Join our call on: Tuesday 3rd June Guest speaker: John Evans - 'Hidden Treasures in Stammering? - what might they be, and how to find them.' Phone in by 7.25pm on 0845 458 2090(local rate) - you must be a BSA member (join BSA).
Calls last an hour, to 8.30pm.
Our next meeting is Tuesday 3rd June (the 6th May call is cancelled).
We have taken the well-established concept of the self-help group one stage further and are currently supporting a telephone self-help group for adults who stammer.
Beside all the benefits that local self-help groups provide, this initiative also offers a service to people who may not have a local group in their area. Given that the telephone in such an integral part of most people's lives, having a chance to use it in a safe and supportive environment can also be a big help.
Who runs the group?
The group, which meets every month, is led by a trained facilitator. 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.
How does it work?
To take part, you simply call the conference call number - 0845 458 2090 - at the start of the meeting and you will be 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 local call rate. Because BSA makes this contribution, you need to be a BSA member to join the group.
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.
How do I get involved?
The number to call is 0845 458 2090 and you should aim to phone in by five minutes before the start of the meeting on the relevant day - this is usually 7.25 pm. If you prefer to use a regular landline, the number is 0207 833 3031, which will connect you to the conference call in the same way.
The facilitator is Richard Cave. You can contact him on 07802 594945 or send an email to richard_cave@dell.com However, there is no need to contact Richard in advance if you want to join a conference call. You just need to be a BSA member.
If you want to be kept informed, you can subscribe to Richard's email list - see next heading.
'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
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_cave@dell.com or to call him on 07802 594945.
Timetable and guest speakers
The proposed meeting dates in 2008 are as follows, from 7:30 - 8:30 (phone in by 7.25pm):
3rd June, 2008
Guest speaker: John Evans - "Hidden Treasures in Stammering? - what might they be, and how to find them."
1st July, 2008
5th August, 2008
2nd September, 2008
7th October, 2008
4th November, 2008
2nd December, 2008
Where there is a guest speaker, he or she will provide an overview of their programme or topic and then the floor is open for your questions. We are hoping to schedule further guest speakers, so watch this space!
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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