STAMMER DOESN’T HOLD MEGAN BACK

Retail giant Marks & Spencer have become the first UK employer to offer dedicated name badges for staff who have a stammer.

The inclusive badge idea which has been rolled out nationwide across M&S stores is the brainchild of 22-year-old Solent University graduate Megan Tomkies who works for M&S in Shirley, Southampton and is a colleague representative.

The aim behind the badge’s symbol is to let customers and colleagues know that they might need more time and patience when speaking.

Megan has had a stammer since she was five and was given great support by the Michael Palin Centre in London, a specialist centre for stammering children and young adults.

“I have accomplished so many things that show that just because you have a stammer you can do anything. I graduated in 2021 with a First-Class Honours Degree in Fine Art at Solent University. I see my stammer as a positive as it is part of me, and it has taught me to have patience and always to listen to others.”

michaelpalincentreforstammering.org