Kim Hartley: Making themselves heard

People consider the ability to understand and express themselves through speech, non-verbals and writing as fundamental to a happy, healthy, successful life. Next time you talk to family, log on to Facebook, text or call NHS 24, think what it would be like if you couldn't communicate easily. That's life for 250,000 people in Scotland who have speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).

That includes more than 50 per cent of children living in deprived areas, one-third of people who have had a stroke, two-thirds of young offenders, 80 per cent of people using mental health services, 90 per cent of people with learning disabilities, 100 per cent of throat cancer patients, and people with dementia, Parkinson's, MS, stammer and voice problems.

In 2007, research showed people with SLCN are more likely to be unemployed, misjudged, victims and/or perpetrators of crime and live in socially deprived areas.

Scotland's 1200 speech and language therapists (SLTs) can help. They work to help individuals with SLCN overcome or cope better with their difficulties. They also help those who live, work or provide services to adapt their communication to support people with needs.

Independent research showed SLT delivers 61.3 million estimated net benefit to the Scottish economy.

SLTs can only make a difference if they are given the opportunity to provide the best, most innovative treatment. Since 2009, funding has been cut annually, services have been stopped, rationed and waiting times have grown.

The "Giving Voice" campaign highlights the experience of people with SLCN and/or swallowing problems (SLTs' other client group) and to explain what SLTs can do to transform lives and save money.

Kim Hartley is the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists' Scotland Officer, http://www.givingvoiceuk.org/.