On the 27th of October, many of us made our way to the lovely city of Peterborough to embark on the first Empowering Voices speech course. Most of us had experience with a costal breathing course before, but we were ready to welcome seven new participants to join us in taming our stammers using the costal breathing technique. This would have been a big step for the new participants; it was something new, and they did not fully know what to expect. We all met in the lobby of the travel lodge at 18:30, where we were all staying for three days, to give a warm welcome to everyone and go for a pre-course dinner only a 5-minute walk from the hotel, which allowed us all to relax a bit and get to know each other.
On the first day of the course, we gathered in the college cafe for breakfast before delving into the course material. There was a sense of anticipation in the air, but we strived to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Despite this being the first course, the warmth was palpable, and it was evident that every person was eager to tackle the days ahead. The new participants, in particular, showed remarkable progress. Even in the short hours of practicing the costal breathing technique, their tension had eased, their smiles were brighter, and the buzz of conversation in the course room was invigorating, a testament to their dedication and progress.
As we concluded the first day, it was clear that these individuals had not only learned a new technique to manage their stammer, but they had also found a new community. This community, built on support and encouragement, was a testament to the power of unity. As mentors, we had not only succeeded in imparting a new skill, but we had also learned from each other and the new participants. The new members of the Empowering Voices family had truly embraced their role and expressed, “I never knew how much a community could mean to me” and “Being around others who stammer, and seeing them overcome their challenges, empowers me to do the same”. This sense of community is what makes our journey together so special.
On day two of the empowering voices course, the new participants had the chance to put the technique into practice at the restaurant, ordering food and drinks. For people who stammer, this can be very daunting. With maybe more confidence and control than before and using aspects of our training, they could order what they wanted, whereas previously, they possibly ordered what was easy to say. During the daytime, we heard from the mentors' experiences, how the costal breathing technique has changed their lives and what it has meant to them. This gave the new participants some insight into what they could do with their difficulties with their stammer and be able to do things they thought wouldn’t be possible.
I took the time to express how, although we all have a stammer and know how it feels to have one, we all have our difficulties. We all do things at our own pace and whatever feels right for each person and their goals. This also is the case for learning the technique; some of us may grasp it very quickly, and others may need more time. We may have different types of stammers; some are more prominent, and others have coping skills to hide their stammers. We have feelings towards our stammer, good or bad, and because we all have a stammer, it does not mean we all have the same emotions towards it. What may work for one person may not work for another, but to have the options to try gives opportunity and growth.
Not all the course material is focused on the technique; we had lots of fun with different scenarios such as ordering food, going for an interview, picking up prescriptions, and making a complaint, all in the safety of the course room and the comfort of others who know how you feel. We do this to give people practice so they know what to do and what to expect when they are in these situations. There was power in delivering the course as a person who stammers because we can understand how they feel. We have had similar experiences and have been through some of the same situations. This gave new participants hope, empowering them to push themselves.
As we reached day three, we brought together everything taught in the previous two days, reflecting on this and what it meant to them all. I could see so many positive emotions coming from the new participants, and more hope and confidence was growing already. They had come so far in so little time. It was tiring and hard work, but they all had learned this technique and bravely committed themselves to completing it until the end, and they did so brilliantly. The sense of accomplishment was palpable, and it was truly a proud moment for all of us.
The new participants had a new tool they could use to control their speech and become their own “speech therapist”, new friends gained, new experiences shared and so many positive things to look forward to. Being a mentor, it is so encouraging and heartwarming to watch the new participants from start to finish, seeing them flourish and grow and bring out their true, authentic selves. This first course is just the start, we want to empower everyone to succeed in everything they do, we always love feedback to improve on the course and we welcome co-production in making these courses the best they can be for each person with no limits and no barriers. The growth and empowerment we witnessed in the participants is truly inspiring and fills us with hope for the future.
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