Your Voice

Amber explores the question that divides the stammering community and explains why it's one she struggles to answer.

The effects a stammer can have are laid bare in this article by Paul, who talks about the years he spent hiding his stammer.

Will tells us how he approaches dating apps, and how he got on at a recent first date.

Fiona doesn't stammer but was set up on a blind date with someone who does. Here she gives a different perspective - see how the date went.

With Valentine's Day approaching, Phillip argues that stammering shouldn't hold us back from going out and finding love.

Maddie Beestin talks about the times she has told her date about her stammer and the times she hasn't, and gives advice for anyone worried about dating.

Paul talks about his experience on the hit Channel 4 show dating show.

Sabir describes the challenges of having a covert stammer and talks about being part of the Civil Service Stammering Network.

By Beth Watson

As a teenager, Richard Smith's self-consciousness really held him back. But through his life experiences after leaving school, including speaking to farmers about muck-spreading and his time on a kibbutz in Israel, he found ways to cope. 

When Claire chose to study French at university, she knew it would it would have its challenges. Here she writes about developing social phobia and how her placement in France made her realise she couldn't hide away any longer.