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My Stammer, My Story

Three young people in Northern Ireland confront stigma, find support and learn to speak with confidence while living with a stammer.

In Northern Ireland, it is estimated that five per cent of the adult population and one per cent of children have a stammer affecting their speech.

This programme follows three young people as they discover ways to manage their stammer. We meet Courtney and Nathan, both in their twenties, who are taking part in an intensive, peer-led course designed by- and for people who stammer.

Courtney has never met anyone in her community with a stammer and has often felt isolated, and experienced cruel jokes from her peers. Nathan has lived with a stammer his whole life but feels it has become worse since childhood.

Over three gruelling days, Courtney and Nathan confront their deepest fears during workshops, learn powerful breathing and speech control techniques, and are gently pushed to face the ultimate challenge - talking to strangers and delivering a public speech in Belfast city centre.

Seventeen-year-old Lily-Rose has lived with a stammer since she could speak. Alongside her mum Lisa, she reflects on how it has shaped her friendships, education and sense of self.

Lily-Rose, a talented musician who doesn’t stammer when she sings, says she wants to know what it feels like to speak smoothly and is taking part in an experimental therapy focused on building confidence through consistent small steps using eye movements.

While these young people know there is no quick fix or cure, in this film, we witness what can be achieved through the power of perseverance as they confront their fears and gain the confidence to speak up in a world that doesn’t always have the patience to wait.

10 months left to watch

29 minutes

Last on

Tue 16 Sep 2025 22:00

Credits

Role Contributor
Producer Eamonn Devlin
Director Gerard Stratton

Broadcasts