Owners
What it's all about
I want to set up a free-of-charge meeting place for people of all ages and status (student or someone who is working etc) who have a form of a speech, specific learning problem/disability (such as a stammer, or dyslexia for example) to get together once a week for a period of time and discuss the their problem, share experiences and knowledge about it and make new friends.
The main goal is to get as many people (>10 people if possible) who have a communication problem to get together and talk to each other in a place where there are no worries that you can in some places and learn and develop communication skills to use at work/university etc.
The main reason why I want to set up a meeting place is because I have had a speech problem all my life, but can speak much more fluently now because I have been fortunate enough to go to places where you meet up other people with the same problem of a similar age and talk about it, and just be yourself.
I know there are other groups in the UK where you can meet up with other people who have a speech problem such as in London and Nottingham, and courses that develop communication for people such as the City Lit in London, but these are generally few and far between and I know there is niche market for the group I intend to set up if associated with Middlesex University, as it would be the first for the university.
The statistics for people who have a form of a communication problem are black and white. 1 in 60 people have a problem in the UK which shows that 1 million people at this moment have to deal with it every single day.
What's needed to make it a reality
I require funding from the university (hopefully the full £750) in order to pay and hire out a room in a building or institution such as Hendon Library twice weekly. Hiring out a room is charged by the hour and can be up to £10-15/hour for a small room enough to sit up to 40 people. So if I run my group throughout one academic year it should cost approximately £500.
Or if I am able to use a room at the university free-of-charge or at a low cost if possible to have once-a-week meetings that can dramatically reduce costs.
Handouts/flyers/banners to advertising the existence of the group should cost approximately £100 using colour ink/high quality paper etc.
During the meetings soft drinks/squash or food (biscuits etc) should cost approximately £120 (this is not necessarily required but is preferred to create a relaxed atmosphere).
Social/confidence building gatherings (practicing communication techniques/skills during practical real life situations) will be part of the group meetings.
There are a few more variable/fixed costs I'm sure but I will have to do my research on it.
Comments
I think this is a really positive idea that could help a lot of people. You are obviously very passionate about this cause and as such I think that you have a lot of potential to run a project that provide support to a lot of the community.
As you are a student studying at Middlesex University, you can access up to £750 to turn your idea into reality. As you know, this is a specific project running at Middlesex and another 14 unis across the country.
As your Junction49 Uni staff member, I can give you training and support to develop your idea.
Thanks ? I?ll be in touch soon to arrange a meeting with you so that we can discuss your idea further. Report Abuse
I'm not from round your way, but really good luck with this and keep us posted! Report Abuse
It could be interesting to bring these people together with people suffering from physical speech/hearing impediments. They might help each other very much? Report Abuse
I am always up for new ideas and l like your one utopian. I have not even thought about involving people who have developed speaking or hearing problems solely from an emotional source, just from a genetic one.
When I begin to advertise my idea in the future in order to recruit new people (if everything goes successfully with the funding etc) I will take your idea into serious consideration.
Thanks. Report Abuse
I was just wondering if you got this idea off the ground? I have been in contact with disability support recently and I'm sure they will be able to provide contact details for students with speech problems. Regarding funding, you should still be able to access funding for your project, possibly the full £750 if it is a longer term project.
If your interested in running this again then message me or give me a call on 0208 411 6618
Cheers Report Abuse
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