Sharon Milner from Kingston Communications with Peter Kissagizlis and the new generation fixed line phones that can be used to send text messages, which were given to the Hull self-help group. (Photo: Kingston Communications)

The Hull and East Yorkshire stammerer's self help group have been given two new text-enabled fixed line phones to help their work in making it easier for people who stammer to communicate using new technology. The phones are normal, standard phones on fixed lines that receive and send text messages like mobile phones.

Kingston Communications (KC) donated the recently launched phones after seeing how they could be used to benefit people who stammer at the group's open evening in July 2003, when text messaging was promoted. The Hull group have a special number for people to contact them by text: 07743 969 123 (see also update below).

Peter Kissagizlis, group secretary said some people found it very helpful and wouldn't have contacted them in any other way.

"It was so easy just to send an SMS text message. It saves the embarrassing phone call and once initial contact has been made it makes further contact by telephone much easier."

Text messaging from standard fixed lines using the new phones has just been launched by KC in the Hull area with a national BT service to follow.

Sharon Milner, head of consumer marketing for Kingston Communications said:
"We hope the new text service has given those that are not confident speaking on their phone another option".

The group have been supported for many years by Kingston Communications, who initially supplied to the group a mobile working switchboard and four telephones, which has been successfully used at conference workshops to help people overcome their fear of the telephone.

The Hull group are organising their next open day for October 16 2004 in which they are hoping KC will be involved.

From the Spring 2004 edition of Speaking Out

Update July 2004: the KC SMS text service is now operational - info on http://www.kcom.com/hometxt/. This means the Hull Group can now receive SMS text messages on 01482 629223 as well as their mobile number: 07743 969 123.

See also
Making telephone calls without speaking