Another important feature of the Oxford treatment has been the role of its patient support group. In 1972 a group of patients so inspired by the therapy they received were allowed by the Warneford Hospital to restore a small building in the hospital grounds and turn it into a treatment centre. This building was formally used as an old apple store and when acquired was in a very dilapidated state, as the black and white pictures show. By dint of determination and hard work by the patients, the old apple store was turned into an ideal treatment centre, and named according to its original function.

The following year patients and supporters formed the Stammer Trust, a registered charity concerned with the treatment of stammering. Its aims are to encourage increased provision for treatment of all people who stammer, to promote research into the nature and treatment of stammering.

The courses at The Apple House originally began as a research project and have evolved based on experience over the many years they have run. This is in line with one of the Trust's guiding principles which has always been to promote and commission treatment based on research. In June 1998, The Stammer Trust, sponsored Polly Mitchell on a training course at the University of East Anglia in the Lidcombe Programme.

Currently the Trust is in the process of financing the modification in the Apple House to improve the treatment rooms. As well as inviting both therapists to start a research project concerning stammering.

The vast majority of members are old Apple House course members. However membership of the Stammer Trust is open to anyone who is interested. It costs £10 a year, with all fees being used to support the Trust. Further information concerning the Stammer Trust can be obtained from the Secretary.  

Or if preferred you can use the membership request form

A.G.M

The Annual General Meeting is to be held on Saturday (date to be announced)  November at 3.00pm in the boardroom at the Warneford Hospital. 
 

Andrew Barnes Chairman of the Stammer Trust.

Trustee Professor B.L.H. Wilson, OBE, MA, F Inst, P, Ch Phys;  Mrs. C. Charles, MRCSLT; Mr. G. Forward.

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