A CHARITY which helps improve the lives of stroke victims has received a £400 cash boost from Bury Lions.

The club has presented the money to Ramsbottom-based Speakeasy to allow it to purchase new equipment.

This local project relies mainly on donations to continue its work in assisting stroke survivors.

Speakeasy is an initiative unique to the north of England, providing support in a group setting for people who have aphasia.

This is a serious communication problem, usually caused by a stroke, which can cause difficulty in speaking, writing and understanding the written word.

Members of Speakeasy, based at the charity's local base in Ramsbottom Civic Hall, have recently undergone six weeks of information technology training which was provided in partnership with Bury Life Long Learning.

This local authority-funded organisation brought laptop computers and a tutor to Speakeasy therapy and support sessions.

The ability to use computers opened up a wealth of opportunities for the members, especially in discovering communication independence.

Now, they have their own presence on the worldwide web. To access the site, then log on to www.buryspeakeasy.org.uk.