Community Aphasia Advisors (CAAs)

Our Community Aphasia Advisors (CAAs) are aphasia experts providing support services, resources, and information to people with and affected by aphasia in New Zealand’s main centres.

CAAs coordinate local AphasiaNZ activities, facilitate Kōrero (conversation) Clubs, run support groups, provide one-on-one home and community visits, and facilitate education sessions and workshops in communities to increase awareness and knowledge of aphasia.

Our CAAs are trained in supportive communication techniques, skilled at facilitating groups, and passionate about communication accessibility for those adjusting to reconnect after acquiring aphasia. Please note that AphasiaNZ does not provide Speech-language Therapy (SLT).

We currently offer a face-to-face CAA service in the following locations: Waikato West and Hamilton,  Western Bay of Plenty/Tauranga, Rotorua, the Central North Island (Taupō and Turangi), Hawkes Bay (Napier and Hastings), Wellington and the lower North Island including Whanganui, Palmerston North and the Wairarapa, Christchurch, Dunedin, Central Otago and Invercargill. 

We also have telephone support and a range of online support services available for people who live in other parts of the country. These include online Kōrero Clubs, carer support groups, supported conversation training and progressive aphasia support.

Referrals to the CAA Service

We accept referrals in a variety of ways. Referrals made by health professionals should be completed on our referral form – click here.

Contact us to enquire about making a referral. We accept referrals from anyone, and people can also self-refer.