BSA Scotland has launched a telephone support group in Scotland for people who stammer.

What is it?

The Scottish Telephone Support Group is a 'meeting' by telephone that takes place once a month. Up to eight people are able to 'phone in at the arranged time, and everyone can hear, and be heard by, everyone else.

It will is on fairly informal lines, but some meetings we might agree a certain topic for discussion, while other meetings, we may arrange for a guest speaker to take part.

Who runs it?

These meetings are run by a trained facilitator, Andy Whittall (Perth), who makes sure that the session runs smoothly, and that everyone is given a chance to have their say.

Andy has wrestled with stammering for most of his life, with varying degrees of success along the way! He is now more or less comfortable with the way he speaks, warts and all.

The aim is to provide everyone with time to speak, and to ensure a supportive audience.

When?

'Meetings' last from 8.00 pm until 9.00pm. An hour may sound like a long time, but believe us, it will fly! Calls are on the third Tuesday of each month. Upcoming dates:

2008
16 September
14 October
18 November
No session in December.

2009
20 January
17 February
17 March
21 April
19 May
16 June.

Why would I want to take part?

We want to offer you the chance to speak, and listen, to other people who stammer. You might have something in particular you would like to discuss. Speaking on the telephone might be something you find difficult, or you might want to put into practice techniques you've picked up in speech therapy. You might want simply to have a bit of a chat, or even just to listen. Whatever you want to use it for, this is your chance to speak out, safe in the knowledge that there are people who understand on the other end of the line.

How do I join in?

If you stammer and are 18 plus, simply phone 0845 458 4180 or 020 7278 9422 (find out which is better for your landline or mobile tariff, both reach the same destination) at 8.00pm on the scheduled evening of the meeting, mention BSA, and you'll be put through to the BSA Scotland Telephone Support Group when it is activated at 8.00pm. (Ignore the pre-recorded message asking you for a PIN, just hold until the operator answers).

This group is for adults who stammer, primarily those living in Scotland. You do not need to be a BSA member to take part.

BSA members living anywhere are welcome to take part in BSA's national conference call group.

How much does it cost?

Not very much! BSA Scotland pays for the cost of the teleconference facility, and all you pay is for a one hour call at the local (or alternative 0207 number) call rate.

What is expected of me?

We hope you will enjoy yourself! In order to make sure that everyone does feel included and appreciated, we ask only that you remember to:
call in on time
be positive, respectful, sensitive and supportive of other members.
allow everyone to have their say
be prepared to respect others' opinions even if they are not in accordance with your own.

Andy Whittall

Last updated: August, 2008