Presentation slides for conference workshop by Robert Coe of the Cambridge Self Help Group for Adults Who Stammer.

Aims

To provide support to fellow stammerers and meet their own needs.
To be welcoming and friendly to all in group
Be open and welcoming to newcomers
To provide an opportunity for stammerers to meet and interact where one is allowed to stammer freely.
To provide a non-judgemental environment
To provide an opportunity to practice speech techniques of one's choice.
To provide opportunities for individuals to reflect on their past month in terms of speech and associated feelings.
To encourage members to do presentations to the group on relevant topics.
To raise the profile of stammering in the local area.
Feedback can be requested/provided from other members.
To plan and organise any other events (ie Open Days, social events)
Members make and take their own decisions.
Re-assess the purpose and direction of the group, periodically.
And last, but not least, to have fun!

Guidelines

Members must be over 18 years old.
There is a need for an assurance of confidentiality of personal details within the group.
Work together co-operatively.
Be prompt for each meeting
All members need equal chance and equal time to speak.
No interrupting members when they speak
All members will have the opportunity to chair the meeting if they so desire.
Adhere to equal opportunities document.
Keep an open spirit - don't become closed and cliquey.
Stammerers only?

Marketing Mix - 4 P's

Things to consider when establishing a Self Help Group:
Place
Price
Product
Promotion

Place

Location
- Central and easily accessible
- Accessible to public transport
- Safe and secure car parking

Possible venues:
- Community/health centre
- Quiet room/area of pub
- School/community college
- Church hall
- Business premises

Price

Ideally free
Set fee for each attendee or flexible fee to cover cost of venue depending on numbers?
Fundraising can help
Donations
Sponsorship
Grants from local authorities (for 'disabled groups')
Become a charity with Reg. number
Elect a treasurer
Set up bank account

Product

Time - normally 1.5 to 2 hours, once a month
You are providing a vital service which the local PCT may not offer (ie group therapy in the evening).
Be selfish - structure meetings to suit you!
Light hearted and humorous atmosphere
Formal constitution, committee, rules, aims and equal opportunities policy may be necessary to obtain funding
Liaise with local PCT's on Speech therapy provision
Provide refreshments
Set an agenda, with different activities each month. Agenda e-mailed to members
Remember - everybody's stammer and needs are different, therefore content needs to be balanced and varied

Content Options:

SLTs present to advise
SLTs present to lead the meeting
Talk socially
Use preferred speech techniques
Individual presentations
Debates
Watch videos
Speaking circles
Play reading
Quiz nights
Guest speakers
Reading out loud
Alternative therapies
Presentations from speech therapy organisations
Using fluency devices
Social activities
Practicing speeches and job interviews
Develop a group newsletter/e-zine

Promotion

Don't neglect your regulars
Chase up all interested people
Be proactive
Be patient

Most important means of promoting your group
SLT direct referrals
www.stammering.org Self Help Group section

Other options
Create an email distribution list -Local newspapers (Articles, What's on guides, Features, Health section)
Fliers/Posters
Schools, colleges, universities
Advertise in health centres/surgeries
Local community newsletter
Local voluntary service
Local radio (Community radio, BBC, Commercial radio)
Local TV
Press Releases
Business Cards
Local politicians
Chase up all interested people, and not just once.