BBC NI documentary gives voice to young people living with a stammer

Nathan and Courtney. (Images: Triplevision)

A new BBC Northern Ireland documentary, True North: My Stammer, My Story, will shine a light on the challenges and triumphs of young people living with a stammer.

It is estimated that around five per cent of adults and one per cent of children in Northern Ireland live with a stammer. The programme follows three young people as they take part in therapies and courses designed to help them manage their speech and gain confidence in their everyday lives.

Courtney and Nathan, both in their twenties from County Down, are filmed taking part in a peer-led intensive course created by and for people who stammer.

Courtney shares how she has often felt isolated, admitting she has “never met anyone in her community with a stammer” and has endured cruel jokes from her peers. Nathan, who has lived with a stammer since childhood, says it has worsened as he has grown older.

Over three days, both face gruelling challenges, including workshops on breathing and speech control techniques. They are pushed to their limits with the ultimate test: delivering a public speech in Belfast city centre.

Lily-Rose with mum Lisa.

The documentary also introduces 17-year-old Lily-Rose, from County Antrim who has stammered since she first began to talk. With support from her mother Lisa, she reflects on how her speech has affected her friendships, education, and self-confidence.

A gifted musician, Lily-Rose does not stammer when she sings. She is now participating in an experimental therapy programme, focused on confidence-building through eye movement exercises and small, consistent steps.

The film shows that while there is no cure for stammering, progress is possible. It highlights the resilience of young people who refuse to let their speech define them.

“My Stammer, My Story” has been produced by Triplevision Productions for BBC Northern Ireland.

True North: My Stammer, My Story airs on Monday 15 September at 10.40pm on BBC One Northern Ireland and will also be available on BBC iPlayer.