David Howarth MP (right) with organiser Robert Coe and his wife Samantha.

Over one hundred people who stammer, speech therapists, students and academics participated in the first open day run by the Cambridge self help group on April 14. The organiser and chairman of the group, Robert Coe, said: "The main aim of the day was to offer advice, support and inspiration for stammerers and to offer networking opportunities." Informal discussions were held with a local university regarding funding opportunities for further study into the disability.

Another aim of the day was to encourage openness. "One delegate refused to accept they had a stammer for over 30 year until today, when she asked for help, and we were immediately able to refer her to a local speech therapist at the event to give one to one counseling," said Robert.

The event was opened by David Howarth, Lib Dem MP for Cambridge, who drew attention to the vital importance of verbal communication skills within today's global economy, especially given the UK's strong service sector.

Referring to the self help group's experiences, Mr Howarth also raised concerns about NHS funding cuts, "Difficulties such as stammering are not taken seriously enough by the NHS. Speech and language therapy is seen as a 'soft' service that is too easy to cut. Eight out of 10 speech and language therapy budgets have been cut across the country this year and patients are suffering."

Mr Howarth commended the bravery of fellow Lib Dem and MEP for East Anglia Andrew Duff for having the courage to pursue a career in public life despite having a severe stammer.

The day included lectures from leading academics in the field of stammering research and 14 workshops. Per Alm spoke on his research into the links between stammering and the brain. Tammy Davidson, a research fellow from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, presented her findings on the effectiveness of speech therapy for adults.

One of the most popular workshops was presented by graduates of the McGuire Programme, the speaking technique which has helped pop star Gareth Gates.

Other notable workshops included 'how to succeed in business' by Leys Geddes, a BSA trustee who runs a successful marketing consultancy.

Proceeds from day, which raised over £2,000, were donated to the British Stammering Association and the Dominic Barker Fund who fund research into stammering.

The self help group was founded in September 2006 and has featured in local newspapers and on BBC radio. They work closely with speech and language therapists and provide valuable support for adults who stammer in Cambridgeshire.