A little background information about Safety in Stumblers and the structure of our meetings.
Introduction
Safety in Stumblers is a Glasgow based support group for adults who stammer. It was started in 2002 by John Mann and Robert Sedgley who still run it and meetings take place once a month (* for all the latest meeting about our next meeting please visit the news section on this site). The group is open to all people with an interest in stammering from people that stammer themselves and their partners/relatives/friends to those training to be speech therapists. We run a very relaxed group with each meeting designed to make people as welcome and comfortable as possible.
Structure of our meetings
The format of our meetings typically consists of the following:
Time
Activity
7.00-7.30 pm
There will be one of John, Robert or David there before 7.00 pm wearing a badge and looking very visible around the bar area, directing people to a quieter area where members can chat.
7.30-8.30 pm
Speech orientated discussion
This can typically involve:
Speech related activity (see later) OR
Guest Speaker OR
Continued informal discussion with those not wanting to participate in the activity
8.35-8.45 pm
Short break
A chance to chat to other members.
8.45-9.00pm
Closing Speech
Safety in Stumblers / BSA administration
Guest Speaker OR
Check out where members are encouraged to set short, specific, speech related aims for the next month -Closing discussion and comments
Speech Related Activities
Speech related activities will be decided 1 week before the group are due to meet. Members will be informed by email. All group members will have the opportunity to put forward ideas for activities they would like to see included in the meeting. Members can do this by contacting John or Robert up to 1 week before the group meets so that there is adequate time to inform other members of the plans.
It should however be noted that some activities are number dependent and so if there are too few people interested to make the exercise viable then it may have to be postponed until the next meeting. Also, there may be some meetings where no activity is scheduled.
Whatever the outcome, it should be noted that participation in any activity is completely voluntary and no-one should feel pressurised into joining in with something they do not feel comfortable or capable dealing with.
Examples of suggested activities (not exhaustive, any other ideas are welcomed):
Guest speakers e.g. Speech and Language Therapists, BSA members
Group member presentations- personal reflections, presentation practice etc.
Role play e.g. interview practice, dealing with difficult situations
Speaking circles
Phone work
We hope that the above format and possible activities will contribute to more effective functioning of the group, perhaps encouraging more people to attend and others to attend more frequently. As mentioned, if you have any comments or suggestions then please email us at
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