Intensive group program for young people who stutter
A 5-day school holiday program combining speech strategies, psychological support and peer connection
Stuttering isn’t always the hardest part. Sometimes it’s the stuff around it like friendships, confidence or trying new things.
Do you:
- find stuttering stops you speaking up, doing things you enjoy or connecting with others
- want more focused time to build practical strategies and confidence around your speech.
If that sounds like you, our intensive group program might be a helpful next step.
Groups bookings are open now and are currently free of charge.
Get in touch to find out more or register your interest.
Prefer to chat first?
Call the clinic on 03 9035 7199
or email speech-clinic@unimelb.edu.au
Register your interest
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A program built around you, not just your speech
The intensive group program offers in-depth stuttering support. It combines speech strategies with psychological support for the thoughts and feelings that often come with stuttering.
Over 5 days, you'll work through practical strategies, build confidence and connect with a small group of peers who know what it's like to stutter.
What you'll gain
Each young person's experience is different, so what you take from the program will look different too. Things you can expect include:
- practical strategies you can use in everyday life
- ways to manage the emotional side of stuttering
- more confidence in speaking situations
- a better understanding of stuttering and how stuttering support works
- connection with peers who understand.
How it works
Every day of the program goes deep into the skills and strategies to use now and to carry into adulthood. The daily schedule includes:
- a check-in when you can share how things have been going, if you'd like to
- structured activities and workshops on speech, confidence and communication
- time to practise and connect with the group.
You’ll get a workbook to complete activities, take notes and refer back to after the program.
Sessions break for a 15-minute morning tea and 30-minute lunch. Please should bring snacks, lunch and a water bottle.
Program details
When
Monday 28 September to Friday 2 October 2026, 10am to 3pm
Where
In person at our Carlton clinic
Who it's for
Young people aged 12 to 18 who stutter.
We're also taking expressions of interest in future groups for young adults aged 18 to 25.
Who runs it
Qualified speech pathologists and psychologists
Cost
Free for our first program, thanks to a philanthropic gift from Channel Foundation. Future programs may involve a fee.
Getting started
When you enquire about the intensive program, we'll arrange a communication assessment. This can be in person or online. This is where we get a sense of what would help most and confirm the program's a good fit.
We’ll also tell you about our research study and find out if you’re interested in taking part. Joining the research is optional and doesn’t affect your place in the group program.
We don't exclude people based on a diagnosis or a co-occurring condition. The main thing we're checking is that you'll be able to understand what's covered and take part in a way that works for you.
Take part in stuttering research
When you join the intensive program you can choose to take part in a new research study. The study is looking at what support works best for young people and young adults who stutter. There's currently very little information about this age group and the research aims to help close that gap.
Taking part is entirely optional. We'll talk through what's involved during your assessment.
If you have questions about the study, you can contact the lead researcher, speech pathologist Dr Sarah Horton: sarah.horton@unimelb.edu.au
Frequently asked questions
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Are participants grouped with similarly aged peers?
We consider age when planning each session and try to group similarly aged peers together for activities where possible.
Who runs the program?
The intensive group program is co-designed and run by qualified speech pathologists and psychologists with lived experience of stuttering.
How much does it cost?
Thanks to a philanthropic gift from Channel Foundation, our first round of intensive group sessions is free. Future programs may involve a fee.
Are the groups in-person only?
Yes, currently. The intensive program runs in person at our Carlton clinic. Drop-in sessions are also available online, if that suits you better.
How big are the groups?
Small groups of 5 to 10 young people.
Do I have to attend drop-in sessions first?
No. Drop-in sessions are optional, but you might find them a helpful way to get a feel for group support before committing to the 5-day program.
Do I have to take part in the research to join the intensive group session?
No. Taking part is entirely optional and it won't affect your place in the program either way.
What is the research study looking at?
It's looking at what support works best for young people and young adults who stutter. You'll hear more detail during your assessment, or you can contact Dr Sarah Horton directly at sarah.horton@unimelb.edu.au
Contact Us
Melbourne Speech Pathology Clinic
Level 1, 723 Swanston St,
Carlton 3053
Phone: 03 9035 7199
Fax: 03 9347 1535
Email: speech-clinic@unimelb.edu.au
Opening hours
Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4.30 pm
Closed public holidays