I'm passionate for change

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Jessie with her stammering symbol

Jessie (aka @Mimidarlingbeauty) writes about accidentally became a stammering influencer, and the idea behind her awareness-raising symbol.

During lockdown I was a support worker, and I really struggled with my mental health and having to wear a mask in order to do my job. As someone who stammers, suddenly my colleagues and the ladies I was supporting couldn't see me trying to speak. I went to a really dark place.

I was driving home after a 24-hour shift one day and pulled into a coffee shop car park. Ordering at drive thru machines was always a no go, but that day I just decided to go for it and film myself ordering. I pressed record on my phone while it was in the hands-free cradle, asked for my drink, got it and away I went, full of adrenaline and floating on cloud nine. 

I went home for a nap and couldn't wait to show my husband what I accomplished. In the meantime I uploaded the video to my TikTok, where I had about 20 friends, and got on with my day. A few hours later I checked my phone and saw such amazing support and messages from so many people. 

Suddenly I found myself as a content creator. It was never intentional but I couldn't be happier that so many have felt inspired, been educated and seen how I've grown on my journey! 

The feeling of overcoming a fear led me to take my 'speaking challenges', as I call them, to the next level by approaching strangers in the street and asking them questions whilst documenting them. I put text over my videos to educate people and suddenly I found myself as a content creator. It was never intentional but I couldn't be happier that so many have felt inspired, been educated and seen how I've grown on my journey!

My symbol 

A few years ago, I remember seeing an article on the STAMMA website about Megan, who pitched her idea to the bigwigs at M&S, where she worked, of creating a symbol that staff could have on their name badges to make customers aware that they stammer. I loved this idea but I wondered about people who might not know what the symbol means. So, inspired by this, I thought of building on the idea and created a new symbol. I put a clock face next to the picture of someone talking to represent giving them 'time to speak'. I added the words 'Please be patient, I have a speech impediment. Thank you!' underneath. 

It has taken months and months to design. I first started off with the idea of having the symbol on a trolly coin, which developed into a keyring in the shape of a speech bubble which is sea-green, the colour of International Stammering Awareness Day (see the picture above). I decided on a keyring as it's more discrete and we take our keys everywhere with us, so unlike a badge, hopefully you won't forget your keys. So, if anyone sees it on someone's keyring chain they automatically know that person has a speech impediment. 

I got them made by a company and completely funded it myself. I'm hoping an organisation will help me to deliver the keyrings nationwide.

How the symbol can be used

It can be so easy to get someone else to speak for you. But then suddenly it spirals into living life controlled by your stammer, instead of embracing and feeling free and proud. I want this symbol to be a tool that people can show to others when they most need to, like in a busy, loud coffee shop; or a child at a restaurant trying to order their food. Hopefully the keyring will become a tool that feels like a safety blanket. It's about making sure we keep talking, no matter how we sound.

This symbol would be a tool which could help millions live an easier life when it comes to speaking and being understood. 

It could be used in lots of other ways too. It could be put next to a child's name on the school register so every teacher knows what support they need. We could put it in our work email signatures so if the conversation develops into a telephone call, the other person is already aware and understands to be patient and what to expect. Or, when passing border control, instead of being nervous about being looked at with suspicion, having either the keyring or, if possible, having the symbol on our passports, we could show that and people would understand. The same for car insurers — they could have the symbol on our documents so when we call them, the operator already knows. This symbol would be a tool which could help millions live an easier life when it comes to speaking and being understood. 

Getting the word out

I'd love for the Government to add it to the list of symbols we all recognise for hidden disabilities. That's why I've set up a petition to help it become a recognised symbol. You can help — access and sign my petition via my TikTok. 

Then it's about getting the word out there through working with stammering charities, schools, small businesses, TV, newspapers and social media. It's about making noise and I hope the community can help make that noise. 

I want change. I want our voices to be heard, no matter how we sound. I want respect and understanding and I want people to realise what we have to say is powerful. It matters and we're worthy of taking up space in this world just like anyone else. I'm not here to waste time. I'm passionate for change and refuse to take no for an answer.

Would you like to share your story, experiences, creative work or things that have helped you? See Submit Something For The Site or email editor@stamma.org for details.

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