Who we are

Speakeasy is a specialist aphasia charity based in Ramsbottom, Bury. A range of professionals and volunteers are involved to help in delivering support and therapeutic activity to people with aphasia and their families. All staff work part time: creatively and flexibly, involving volunteers where possible to ensure delivery of a high quality and efficient service which meets our members needs.

Gill Pearl

Chief Executive

By background Gill is a speech and language therapist who has worked for many years with adults who have neurological damage, in particular people who have had a stroke. Gill left the NHS 14 years ago to work in the voluntary sector and joined Speakeasy in 2002 as Chief Executive.

Gill has forged extensive links with the wider national and international aphasia community and is a founder member of the Aphasia Alliance. She has close links with UK University departments, stroke, and research groups and works creatively to improve community participation of people with aphasia.

Members of staff

Gill Pearl (MPhil.; Dip Hum Communication; MRCSLT) – Chief Executive
Angela Hibbert (MBA; BSc(Hons) Computing Technology) – Finance & IT Manager
Judy Hancock (Dip Hum Communication; MRCSLT) – Speech and Language Therapist and Training Manager
Liz Royle – Counsellor and expert from the personal perspective of having aphasia
Steve Hall – Hospital link and expert from the personal perspective of having aphasia
Sian Thomas – Funding Manager
Denise Bevon – Office Manager and funding support
Sean Crosby – Trainer and expert from the personal perspective of having aphasia

Volunteers

Our volunteers are essential to the work of Speakeasy; they help members to receive the specific support that each person requires. All volunteers receive ongoing training to enable them to carry out a wide range of Speakeasy activities. Some volunteers help with office administration, fundraising and special events. Many of our volunteers also have aphasia. Read more about our Volunteers and how you can get involved.

Trustees of Speakeasy

All trustees at Speakeasy give their time and expertise to work in ensuring that Speakeasy operates to high standards They offer a variety of professional skills to strategically manage Speakeasy's direction and purpose. Most live locally and aside from their regular meetings are on hand with support in their field of expertise when required. We always have representation on the board who have aphasia or who care for someone with aphasia.

David Morton – Chair of Trustees
Stephanie Holland – HR Trustee
Jeremy Hartley – Financial Trustee
John Holland – Legal Trustee
Joyce McCarthy – fundraising advisor
John Lowe – IiP and office systems/ process Trustee
Jean Wright – Speakeasy member with aphasia
Victor Wright – Carer

Our members

All Speakeasy members are people with aphasia or are friends and relatives of people who have aphasia. Some carers get help from Speakeasy without their partners. Anyone who needs help can make contact directly; it is not necessary to have a referral by a doctor or therapist. Members can choose which activities they want from Speakeasy. Some members come regularly at least once a week; some come along for special projects or courses. Other people come to annual events or social trips on a less frequent basis. People choose what it is best for them. When they no longer want contact they can stop coming along.