Speakers Project
"Speaking out about organ donation raises awareness and ultimately saves lives, and those of us directly affected have the power to do this."
What is The Speakers Project?
The Speakers Project is a LLTGL initiative, which aims to support those affected by organ donation and transplantation in speaking out about their experiences.
We are delighted to be affiliated with the US Charity Transplant Speakers International (TSI), who run a similar program across the United States and have shared their tried and tested training program with us.
The speakers training program aims to:
- Aid those affected by organ donation in identifying the emotional aspects of their experiences.
- Give guidance on elements such as structure and timing.
- Support participants to maximise the potential of their own individual stories.
- Help individuals present their stories to the group with tips and advice on public speaking.
- Advise on how to secure public speaking engagements.
Why is this a good idea?
The years have shown us that the most effective way to encourage others to think about organ donation is to tell a real life story. LLTGL believe that people are more likely to empathise with a situation if it is humanised and they can relate to it.
The program is designed to enable the wider transplant community to confidently tell their stories and by doing so reach out to people, rapidly increasing the number of people who have heard a personal story about organ donation. This will in turn help make them an informed decision and consider the very real benefits to so many when deciding whether to register as a donor.
Who is this suitable for?
The speakers training programme is suitable for anyone affected by organ donation or transplantation in whatever context, such as family members as well as recipients, those waiting, and donor families. The session is completely free, relaxed and informal, and a great chance to meet and chat to others affected by organ donation.
How will we achieve our aims?
We will run regular training workshops, with around 7 attendees per session, who then have the confidence, training and ability to speak confidently and openly about how Organ Donation has affected them personally.
Additionally we will help support volunteers in finding speaking engagements, and match requests for speakers to our bank of volunteers with particular reference to ensuring that our speakers experience will touch any particular interests/experience of your group.
How can I get involved?
Whether you are interested in volunteering or wish to request someone to come and speak at an occasion, please email speakers@lltgl.org.uk and let us know what we can help you with.
Testimonials:
'Excellent workshop. Not pressurised in any way.'
‘Enjoyable, concise, emotive, very educational’
‘I thought it was very beneficial and I found my confidence improved, so thank you’
‘Came away feeling I’ve learnt a lot and gained more confidence to talk’
'Excellent training. Lovely to see everyone working so well together and obviously gaining confidence and experience from the session.'
