Meet Steve & Lisa
The Aphasia Café is run by two qualified, experienced, and very committed Speech and Language Therapists
Steve Naylor
Steve founded the group over five years ago because he recognised that people with aphasia needed somewhere to practise communication and regain confidence.
When the workload grew, he invited other Speech and language therapists to join.
He later asked Lisa to come on board.
Steve brings energy, ideas, and a love of music.
He helped introduce harmonicas, inspired by a project with Stroke Odyssey and by seeing Chris Startup show how breath control links to speech.
Steve is the main contact for new members and referrers.
Lisa Barnett
Lisa joined the Aphasia Café in 2020 and now co-leads every part of the programme with Steve.
Together they plan sessions, run activities, support membersand partners, and keep the group running smoothly.
She helps share the workload and shape the group’s warm, inclusive‘living with aphasia’ approach.
Lisa is also a contact point for new members and referrers.
What Steve and Lisa Share
SLT expertise: Sessions are grounded in evidence‑based practice.
Volunteer commitment: They give their time freely.
Joint leadership: All sessions are planned and run together.
Focus on communication and wellbeing: The group grew from a conversation group into a wider ‘Living with Aphasia’ programme.
Conversation Partner Training: They offer Conversation Partner Training to new members and partners, including observation and optional recording to help families communicate more confidently.