Speech and language therapy

Speech and language therapy

What is a Speech and Language Therapist?

• Difficulties listening and concentrating
• Difficulties interacting with others
• Difficulties understanding what people say
• Difficulties saying sounds and words
• Difficulties putting words into sentences
• Stammering
• Voice difficulties

Speech and Language Therapists also help children and adults who have eating, drinking and swallowing problems.

Speech and Language Therapists are "Allied Health Professionals", and are governed by 2 organisations:

• The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). To be eligible, the individual successfully completes a Degree Qualification through a University
• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Every SLT must be registered with this body to be called a qualified Speech and Language Therapist

Each Speech and Language Therapist is checked through the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) before they can be employed. All professionals who work with children must be CRB checked, as part of the Safeguarding Children and Every Child Matters Government Directive.

Places where Speech and Language Therapists work

Speech and Language Therapists work in various locations and settings across the county to support and develop individual’s communication needs.

Speech and Language Therapists work with parents. carers, families and other key people to help individuals communicate as effectively as they can. Speech and Language Therapists may provide support to:

• Schools and nurseries:
• Children's centres
• Hospitals
• Nursing/residential home
• Patient’s own homes
• Community sites 

SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability)

There is information, support, services and activities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

To find out about the local SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) offer visit the Trust's SEND page.