"I think my first real recovery began with my first bird drawing."

Edwyn Collins, The Guardian

The Possibilities campaign is inspired by the critically acclaimed film, The Possibilities Are Endless, that tells the story of Edwyn Collins, a celebrated lyricist who, at the age of 45, suffered a stroke resulting in severe aphasia.

The Possibilities campaign’s overarching aim is to raise awareness of aphasia, to dispell any stigmas attached to it and to help the wider public understand the ways that it affects people’s lives. We want as many people as possible to help spread the word, to use the film as a tool to engage communities and encourage discussion.

Aphasia is a communication disability, which occurs when the communication centres of the brain are damaged. It is usually caused by stroke, but can also be caused by brain haemorrhage, head injury and brain-tumours. It affects more that 250,000 people in the UK (more than those who live with MS and Parkinson’s Disease combined) and yet many people have never heard of it.

The campaign also seeks to promote art as a form of communication and therapy, tying in Edwyn's love of birds, nature and drawing, as the film portrays. Research shows creating artwork is a great way to be active & physical, plus it's fun and stimulating. We want audiences to be inspired by the film to create and share their own artwork with us and be part of our campaign!

Who is this for?
People with stroke/aphasia - To reach out and work with stroke/aphasia settings and groups in most need
Health and educational professionals - To increase knowledge, understanding and provision of activity for people with stroke/aphasia
The wider public - Bring your family, friends and community together, be inspired and create artwork!

Edwin Collins

In association with:

Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists Connect the communication disability network Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland Different Strokes InterAct Stroke Support Speak Ability Stroke Association Music in Hospitals Together films Together films Brit Doc