
About the Michael Palin Centre
In this section you can find out where the centre is, meet the team, read about what we feel really matters, find out about our research, our publications and who our partners and supporters are.
Do you want to know why Michael Palin agreed to give us his name? Read our ‘how the MPC started’ section and don’t miss Michael’s message below.
Want to keep in touch with MPC news? Follow us on social media or keep an eye on our ‘latest news’ section.
We are currently running a telehealth service for assessments, therapy and our helpline with therapists working from home. Please make referrals as usual and we will be in touch. Let us know if you prefer to wait to be seen when we are back in the building.

Sometimes you just need someone to talk to


Sometimes you just need someone to talk to
Our Helpline, 020 3316 8100, is open during office hours (9am-5pm) and voicemail messages can be left when the office is closed.
“This training met my expectations and I now have an increased knowledge of theory and improved knowledge of PCI practice, therapist skills, structure of sessions and strategies.”


Photograph: John Swannell
A message from Michael Palin
“Over the many years since the Centre started I have met countless children, young people and parents when I have visited. I know from my father’s experience what a profound effect stammering can have on a person and on a family – this is one reason why the work at the Centre has always been so important to me. In my father’s day the whole subject was cloaked in silence. What fills me with hope when I visit the Centre today is to hear from parents and young people that talking about their shared experiences is the best therapy. With timely and expert care children and young people can become more confident, enjoy talking and start changing the way they look at life. With expert care parents can feel reassured that they can help their child and know that they will be supported along the way.
Research shows that stammering responds to therapy. It may not always go away but there’s a good chance that it will improve. I have certainly seen enough success at the Centre to know how much better life might have been for my father had he been given the chance to learn how to communicate confidently and happily regardless of his stammer, which is my wish for everyone who comes to the Centre.
Whether you are a parent worrying about your child or needing your questions answered, a young person worrying about having a stammer, or an adult deciding that you would like some help, my hope is that you will find the information here that you need.”
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Travers Reid Hon FRCSLT
Co-founder and Life President of Action for Stammering Children Travers was a true gentleman whose ambition and achievements have changed the lives of many thousands of children and families. First and foremost he was a devoted family man, married to Sandra for 60 years and intensely proud of his children and grandchildren. More than 30 …