FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY- DO IT FOR THE KIDS

For the cost of one of your nights out, you can give members of the Afasic Youth Project a great opportunity to socialise in a friendly and supportive environment. Young people can get a lot of bad press, but I feel they really need the opportunity to be involved in motivating and sociable activities to develop a strong sense of self and independence.

Whether you sacrifice a few beers and a bag of pork scratchings or the price of a theatre ticket, anything you give will be warmly welcomed.

THE AFASIC YOUTH PROJECT
One of the problems for young people with speech difficulties is the isolation that accompanies not being able to communicate easily. Issues such as bullying and making friends are also big concerns for these young people, but so too are the things most people take for granted, like going to the shops and taking a message on the phone.

A recent survey by City University illustrates how much of a problem this is, showing that 61% of young people with speech difficulties felt they had been bullied when they were younger, and 22% felt that they still were.

The Afasic Youth Project (AYP) addresses these types of problems by offering a club for 11 to 19 year olds who have language and communication difficulties and are socially excluded. It helps those who are desperate to lead a normal life.

As one member of the AYP said: "I can be more myself, I am more free".

ABOUT ME
I'm a speech and language therapist currently working at City University on the ELCISS project www.elciss.com , a programme that aims to enhance language and communication in secondary school students.

Over the years, I've seen how lonely and difficult it can be for young people with speech difficulties by working directly with them. To make friends or do simple things like explain why you're late to school can be a real challenge.

By running in the Amsterdam Marathon, I want to raise money to help these young people lead a normal life and integrate into society. The Afasic Youth Project offers a great way to achieve this, so all my proceeds will go to this fantastic organisation.

You too can help by donating a night out.

THANK YOU!!!!!