Christchurch Benefits From Clinic Opening

Scoop

6 hours ago

Press Release – start
11 August 2025 – The Stuttering Treatment and Research Trust (START) is delighted to announce the opening of its first physical South Island clinic, in Ōtautahi, Christchurch.
START is the only organisation in New Zealand to offer specialist services and support for those who stutter. There are an estimated 50,000 New Zealanders – approximately one in 100 people who have a stutter.
'We're thrilled to have a physical clinic here in Christchurch,' says Janelle Irvine, Executive Director, START. 'The city is growing rapidly, so there's lots of potential to have a thriving START clinic. In addition to the in-person therapy, we hope to be able to offer social events, support groups and courses, similar to what we have already in Auckland.
'Since the pandemic, we've been able to offer our services online and nationwide, and it's tremendous for those who need our support. We work with people all over New Zealand. But many people like to connect and meet in person if it's an option. So when people come here, they'll get to experience the community feel we have at START,' says Irvine.
For those who are unable to receive therapy and support, stuttering can profoundly affect their confidence, mental health and ability to engage socially, as well as their opportunities for education and employment.
One of the young people we've worked with, now 11 years old, and his family know this well. 'Before our son started with START, he was frustrated, often saying he hated himself and his stutter. As a mother, it broke my heart to see him struggle and not know how to help,' says the boy's mother.
'But START has truly changed our lives. In addition to the therapy, our son connected with other children facing similar challenges. START has given our son the gift of confidence, self-acceptance and self-esteem, which helped us as a family better support him,' says the mother.
The Stuttering Treatment and Research Trust (START) Christchurch can be found in the same building as Talk Together, a like-minded practice at 79 Durham Street, Sydenham Christchurch.
If you, or someone you know, has a stutter, and you'd like to know more please get in contact.
https://www.stuttering.co.nz/
Key statistics about stuttering
· Stuttering affects around 50,000 New Zealanders – approximately one in 100 people.
· Stuttering affects more males than females. The ratio of stuttering between males and females is 4:1.
· Stuttering usually begins between ages two and four. While many children will stop stuttering on their own, some may need additional support – early intervention is key.
· Although the exact cause of stuttering is unknown, genetics have been found to play a role with about 70% of people who stutter reporting a family history of stuttering.
About the Stuttering Treatment Research Trust (START)
· The Stuttering and Research Trust (START) is New Zealand's only charity dedicated to providing specialist therapy and wraparound support for stuttering.
· We change lives by ensuring that people of all ages, from preschoolers to adults, are not defined by their stutter.
· Approximately 50,000 New Zealanders live with a stutter. This can profoundly affect their confidence, mental health and ability to engage socially, as well as their opportunities for education and employment.
· START has physical clinics in Auckland (Greenlane), and now Christchurch. However, START offers a nationwide service via online and has clients based all over New Zealand.
· Our vital mahi relies on the generosity of donors and the support of philanthropic and business communities.