Publish date: 11 April 2025
A book club created by two West London speech and language therapists to support service users with learning disabilities has won an award.
The Good Chat Group Book Club, founded by Yasmin Bandali and Cathy Wylie, has won the ‘Most Inspirational Outcome 2025’ award from Books Beyond Words, a charity creating word-free picture stories for people with learning disabilities. This recognition celebrates the positive impact the club has had on its members.
What began as a small gathering in a local café last year in July has grown into a transformative space for adults with learning disabilities. Supported by Books Beyond Words , which provided free resources, the club has seen remarkable growth in its members’ confidence and independence.
Yasmin Bandali, Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, Hounslow Adult Learning Disability Health Team, said, “When Cathy and I first started The Good Chat Group, we never anticipated the incredible impact it would have. Seeing our members gain confidence and independence, from ordering a coffee to making new friends, has been incredibly rewarding."
The social impact has also been great, with members sharing their thoughts on books, telling personal stories, and forming lasting connections. The club has become a space for parents and carers to support each other, building a strong sense of community.
In addition to the Books Beyond Words award, Yasmin and Cathy were also honoured with the West London Trust Allied Health Professional Award for Outstanding Patient Care .
Yasmin added: “A big thank you goes to the service users, families, carers, and everyone involved in making The Good Chat Group a success.”