News Release
March 31, 2006. For immediate release

A new documentary gives fresh insight and hope to young people who stammer, says the British Stammering Association.

On Monday night for the first time, three exceptionally brave young people who stammer will show what life is really like, as seen through their eyes.

This sensitive and engaging documentary is the first of two that Channel 4 have made on little-understood speech problems. The second part looks at children with selective mutism.

During several months of filming, Mugiada, Nathan and Joanne revealed with complete honesty their hopes, fears and struggles to overcome their stammering and live their lives to the full.

"Their stories are moving and inspiring," said British Stammering Association chief executive Norbert Lieckfeldt. "There is a very real message of hope. I urge every parent and every young person who stammers to see it. With help and support, every young person who stammers has a chance to develop their talents."

"They were so brave, even during the hardest moments," said Channel 4 producer Rita Daniels. "They really wanted people to understand how hard it can be to live with a stammer. It was an amazing experience."

Despite almost 600 000 people in the UK who stammer, (1% of the population) it is not properly understood and treatment can be difficult to get. Joanne, 11, who wants to be a teacher, had been on a waiting list for many months. Despite having to change schools because of bullying, she was told by the NHS that her stammer was not severe enough for therapy. Although she is receiving therapy now, the documentary clearly shows that access to potentially life-changing therapy is still very much a case of postcode lottery.

For further information:
Norbert Lieckfeldt
020 8983 1003 / 07908 685 215 / nl@stammering.org
www.stammering.org

The British Stammering Association can provide people who stammer for interview, who are confident broadcast interviewees.