We have raised £13K of £19K needed to formally launch our Employment Clinic and support people who stammer with work related issues. We need to raise £6K by Christmas. Can you help?

Over the past year we supported 74 people with work matters. 65% were aged under 35. This included:

■ A candidate discriminated against in an interview on the grounds of his dysfluent speech, despite the fact that the role didn’t require verbal communication.
■ An advert where the wording excluded people who stammer from consideration.
■ An employee who found phone meetings with their manager challenging, but the manager refused to consider alternatives.
■ An employee who, because of their stammer, found it hard to demonstrate their knowledge in an interview for promotion.

Nelson (not his real name)

Nelson, a young adult, answered the phone as part of his work. However, after an incident where a caller was extremely unkind about his stammering, he became distressed and anxious about using the phone. Our helpline team provided 16 weeks of follow-up, calling Nelson to desensitize him to using the phone again.

HUGE heartfelt thanks to Kirsten and her team who have spent their time EVERY week since March, chatting on the phone to build his confidence. He started work in March and nothing prepared him or us for just how difficult speaking on the phone to the general public would be!! The general nastiness of some people was a real eye opener and any confidence he had disappeared very quickly. We can never thank them enough, they’ve been absolutely amazing. He’s due to start work in a new full time job on Monday for the Police service – something I honestly believe wouldn’t have been possible without their help. - Feedback from Nelson’s parents

Professional examinations

Medical professionals take examinations, known as Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE). These involve candidates in an series of time-limited clinical scenarios, where actors take on the role of patients whilst their interaction and clinical skills are assessed by observing examiners.

Last year we were contacted by three doctors who had failed their OSCE and believed they were discriminated against by the exam structures. We worked with them and the examining bodies to implement reasonable adjustments, tailored to each individual, to the exam process. All three doctors then passed their OSCE. We are now working with the NHS Stammering Network to create guidelines and a resources for medical professionals who stammer.

My results just returned last night. I have passed! A big thank you to you and Stamma for your help. I could feel the support in the exams venue. The strategies and tips which you shared were invaluable. - Feedback from one of the doctors