There is little statutory funding available for speech aids on the NHS. If someone with MS is unable to walk, the NHS has a duty to supply them with a wheelchair but if they cannot talk, there is no statutory obligation to supply them with a speech aid.

Speakeasier was established by Steve Brisk and a group of volunteers to raise money to supply client specific speech aids. Funds for the provision of speech aids come from fund raising and donations.

Responding to referrals from Speech & Language Therapists throughout the UK, Speakeasier will endeavour to fund the purchase of a suitable speech aid which will be given to the client on permanent loan.

Because Speakeasier is committed to reducing the barriers to the use of speech aids, we do not means test our clients. Since 2001, we have assisted nearly 200 people with multiple sclerosis who have lost their ability to speak, providing a better quality of life by returning the gift of speech to them.

Client Liaison Officers

Since Speakeasier was established, we have built up a network of Client Liaison Officers, most of whom have MS themselves. They provide on-going contact and support to our clients whose needs change as their multiple sclerosis progresses.

We have eight CLO’s based in various locations throughout the UK: Amelia in Cheltenham, Anna in Monmouthshire, Jan in Gillingham, Sue in Bristol, Angela North Yorkshire and Maggie a new recruit in Bristol. Their work is co-ordinated by our Client Liaison Co-ordinator Karen Silman who started working with Speakeasier in 2007. With secondary progressive MS herself, Karen has a good understanding of the difficulties faced by people with MS.