Self-help
Phone in to our conference call self-help group
Next call has not yet been scheduled. Please. check back here later or, better, sign up to the facilitator's email list and/or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
How to phone in
You must be a BSA member (join BSA). You should aim to phone in by five minutes before the start time on 0845 868 9283 or, if you prefer, 020 3411 4456. When you dial in, you will be asked to enter a 'Participant code'. The code is 89490# - use your phone to enter this. You will then hear music until the chair of the call joins. Calls last an hour.
BSA conference calls give participants the opportunity to hear a guest speaker, followed by questions and discussion. Generally the guest speaker provides an overview of their programme or topic, and then the floor is open to everyone.
These calls are also an excellent opportunity to practise using the telephone in a safe and supportive environment.
Conference calls do not take place every month, but when a guest speaker is available. They are usually on the first Tuesday of a month, 7:30-8:30pm. To find out when calls are happening, you can check this page or, even better, sign up to the facilitator's email list. We also put news on Facebook and Twitter.
Who runs the group?
The group is led by a trained facilitator, Richard Cave. He is a BSA member, a person who stammers and is there to ensure that the group runs smoothly and that everyone has a chance to have their say.
You can contact Richard on 07898 721278 or send an email to Richard_Cave27@yahoo.co.uk However, there is no need to contact him in advance if you want to join a conference call. You just need to be a BSA member.
How does it work?
To take part, you simply call the conference call number at the start of the meeting and enter the participant code when requested - see 'How to phone in' (in pink box). You then hear music until the chair of the call joins, at which point you are put through to the other group members.
There is a maximum number who can take part in any one group, and all will be on a conference line. That means that everyone can hear and speak to the members in just the same way as if they were all in the same room. All meetings last for just one hour - which hardly seems long enough!
What does it cost?
Taking part isn't expensive, as BSA pays for the conference line facility. You just pay for the cost of a one hour call at the 0845 or 020 rate (you can choose which number you prefer). Because BSA makes this contribution, you need to be a BSA member to join the group.
'I have to use the phone a lot and I find it difficult. Facing up to this must help - it's better than avoidance.' David, Cheshire
'I hate using the phone and I want to tackle the problem. I enjoyed this group immensely.' Jane, Gloucestershire
'Although I have only taken part in two so far, I have found them both very interesting and more benefical for my practice as a speech and language therapist than several couses that I have paid to attend! Alison McGovern, SLT
Chance for people to introduce themselves
There will be a space at the start of the call where people can introduce themselves if they wish. You don't have to do so. There will be another chance to do so a bit later on in the call in case anyone has arrived late. All BSA members are welcome and entitled to an equal say in all calls.
Email list
You can subscribe to Richard's Telephone self-help group email list to receive news of future calls, including any materials a guest speaker wants to distribute in advance. Your email address will be used only for telephone self-help group emails, and you can unsubscribe at any time. You do not have to be on the email list to take part in a call.
To receive emails: just enter your email address in the box below and click "Subscribe"
To stop receiving the emails: just enter your email address in the box below and click "Unsubscribe"
If you have any problems or questions, feel free to email Richard Cave on Richard_Cave27@yahoo.co.uk or to call him on 07898 721278.
Please 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.
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