The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) reported recently on the Giving Voice Mass Mobilisation event held in October. You can read the article in full here: http:/ www.rcslt.org/giving_voice/giving_voice_westminster_rally
They state that The Giving Voice campaign aims to “demonstrate Speech and Language Therapists’ unique value to national and local decision makers, while showing evidence of their efficiency and value for money. The campaign website can be found here: http://www.givingvoiceuk.org/”
Launched last year, a number of events have been held throughout the UK over the last twelve months in support of the campaign. On Tuesday 18th October, the Giving Voice Mass Mobilisation Westminster Event was held and proved to be a huge success. The website reported the following:
Some headlines from the day:
- 255Speech and Language Therapists and service users turned up for the Giving Voice rally
- Over 100 MPs were met– in private meetings, at our event within parliament and via the green card system
- Over 400 tweetswhich included the hashtag #givingvoiceuk were published during the day (keep them coming!)”
They also report that Robert Buckland MP used Prime Minister’s Questions to ask David Cameron if the government supports the Giving Voice campaign. Taken from : www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm111019/debtext/111019-0001.htm
“Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con): Will my right hon. Friend join me in supporting the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists “giving voice” campaign, which rightly emphasises the central importance of speech, language and communication in tackling a wide range of social issues?
The Prime Minister: I will certainly join my hon. Friend in doing that, and I know that you, Mr Speaker, take a close personal interest in this issue as well. Anyone who has brought up disabled children knows the vital importance of speech and language therapists. They also know that there are often not enough of them to provide all the help and services we need, and that getting their services through the statementing process can be extremely tough. I therefore certainly agree with what my hon. Friend says.”
The event certainly highlighted the importance of speech and language therapy, and the important role that speech and language therapists play to many individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds. It also demonstrated how the campaign is reaching the national stage, with the Prime Minister acknowledging his support at Prime Minister’s Questions. Geoffrey Rush, who played speech and language therapist Lionel Logue in ‘The King’s Speech’ has also given his support to the campaign.
If you think that a family member or friend may benefit from speech and language therapy and associated services, Integrated Treatment Services could be of help. Contact us here: https://integratedtreatmentservices.co.uk/contact-us/enquiry
Sarah Bennington, November 2011
Written on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services. Integrated Treatment Services is a private Speech and Language Therapy service based in Leicestershire and the East Midlands . It specialises in providing highly-skilled Speech and Language Therapists, but also associates with other therapeutic professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists and Arts Therapists.
