Raising a Glass to Confidence and Change

It was a genuine pleasure and real privilege to be invited to the Embassy of Chile in London on 5 May 2025 for a special wine tasting evening. We gathered to celebrate the triumphant return of the Into Clean Air Expedition, which had just crossed the Atacama Desert in electric vehicles, a first of its kind. Beyond the adventure itself, this journey raised vital funds and awareness for Talking Out’s residential programme run by Action for Stammering Children, so it felt like more than a party, it was a moment of collective purpose.

Pushing boundaries in the driest place on Earth
Hearing Dr Alan Crofts and the expedition crew describe their three week, 3 200 km electric vehicle trek was awe inspiring. Imagine driving under the clearest night sky, stopping every few hours to snap shots of the Milky Way that felt almost cinematic. One volunteer described seeing shooting stars “like confetti” against that velvet blackness. It really drove home how tackling environmental challenges can go hand in hand with pushing personal limits, and that theme resonated deeply with our young panellists later on.

Facilitating open chats through a gender aware lens
I felt especially proud to host the panel with Bella and Joshua, two phenomenal young advocates whose experiences brought the Talking Out residential to life. Bella spoke about trying out wakeboarding for the first time, “I honestly thought I’d faceplant every two seconds”, and how nailing that first ride built her confidence in a way therapy sessions alone could not. Joshua, meanwhile, reflected on joining the group as a shy 15 year old and leaving as someone who could quite literally own the room. It was great to see that both women and men find their strengths affirmed, and that the programme makes space for everyone’s story regardless of background or gender.

Why the Talking Out residential really matters
It is not just about one afternoon on a board or a single night under incredible skies. Time and again we heard how participants carry their new confidence back into school, family life and even their first jobs. One parent told me afterwards how their daughter, who had dreaded presentations, now volunteers to introduce assemblies. That kind of transformation is exactly why we do this work, opening up opportunities that ripple outwards, generation to generation.

A taste of Chile, culture and connection
We did not just drink vino, we treated our taste buds to Chile’s regional diversity. From the bold peppery reds of Colchagua to crisp floral whites from Limarí, each glass came with stories of sun soaked vineyards and ancestral grape growing techniques. I learned that in Chile, sharing wine is a gesture of trust and friendship, something fitting for a group united by stammering advocacy, where trust and listening are at the heart of every conversation.

Looking ahead with action
Moments like this remind me that celebration and reflection can coexist. We toasted a record setting expedition and recommitted to the year ahead, expanding Talking Out so more young people regardless of gender or background can find their voices. As someone who has seen the difference it makes, I am excited to support ASC’s next steps, whether that means new residential locations or digital peer support groups.

Thank you again to Nicolás Poblete Bravo and everyone at ProChile for hosting us so warmly, and to Ria, Joe and the ASC team for orchestrating such a joyful, meaningful evening. Here’s to many more opportunities to raise a glass and raise a voice for stammering children everywhere.

By Thomas Grattoni-May – ASC Youth Panel Member