About Me – Byron Ford, Founder of Vocal Voyage
I've had a stammer for as long as I can remember. As a child, I often stayed silent — not because I didn't have anything to say, but because I was afraid of how I'd say it. I missed out on friendships, held back in school, and avoided speaking even when I knew the answer. That fear followed me into adulthood, affecting my confidence and holding me back from opportunities I knew I was capable of.
Over the years, I've had speech and language therapy, and for the first time, I truly feel like I'm becoming my full self. I'm no longer ashamed of my voice — I'm proud of it. And that's exactly what I want for other young people.
I've worked with adults, children, and young people, but my heart has always been in youth work. I hold a BA Hons in Youth and Community Work and have spent the last decade supporting young people through some of the toughest moments of their lives.
Now, through Vocal Voyage, I'm combining my personal experience with my professional passion — to give young people with speech and language difficulties the support I never had growing up. Because every voice matters — and every young person deserves to be heard.
Our Mission
At Vocal Voyage, our mission is to support young people aged 11–24 with speech and language difficulties to feel confident, connected, and heard. We create safe, inclusive spaces where they can build self-esteem, make friends, and express themselves without fear of judgment. Through mentoring, youth clubs, and awareness-raising, we empower young people to overcome social barriers and grow into their full potential — because every voice matters.
What Makes Us Different?
Vocal Voyage provides real-life mentoring, not clinical therapy, through trained mentors who understand communication challenges firsthand. We focus on achievable goals that build confidence, enhance social skills, and support personal and professional growth—ensuring individuals feel heard, supported, and empowered.
We also run inclusive youth clubs where everyone “gets it” — relaxed spaces to make friends, have fun, and feel understood.
We’re passionate about raising awareness too, helping schools, families, and communities better understand speech and language difficulties so no young person feels left out or alone.
Our Values
Educative
We believe in learning together — giving young people the knowledge, tools, and support to better understand themselves and the world around them.
Expressive
Every young person deserves the freedom to express who they are in their own way, without fear of judgment or pressure to "fit in."
Empowering
We help young people build confidence, recognise their strengths, and realise they have the power to shape their own future.
Inclusive
We welcome everyone — no matter how they communicate — and create safe, respectful spaces where all voices are valued equally.
Participative
Young people are at the heart of everything we do — their ideas, feedback, and choices shape our projects and guide our journey.