Why consider: ppl who had withdrawn from fam, friends began to renew ties, ppl who had been fearful to go out into community started to use public transport, ppl who thought were alone learned that others have experienced the same thing before. Support, hope, info, forum for exchange of experiences, ideas, supportive, safe env for convo, enjoyment, humorous exchange, opportunities to prac comm strategies, social contacts, opportunity to express feelings, confidence, increased assertiveness, unds of self advocacy, empowerment, adaptation to life w aphasia