester will echo with the sound of sea shanties next month when a local aphasia support group hosts a morning singalong aimed at rebuilding confidence and speech through music. Say Aphasia Winchester welcomes the Salty Sea Dogs, a shanty group, to St Laurence Parish Room on Colebrook Street on Monday, June 8, starting at 10 a.m.
The event marks another step in the group’s mission to tackle the isolation felt by thousands across Hampshire living with the language disorder. Hodgkinson, who started the group after his own struggle with aphasia following a stroke, said the sessions offer more than just social connection—they provide a lifeline.
Key Points
- ✅ First public singalong hosted by Say Aphasia Winchester on June 8 at 10 a.m.
- ⚡ Features live performance by Salty Sea Dogs sea shanty group
- 💡 Founded by stroke survivor Jez Hodgkinson four years ago
Aphasia affects an estimated 350,000 people in the UK, a condition often caused by stroke or brain injury that impairs speech, reading, and writing. Many sufferers report feeling invisible in their communities, with few opportunities to practice communication in a supportive setting. Say Aphasia Winchester fills that gap with weekly drop-in sessions that blend conversation, music, and structured activities.
| Activity Type | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Guided conversation practice | Weekly | Builds speech fluency and confidence |
| Singalong sessions | Monthly | |
| Community outings | Quarterly | Reduces isolation through shared experiences |
The upcoming singalong follows a pattern proven to help members regain language skills. Music activates different areas of the brain, allowing some aphasia patients to sing words they cannot speak. Hodgkinson recalls one member who hadn’t spoken in two years but managed full verses during a shanty session.
💡 Pro Tip
Bring a trusted friend or family member to the session—participants often feel more comfortable singing and speaking when supported by someone familiar.
Say Aphasia Winchester operates as part of the national charity Say Aphasia, which funds similar groups across the UK. The organization provides training for volunteers, activity resources, and peer support networks. In Hampshire alone, over 12,000 people live with aphasia, yet only a fraction have access to dedicated support.
📋 By The Numbers
- 350,000 — Estimated UK residents living with aphasia
- 12,000 — Hampshire residents affected by the condition
- 4 — Years since Say Aphasia Winchester began
Hodgkinson emphasizes the group’s role in raising awareness beyond its members. Earlier this year, the charity partnered with local theaters to stage performances highlighting aphasia-friendly communication. The June 8 event continues that outreach, inviting the public to witness the power of music in healing invisible wounds.
- 📊 78% of members reported improved speech confidence after six months
- 🔍 Music-based therapy is increasingly recognized by the NHS for aphasia rehabilitation
- ⚠️ Many with aphasia avoid social events due to fear of misunderstanding or frustration
Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and bring water. No singing experience is required—just a willingness to participate. Hodgkinson insists the focus isn’t on perfect performance, but on connection. “We’re not here to perform,” he said. “We’re here to belong.”