Speech and language therapists

Speech and language therapists provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment and support for children and adults of all ages who have difficulties with speech, language, communication, eating, drinking and swallowing.

Speech and language therapists work directly with service users and their carers to provide them with individualised support. They also work closely with teachers, doctors, nurses, other AHPs and psychologists to develop intervention programmes according to the service user’s individual needs.

Speech and language therapists play a key role in rehabilitation, improving the quality of people’s lives and helping them to achieve their potential. They provide guidance and advice on how to help promote the best quality care and support for those with communication and swallowing difficulties.

They work in a variety of locations across health and social care, local communities, education facilities, voluntary agencies and in the independent sector.

Speech and language therapists encourage service users and/or carers to be involved in their own care by providing information and encouraging active participation in the intervention process. They aim to support and empower service users or families to manage the communication difficulty themselves.

Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

2/3 White Hart Yard,
London SE1 1NX
Tel: 020 7378 1200
www.rcslt.org

Northern Ireland office:

Arthur House
41 Arthur Street
Belfast BT1 4GB
Tel: 028 9044 6385
https://www.rcslt.org/policy/northern-ireland/