Westminster Hall debate on speech and language therapy
On Monday 27th January, there was a Westminster Hall debate supported by Dave Robertson MP on speech and language therapy. This debate happened because activist, Mikey Akers, started a campaign and petition calling for more funding for speech and language therapy. Dave Robertson opened the debate with a passionate speech that made the important point that there are significant social justice implications to speech and language challenges. He pointed out that in areas of disadvantage, as many as 50% of children start school struggling with talking and understanding words. He also mentioned the incredibly high number of young people in the youth justice system who have some form of speech and language challenge.
Other MPs highlighted the significant number of individuals, both children and adults, who require speech and language therapy but face barriers to access, such as long waiting lists and inadequate service provision. A key focus was the importance of early intervention, emphasising the long-term benefits for children and the potential to prevent more serious issues later in life.
Several MPs stressed the urgent need for increased government funding to expand services, train more professionals, and reduce waiting times. The debate also emphasised the crucial role of collaboration between health, education, and social care sectors to ensure seamless and effective support for individuals with speech and language challenges. Ultimately, the debate underscored the vital role of speech and language therapy and called on the Government to take decisive action to address the current shortcomings in service provision.
We were delighted to support the efforts to secure the debate and really pleased to see so many MPs engaged with this issue. We also want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mikey Akers for campaigning for and securing the Westminster Hall debate. Mikey has worked really hard and has brought much-needed attention to this critical issue.
There is a massive need for more speech and language therapists and many other types of specialists who help children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We need proper workforce planning and training, with the Government working with us and our partners in the SEND in the Specialists coalition, to ensure enough specialist support is available for children with life-long challenges.
