1.The British Stammering Association, or BSA, is holding its 10th Annual Conference - Freedom to Speak - at Stirling University, from 3rd to 5th September. The conference, aimed at adults and children who stammer, their friends, relatives and professionals, aims to increase awareness of stammering and provide support to those affected. BSA is hoping to attract scores of new participants and potential members to the event, which this year coincides with the establishment of its new Scottish Branch.

2.The conference, held over a weekend, has already attracted some important names and foreign visitors who will participate in a diverse programme of presentations and workshops on different theories and therapies, children's events and a full social calendar.

3.Lee Reeves (Co-Chair of the American Stuttering Association), Jack Webster (Journalist and Public Speaker of the Year in 1996) and Jaik Campbell, (Fringe comedian) will all feature in the programme. Local MP Anne McGuire will be opening the conference.

4.Gareth Gates has confirmed his attendance. He will undertake 'An Audience with...' session during which he will answer questions. Wet Wet Wet guitarist, Graeme Duffin, will also deliver a workshop. Graeme will be present to take questions at the Press Conference.

Notes for the Editor

1. Organising Chair: Eddie Phillips, phone 0141 571 4104 or (m) 07990 540790
e-mail eddie.phillips@ntlworld.com

2. BSA Chief Executive Norbert Lieckfeldt 0208 983 1003
e-mail nl@stammering.org

3. Jan Anderson BSA Scottish Development Manager, phone 0131 229 8069
e-mail bsascotland@stammering.org

4. The BSA maintains a comprehensive website: www.stammering.org

5. BSA Conference is a two-day residential event which can be booked via the BSA website until Friday 27th August. Last minute day visitor places will be available.

6. BSA has been in existence for over 25 years and its membership is approaching 2,000. The association is open to adults and children who stammer, relatives, partners, friends, speech and language therapists and other interested professionals.

7. The Conference is supported by a large number of sponsors including the Scottish Executive, East Lothian, East Renfrewshire and Falkirk Councils, Norwich Union Plc and UNISON Scotland.

8. Stammering affects approximately 1% of adults and up to 5% of children under five years of age. Thus it affects 740,000 adults and children in the UK, including approximately 59,000 Scots. Four times as many men than women are affected.

9. Stammering can be most effectively treated close to onset, usually from 3-5 years of age.

10. It is never too late to reduce the impact of stammering - therapy can help at any age. A diverse range of approaches are used in therapy with adults, though therapy usually includes practical strategies for improving speech as well as ways of addressing the debilitating fears that are often associated with speaking. No one approach will suit everyone.

11. While the cause of stammering is not fully understood, it is acknowledged that a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, may be involved. Recent brain studies point towards an abnormality in speech/motor processing.

See also:
BSA Scotland