The Fluency Trust

The Fluency Trust is a UK-registered charity, numbered 1044910, dedicated to supporting young people who stammer. Established in 1995, it operates throughout England and Wales, providing highly specialized services.

Purpose and Activities

The primary goal of The Fluency Trust is to help young individuals who stammer communicate with confidence. It achieves this by offering residential courses that combine intensive speech therapy with outdoor activities. These courses are designed to foster confidence, build positive memories of stammering, and develop flexible thinking and self-help skills.

Courses Offered

The Fluency Trust offers two main courses:

• The Blockbuster course: This course is tailored for children aged 10 to 12, aiming to build a strong foundation in managing stammering and developing self-assurance.
• The Teens Challenge: Designed for young people aged 13 to 17, this course focuses on further developing the skills learned in the earlier stages, enhancing their ability to manage stammering.

Both courses include a variety of outdoor pursuits such as climbing, abseiling, kayaking, and surfing, alongside structured speech therapy sessions. Parent sessions are also integrated into the program to ensure comprehensive support.

Partnerships

The Fluency Trust collaborates with Swindon Borough Council and local health provider services to deliver its programs effectively. Specialist Speech and Language Therapists lead these courses, often supported by visiting therapists.

Course Structure

The typical structure of the courses involves:

• A one-day assessment held at The Saltway Centre in Swindon.
• A five-day residential program at Skern Lodge Activity Centre in North Devon.
• A follow-up day approximately eight weeks after the course.

By combining intensive therapy with engaging outdoor activities, The Fluency Trust seeks to create a supportive environment where young people can explore their challenges and develop strategies for managing stammering effectively.

[1] https://stamma.org/get-help/fluency-trust [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1044910 [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1044910/full-print [4] https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/thefluencytrust [5] https://www.neighbourly.com/project/65e63500785efbebbf1fb9b0