Press release -
Starbucks - A Unique Day of Action
On Saturday October 26th, at 11am, people who stammer will be heading to 6 Starbucks stores in the UK, bringing family and friends in a unique demonstration against Starbucks. They'll be ordering something to drink.
At Starbucks, customers are asked to provide their name as part of the ordering process. STAMMA, the national charity for people who stammer, are keen that Starbucks be made aware that many who stammer find it hard to say their name on demand. They've reached out to Starbucks to discuss the issue but have been rebuffed.
STAMMA have also published an Open Letter to Starbucks, signed by a number of high profile people who stammer: Paul Gerrard, Campaigns, Public Affairs & Board Secretariat Director, The Co-op; Martin Radvan, Company Chairman, Weatherby's; Baroness Janet Whittaker; Scroobius Pip, Actor, podcaster; Rodney Earl Clark, Opera & Musical Theatre Performer; Hannah Tovey, writer; Jon Smith, Sports Agent; Arwel Richards, Businessman & Columnist. The letter is also signed by Kamran Mallick, CEO, Disability Rights UK.
Working with STAMMA are Stammering Pride, whose statement can be viewed here.
Jane Powell, CEO at STAMMA said "83% of those we polled who stammer, said it's hard to say their name on demand. All we're looking for is a conversation with Starbucks about how they can make a welcoming space for people who stammer."
The stores targeted are:
London: 13b Hanover Square, London W1S 1HN and 3 Tower Place, London EC3R 5BT.
Glasgow: 27 Sauchiehall Street, GS 3AT
Liverpool: Ranelagh St, Liverpool L1 1JW
Doncaster: Silk Road, Doncaster DN2 4LT
Grimsby: Cleethorpes Road, Grimsby DN313BP
Our Purpose
We exist to create a world that makes space for stammering. Where it's embraced as just a difference. Where no-one judges your stammer or the way you choose to deal with it. We’ll get there by bringing people together, whether they stammer or not, to propel a movement for change.
We will stand up for and embolden those who stammer, provide support and information, and challenge discrimination wherever we find it. We’ll fight for NHS speech and language therapy services for those want it. No matter how you talk, we're here for you.
Join us and help the public understand that stammering is not a sign of being drunk, dishonest, nervous or weak. It’s simply how some of us talk.
