“It’s improved the whole lifestyle”: Exploring the family perspective of participation in a Gavel Club for people with aphasia

Purpose: Aphasia impacts not just the individual with aphasia, but also their family members and friends. Known as third-party disability, it is largely hidden can be pervasive aphasia itself. Gavel Clubs are a Toastmasters International-affiliated group where participate in public-speaking tasks. Participation has been associated improvements quality-of-life communication confidence extent to which impact of people yet known. This study explored member perspectives participation Club for reveal any benefits or challenges perceived by and/or close friends.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken 13 friends who regularly participated weekly Club. The analysed using thematic analysis.Results: Three themes identified: (1) Something do, (2) Sense community (3) I see great improvements, along two subthemes (i) us (ii) Support knowing other go through it. reflected positive experience members. theme names derived from quotes participants.Conclusions: Regular beyond person extending direct, if themselves participate, indirect, aphasia.