Report from Dublin Self Help Group Meeting

Date: 19 October 2009

Report:

Our regular members attended with a couple of apologies for absence. If you're a new face don't be shy and feel free to call in

The meeting opened with a discussion on National Stammering Awareness Day which took place on Saturday 17th Octobers. Everyone at the meeting had attended for at least part of the day and 2 of the group had made presentations.

The general consensus was that it was a worthwhile day with many inspiring personal stories being told. The children's drama showcase got a favourable mention, it seems to have struck a chord with many adults who wished they had had the opportunity as children to take part in such a positive experience.

Everyone thought the day was very well organised and that there was very positive atmosphere. It was also felt that it was good that there were representatives from the HSE, SLTs and other organisations. A number of members commented that they would like to see more opportunity for questions & comments from the floor, perhaps have a Q & A session at the end of the morning as well as the afternoon because some people were not there for the full day.

In the second part of the meeting one member shared a negative experience he had had that week when he had chosen to avoid a work related social situation and felt unhappy about it. Other members were supportive because everyone had had similar experiences in the past. There were some suggestions on how to 'cancel' the negative impact of the situation e.g. initiating a conversation with someone who had attended the event, perhaps asking how it had gone or phoning someone who had been there or at the next work/social event making an effort to start a conversation.

It was proposed to return to the usual format at the next meeting when it will start with members having an chance to say how they have been getting on followed by a structured activity.

Next meeting is Tuesday 3rd November