Integrated Treatment Services

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, I.T.S could be of help. Contact us here: http://www.integratedtreatments.co.uk/contact-us/enquiry

Sarah Bennington, November 2011

Written on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services. I.T.S 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 Creative Expressive Therapists.