The Starfish Project is a non-profit organisation that teaches a breathing technique for stammering, with free lifetime support.
What ages is it for?
Ages 11+
What does it do?
Established in 1998, Starfish teaches techniques to help people who stammer gain control of their fluency and increase confidence. The training combines a breathing technique, avoidance reduction therapy and positive attitude development in a caring and supportive environment.
What happens on a course?
This is a three-day residential course at a hotel in Eastbourne. It gives one-to-one training, supported by previous course participants who return voluntarily to refresh their technique and help new participants learn. Numbers of people on a course is restricted to ensure the maximum individual attention is given.
Days start at 9am and finish at 5 or 6pm. Regular breaks are provided. In the evenings there is plenty of opportunity to practise the technique in a relaxed social situation and during dinner with everyone else on the course.
Training sessions are not just theory-based. They include role-play to practise the technique in everyday situations including telephone work, ordering fast food or a drink in a pub, talking to a group, etc. An initial Starfish Project course will end by preparing participants for the next step and how to handle future challenges.
Where and when are courses held?
Courses are held at a country house hotel near Hailsham, East Sussex (9 miles from Eastbourne). Easy access by plane, train (5 mins to station) and car (free parking provided).
Regular three-day courses are held throughout the year for adults.
Upcoming Starfish Project courses
- Adult course (17th-19th February 2026)
- Adult course (19th-21st May)
What else is included?
Free lifetime support is provided, including:
- The Starfish nationwide telephone support list, with details of other participants who are available by phone 365 days a year to assist your progress.
- A personalised programme for your continued progress.
- Local Starfish support groups that meet regularly throughout the country.
- Free refresher courses (just the cost of the hotel room).
- Regular Starfish Skype conference support group sessions with worldwide members.
Who delivers the course?
The founders of the courses are the principal coaches, with all one-to-one training given by returning participants, who use the technique. They are not qualified speech & language therapists.
How much does it cost?
There is a one-off course fee of £250. Participants can return for free lifetime refresher courses.
Hotel costs vary.
Where can I find out more?
Visit The Starfish Project website.
Email: mail@starfishproject.co.uk
Phone: 01825 872038.
Articles from Starfish grads
Read about the course from some of our members. Click on the links below to read their articles:
You might also like to read an article by Naheem, Laura and Patrick called 'Reflections on costal breathing a decade later'.
Starfish is one of the courses available for stammering. For the full list of options, see Adult Stammering Courses and One-to-one Adult Speech & Language Therapy.
