STAMMA expands helpline ahead of new outdoor campaign

In advance of the launch of a major new awareness campaign, STAMMA is launching a transformed helpline service from 3rd June, 2019. With a new number, new and additional opening hours and increased capacity, the helpline is moving across to a new platform, allowing for the addition of a webchat service later in the year.

The upgraded service is part of STAMMA's five-year strategic plan to transform the public's understanding of stammering and challenge the stereotypes of people who stammer. Up to 8% of people will stammer at some point in their lives with negative responses to stammering leaving a lifelong impact upon the mental health of those who stammer.

STAMMA Helpline

• New number: 0808 802 0002 free to all callers in the UK
• New service hours: 10am-2pm and 4pm-8pm Monday to Thursday
• Support provided: anonymous and confidential service offering information and support for anyone who stammers or anyone caring for, employing or working with someone who stammers
• Staffing: The helpline is staffed by staff and trained volunteers with direct experience of or knowledge of stammering.
• Platform: STAMMA will be using the platform provided by Call Handling.

“The helpline is essential in our work to create a better world for people who stammer,” said Rachel Everard, Service Director at STAMMA.

"Stammering is heavily stigmatised which can leave people feeling isolated and vulnerable. We’re here to help, to talk callers through different therapies, problems they’re having at work and about how and when to take action when their child stammers. It is fantastic to be able to offer more hours of helpline support."

The decision to change and increase the operational hours of the helpline was taken following a nationwide survey of STAMMA's members. The survey assessed what type of service would be of greatest value to the charity membership and people who stammer in general. Through the platform, provided by Call Handling, volunteers on the helpline can take calls from anywhere within the UK and are given full training and ongoing support. Those interested in finding out more about volunteering for the British Stammering Association should email volunteer@stamma.org. The helpline is a member of Helplines Partnership.

STAMMA, formerly the British Stammering Association, has been supporting people who stammer since its formation in 1978. Individuals can use the helpline to find out information on stammering as well as discuss therapy options, employment rights, find local meetup or support groups and share how they are feeling. People may also use the helpline to practise speaking on the phone, a challenging speaking situation for many people who stammer.