Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) work in partnership with children, adults, their families and education staff to support and care for those who have difficulties with communication, eating, drinking or swallowing.

The Children’s Speech and Language Therapy service is available to children and young people aged 0 to 18 years old, or up to the age of 19 years if they are in full time education at school or college. 

• SLTs assess and treat speech, language and communication needs to help children and young people communicate effectively.
   
• They also assess, treat and develop personalised plans to support people who have eating/drinking and swallowing problems.
   
• Using specialist skills, SLTs work directly with children/ young people and their carers to provide tailored support. They also work closely with other professionals to reduce the impact of these difficulties.
   
• Parents have the opportunity to attend appointments including therapy sessions.
   
• The SLT service have developed information leaflets on a range of communication and feeding difficulties that are available in clinics.
   
• All schools and settings in Wolverhampton have a SLT resource folder which contains strategies and activities to support communication

Anyone can refer a child to this service with parental permission, this includes Health visitors, GPs, Consultants, teachers and parents. Parents may need to speak to a health professional to find out about the self-referral process.

The views of parents and education staff are important, verbal and written feedback via questionnaires are requested.

They also encourage parents to contact the SLT department to discuss any concerns they may have regarding their child’s speech and language intervention.

Aiming to resolve concerns quickly following departmental and Trust guidelines.

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust service feedback can also be provided by visiting Patient experience team.

• Telephone: 01902 444363
• Speech and Language Therapy Service, The Gem Centre, Neachells Lane, Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV11 3PG