UK DYSPHONIA COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT RESOURCES
Support, resources, and connection for people living with voice disorders across the United Kingdom.
Listen to a welcome from Area Contact Leader Margaret Stoddart
Living with a voice disorder can change how you communicate, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Across the United Kingdom, people are finding support, practical guidance, and meaningful connection with others who truly understand the journey.
Through Dysphonia International, you’re part of a community. Members throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland come together to share experiences, learn from one another, and access trusted resources. This page brings everything into one place — from local information and specialists to support groups and ways to connect.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with a voice disorder for years, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence, knowing support is always close by.
UNDERSTANDING CARE FOR YOUR VOICE IN THE UK
Most people start their care journey with their General Practitioner (GP) and a referral through the National Health Service. Taking a few moments to prepare questions or notes can help you make the most of your appointment. Here’s a quick look at the usual steps, so you feel informed and confident about what comes next.
- Appointment with the GP
- Referral to an ENT or Laryngologist
- Specialist assessment of your voice
- Treatment options determined
National Health Service Referral Checklist
Getting started with care through the National Health Service (NHS) can sometimes feel overwhelming — especially if you’re not sure what to ask for or what happens next. Most people start their care journey with their General Practitioner (GP) and a referral through the National Health Service.
Download this simple checklist which is designed to guide you step-by-step, from your GP visit to seeing a specialist so you can feel confident, ask the right questions, and advocate for the care you deserve. Bring it with you, take notes, and use it as a reference along the way. A little preparation can make a big difference. Advocating for yourself is completely appropriate — specialist care matters. You can also download this document for more information on benefits and financial considerations.
Find a Voice Specialist in the UK
If you are looking for a healthcare professional who specialises in voice disorders in the UK, a helpful starting point is the British Voice Association. They provide a downloadable Voice Clinics Information Booklet, which includes listings of clinics across the UK, along with details such as location, contact information, and the types of services offered. This resource highlights multidisciplinary voice clinics, often involving laryngologists (ENT specialists) and speech and language therapists who work together to assess and treat a wide range of voice conditions. As not all clinics are included, it is a useful guide rather than a complete directory, and you may also wish to speak with your GP for referral options or explore local NHS and private services.
QUICK GUIDE TO UK TERMS
You may come across a few UK-specific terms when scheduling appointments or referrals. Here’s a quick guide:
GP (General Practitioner) – your local doctor and usually your first step for care or specialist referrals
ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) – a hospital doctor who treats conditions of the ears, nose, throat, and related areas, including voice and swallowing
Laryngologist – an ENT who specialises specifically in voice and laryngeal (voice box) disorders
Speech & Language Therapist (SLT) – provides voice therapy (called an SLP in the U.S.) People must first be assessed by ENT before being seen by a SLT
Clinic or Trust – your local hospital or healthcare system
Knowing these terms can help appointments and referrals feel easier to navigate
FIND SUPPORT IN THE UK
GET INVOLVED
Looking to connect? There are plenty of ways to be part of the UK Dysphonia International community.
- Connect with an Area Contact Leader
- Attend a virtual meeting or webinar
- Take part in Walk for Talk (October)
- Share your story
- Raise awareness on World Voice Day (April 16)
- Subscribe for updates and resources
Connecting with someone who understands can make all the difference. Sometimes it’s simply knowing there’s another person nearby who has walked a similar path. Someone you can talk with, ask questions, or just share experiences with.
Through Dysphonia International, local support is led by volunteer Area Contact Leaders across the UK. These volunteers are members of the community themselves, people living with dysphonia, caregivers, or advocates who offer peer-to-peer support and a friendly point of contact close to home. They’re not clinicians — just caring community members who want to make sure no one feels alone.
Area Contacts are here to:
- Share helpful tips and resources
- Keep you updated on nearby and virtual gatherings
- Offer a friendly ear when you want to talk
AREA CONTACT LEADERS
UPCOMING UK VIRTUAL MEETINGS
Join us at an upcoming UK Dysphonia Support Group Meeting and connect with others who understand the challenges of living with a voice disorder. In addition, you are always welcome to join any of the virtual meetings sponsored by Dysphonia International that fit your schedule, no matter where you are located. These meetings provide a welcoming and understanding space for people living with voice disorders to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another.
In addition to the virtual meetings, participants can stay connected between sessions through an active WhatsApp group chat. To learn more or join, please contact Area Contact Leader Margaret Stoddart. Margaret also hosts a podcast called My Voice, My Way that gives a voice to people are living with voice disorders.
FIND BELONGING
“It’s hard to explain a voice disorder to people who haven’t lived it. The UK support calls gave me something I didn’t even know I needed — a virtual room full of people who just get it. I left the meeting feeling lighter and more confident."
FIND UNDERSTANDING
“For a long time, I felt like my voice disorder was something I just had to manage quietly on my own. Finding Dysphonia International changed that. Meeting others who truly understand what it’s like has given me confidence, practical tips, and a real sense of belonging.”
FIND REASSURANCE
“After my diagnosis, I felt completely lost trying to understand what help was available through the NHS. Finding Dysphonia International and connecting with others here in the UK made me realise I wasn’t the only one navigating this. That alone lifted such a weight.”