This page provides guidance and support about setting up and attending Augmentatiove and Alternative Communication (AAC) Communication Clubs.
People who use AAC value opportunities to get together, socialise and, provide and receive valuable peer support.
What to expect at Communication Clubs
The aim of Communication Clubs is for AAC users to get together and develop communication skills.
Typically, Clubs focus on activities that include:
- Communication skills
- Skills for independent living
- Having a good conversation
- Directing others
- Asserting independence
- Remote communication
- Organising their own AAC equipment
When & where do Communication Clubs meet?
There is a lot of scope for Club organisers to be creative and make their Communication Club fit the needs and interests of AAC users:
- A Communication Club can be at any time of day that works for the group. For example, a Club could meet once a week during the day, or Club members might prefer to meet early evening or on weekends.
- Communication Clubs can take place in a local village hall, a community centre, school, college, or in any other suitable venue.
- Members of a Communication Club can decide what they would like to do over the next few weeks or months.
- The Communication Clubs can be supported by teachers, speech and language therapists, parents and AAC qualified mentors who have completed the Level 1 in Mentoring.
Start a Communication Club near you
Communication Matters hosted our first ‘Sharing Best Practice’ day in Spring 2025. This generated lots of ideas and materials to share what works, address some of the challenges, create new ideas and meet with others including AAC users, practitioners, parents/carers and PAs.
Communication Matters can provide a range of resources and support to help you start a Communication Club near you.
Book a call with us to discuss starting a Communication Club and to request a Communication Club starter pack, including:
- how to do a risk assessment
- templates for planning and communications
- top tips for setting up and facilitating a club session.
Subscribe to the Peer Support & Mentoring Newsletter
Our newsletter will keep you up to date with training events, and updates on funding, Mentoring qualifications and Communication Clubs across the UK. Click the button below to subscribe.
Events Diary for Peer Support, Mentoring & Communication Clubs
31 March : Sharing Best Practice for Peer Support & Mentoring
10am-3pm, University of Leeds
The next workshop for Sharing Best Practice for Peer Support & Mentoring is for AAC users, families and professionals who are interested in attending, supporting or setting up an AAC Communication Club.
We look forward to sharing details of how to register in January 2025.
AAC Online Groups & Chats
CM Facebook Groups
We have established two Facebook Groups to support the ongoing effectiveness of Communication Matters’ Peer Support & Mentoring Projects.
The first is for AAC mentors to meet online. You can find this group on Facebook as CM AAC Mentors.
The second is for Communication Club organisers to discuss best practice and share experiences of successful Club activities and organisation. You can find this group on Facebook as CM AAC Communication Clubs.
PWUAAC Online Chats
ISAAC invites people who use AAC to meet online for informal chats. Find details of the next international chat on the ISAAC website.
