Speechmag

Kenyan laryngectomee workshop appeal

Speech & Language Therapy in Practice member Emma Shah has forwarded an appeal for funds from the Kenya Association of Laryngectomees to enable a unique residential workshop to take place in November/December.

The organisation is looking for kes.220,000 (just under £2000). This will cover the cost of boarding facilities for one week, lecture materials, transport and counselling. All other professionals, including Emma, give their time and expertise for free.

Although there is a monthly meeting of the group in Nairobi, distance and transport costs prevent many people from attending. At least 20 laryngectomees will participate and, if funds allow, there will be a session for spouses and carers.

Organising Secretary Bishop Duncan Mbogo Wanjigi's enthuasiasm is infectious. He says, "The Kenya Association of Laryngectomees is committed to creating awareness of the existence of the voiceless but not speechless persons in Kenya and that laryngectomy is not the end of life - life continues!"

The Bishop says cheques made payable to 'KENYA ASSOCIATION OF LARYNGECTOMEES' can be mailed to Kenya Association of Laryngectomees, Town House, 4th Floor Room 412, Kaunda Street, Box 42086-00100, Nairobi, Kenya. Alternatively money can be paid into the Association's account at Equity Bank Ltd, Thika Branch, Account # 0340-291602170.

Leys new Chair of British Stammering Association

Newly elected chair of the British Stammering Association Leys Geddes - known to many as speakingout2 on YouTube - has put raising awareness at the top of the agenda for his three year tenure.

Leys says, "It is difficult to raise awareness of a condition which many people are trying desperately hard to reduce or even hide, for fear of prejudice. I have no instant solution, but have pledged to ensure that the BSA does everything possible to help stammerers. But, to make real progress, we need to spend more time speaking to the 99% of people who don't stammer, so they will understand the difficulties we face, and help us achieve change."

Leys is calling for more funding to

• educate teachers and parents about how early intervention can enable 9/10 of those at persistent risk of stammering to talk fluently
• help even more speech and language therapists develop their early intervention skills
• educate politicians to give stammering a higher priority
• carry out a lot more research into causes and potential treatments.