Growing up I always aspired to work in a role supporting young people whether that be as a teacher, a social worker or in a residential setting. However, I also grew up with a profound stutter. Despite support and encouragement from family, these two things appeared impossible to go hand in hand. I never felt like I would be able to be a teacher, social worker or residential support worker when I often struggled to say my own name. I felt destined to be in a mind-numbingly dull office job sat behind a computer all day and going through life speaking as little as possible.

With all the doom and gloom in the world at the moment with the Covid-19 crisis, I thought I would share a little success story I have had during these turbulent times. Mark Catterall is my name and I‘ve been on the McGuire Programme for 18 months. I’m an engineer and before the McGuire Programme, I was always set on working behind the scenes in plant rooms etc., basically hiding away as much as possible.

My name is Jessica, I am 25 years old and my first course on The McGuire Programme was in August 2018 at Wembley, London. 

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Another really successful course was held in the new venue in Watford.  A new venue is always a challenge, and this was no different.  The hotel was separate from the conference room but worked perfectly and the Corona Virus was on people’s minds.  Precautions were taken with chairs being further apart from usual and hygiene being an even bigger factor than usual.  Hand shaking was replaced by exit drills and people has to wash their hands in every break.  

The first McGuire Programme UK North, four day, intensive, residential course of the new decade, took place in the Royal Station Hotel, Newcastle upon Tyne, from Wednesday 12th until Sunday 16th February 2020. The McGuire Programme gives people who stutter the skills and mindset to transform themselves into eloquent and articulate speakers.

Four very apprehensive new students arrived on the Wednesday evening to see if we could help them.  It takes courage to even turn up, so well done to everyone who was there!