Stammer Adventure Trust (formerly the Fluency Trust) is a registered charity which runs highly specialist residential courses for young people who stammer. It works in partnership with their local provider service.
What ages is it for?
Ages 10-17
What does it do?
Courses combine intensive group speech therapy with outdoor pursuits to develop confidence and the ability to manage stammering.
There are two courses: The Blockbuster course (for ages 10-12) and The Teens Challenge (for ages 13-17). Both courses aim to build a strong positive memory of stammering. With opportunity to explore what helps and build flexible thinking and self-help skills.
What happens on a course?
Courses are a mixture of group therapy and outdoor activities including climbing, abseiling, kayaking, surfing and more.
Parent sessions are also offered at the introduction day, before and after the course and at the follow-up day.
Who delivers the course?
The course is run by Specialist Speech & Language Therapists in Swindon, alongside visiting therapists.
When and where are courses held?
It involves a one-day introduction in July at The Saltway Centre, Swindon. This is followed by five days in July-August for the course at Skern Lodge Activity Centre, North Devon, and a follow-up day approximately eight weeks later.
How much does it cost?
The residential aspect is fully funded by Stammer Adventure Trust for everyone. The therapy element is funded by the local provider for children who live in Swindon, Wiltshire and Bath, North East Somerset. For children based elsewhere, this should be funded by your local NHS speech and language therapy provider (they should be able to support you in applying for this).
You can choose to fund this yourself or explore local funding organisations, eg schools, rotary clubs or local charities. For further information, contact Stammer Adventure Trust using the details below.
Speech & language therapy service
The Specialist Swindon Stammering Service also has a specialist therapy service for children and adults who stammer. This is provided by HCRG Caregroup (commissioned by the NHS) and is only available for people with a Swindon GP.
Where can I find out more?
Visit the Stammer Adventure Trust website.
Email: Alex Ford at alexandra.ford@hcrgcaregroup.com
