Contact:
Email: manchester-stammering@googlegroups.com
Facebook: Manchester Stammering Support group (link to facebook.com), or search for Manchester Stammering Support Group

Notes:
The group runs every other Monday, 6-8pm, at the Lass O'Gowrie, just behind the BBC on Oxford Road in Manchester City Centre. It's organised via consensus decision making, which means that all members have equal involvement and we take it in turn to act as facilitator at meetings. Members have experience with Van Riper and Sheehan therapy, Alexander Technique, Starfish and McGuire programmes, but no approach dominates and the emphasis is on exploring different ways of dealing with stammering, and finding what works best for you.

As well as stammerers, the group is open to friends and family, and qualified and training speech and language therapists. You are welcome to attend in an observational capacity as many times as you like, and there is no pressure to take part in activities you might not be ready for. Group activities include play reading, discussion groups, guest speakers (members are also encouraged to host discussion groups based on their own stammering experiences) and table topics, the last-mentioned being borrowed from the Toastmasters public speaking group (with whom we have links). There is a turn taking system in discussion groups, which ensures equal participation for all speakers. 

We also run extra-curricular activities, such as karaoke and evenings out. We have links with the local NHS practices and have appeared on the radio and participated in BSA conferences. Email for more details, or join our facebook group (search for "Manchester Stammering Support Group").

Last updated: August 2011

What's happening in Northern England