We’re proud to share that City Lit Fellow Ed Balls has been named Lifelong Learning Ambassador at this year’s Get the Nation Learning Awards, hosted by the Learning and Work Institute at the Barbican.
Ed first came to City Lit while he was still in government, signing up for speech therapy classes to help manage his stammer. He spent time working with our brilliant tutor Jan Logan, learning techniques that boosted his confidence and helped him communicate more clearly - skills that still support him today in his roles as broadcaster, writer and public figure.
His journey is a great example of how adult learning can make a real difference. Since then, Ed’s become a passionate advocate for lifelong learning and for people who stammer, taking on roles like Vice President of Action for Stammering Children and Patron of the British Stammering Association.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain following the awards ceremony, Ed reflected on how his experience at City Lit shaped his personal and professional life:
“Many of the things I do now every day... would not have been possible without Jan Logan and the amazing team at City Lit who do such brilliant work to support adults like me to be themselves and manage their stammer.”
You can watch the Good Morning Britain coverage (00:46:30) or catch highlights on Good Morning Britain X account.
The Get the Nation Learning Awards celebrate individuals and organisations whose stories highlight the life-changing power of learning at every stage of life. Ed received his award from Maggie Galliers CBE, President of the Learning and Work Institute, who praised him as “an outstanding ambassador for people who stammer.”
Congratulations, Ed, from all of us at City Lit. Your journey continues to inspire learners across the country.
About the author
Caroline is a movement specialist whose vocation stems from her own transformative healing journey. Overcoming chronic fatigue syndrome through a daily Yoga practice inspired her to help others discover the power of movement. As a British Wheel of Yoga teacher and experienced Q3 Pilates tutor, she guides students toward stronger, more fluid movement, whilst emphasising spinal health, alignment, breath, and whole-body integration. Her academic background in aesthetic philosophy gives her a unique perspective on the feeling and perception of movement, allowing her to transition seamlessly between theory and practice and enabling her to connect with students who struggle with body and spatial awareness.
Speech Therapy at City Lit
City Lit Speech Therapy in London offers expert-led stammering support through daytime intensives, evening workshops, and ongoing follow-up programmes. Our specialist team helps adults build confidence and communication skills in a welcoming, world-class setting.
