14 March 2007

Minister addresses launch of APPG

For immediate release. Page one of two

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Care Services Ivan Lewis, MP, will address the launch of the new All Party Parliamentary Group on Speech and Language Difficulties today (Wednesday, 14 March 2007) at the House of Commons.

The APPG, chaired by John Bercow, MP, will raise awareness of communication disorders; highlight the importance of early intervention for children with speech and language problems and press for increased provision of specialist therapy and teaching.

John Bercow says, "Communication is the core of all social interaction. People who suffer from speech, language or communication difficulties need early intervention and specialist help to overcome those difficulties.

"The APPG will fight to raise awareness of the issue and push Government for the services needed to help people live fulfilling lives and for the benefit of society as a whole."

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists has worked with parliamentarians to raise the profile of communication difficulties.

RCSLT Chief Executive Kamini Gadhok says, "The establishment of the Group is a significant step in placing communication disability firmly on the Government's agenda.

"We are delighted that parliamentarians have shown they realise the vital role communication plays in enabling people of all ages to maintain relationships, access education and contribute to society."

Key facts include:

  • Over one-third of stroke sufferers have persisting speech, language and communication problems
  • Over three-quarters of people with mental health disorders have communication difficulties

· More than 5% of children enter school with difficulties in speech and language

· Nearly two-thirds of young offenders have speech and language impairment or communication needs

"These last two facts highlight that we must invest early in children, rather than paying later. Without early intervention there will be ongoing costs to the taxpayer, society, families and, most importantly, the individual with communication difficulties," Kamini adds.

"The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists calls on Government to recognise the importance of supporting children with communication difficulties as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

"By prioritising children with disabilities across children's services, including health, we will give these children most in need the best possible start in their young lives."

Speaking before the launch, Minister Lewis said, "I warmly welcome the formation of the APPG on Speech and Language Difficulties and am delighted to see the wide cross party support it has already received. This serves to show the fundamental importance that communication plays in all our lives."

"The Government recognises the vital role of communication in enabling people of all ages to maintain relationships, access education and contribute to society.

"I will seek to work closely with the APPG and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists to ensure that speech and language difficulties, and the impact that they have on people's lives, remain a government priority.

"The Government recognises the importance of early intervention and the key role that speech and language therapy plays in addressing speech and language difficulties in young children, especially the 6% of children with specific communication needs."

Ends

Notes for editors:

  • The All Party Parliamentary Group on Speech and Language Difficulties launch will take place in the Terrace Pavilion on Wednesday 14 march 2007 between 4pm and 6 pm.
  • Over 120 invited guests will attend from organisations with shared interests and expertise in speech and language issues. These include the Prison Reform Trust, the Basic Skills Agency, the National Literacy Trust, the Stroke Association, and the National Autistic Society.
  • Speakers will include Chair John Bercow, MP; John Podmore, Head of Community Prisons and Transitional Facilities at the Home Office; and RCSLT Chief Executive Kamini Gadhok.
  • Speech and language therapists Yvonne Bruton-Miller and Amanda Rees will demonstrate the importance of communication skills.
  • The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) is the professional body for speech and language therapists in the UK and has over 13,000 members. It is responsible for setting, promoting and maintaining high standards in education, clinical practice and ethical conduct. Visit: www.rcslt.org for more information.

For more information contact:

RCSLT England Policy Officer Jane Mackenzie, tel: 0207 378 1200, mob: 07973 702 772, email: jane.mackenzie@rcslt.org

RCSLT Head of Policy Nick Smith, tel: 0207 378 3015, email: nick.smith@rcslt.org

RCSLT Communications Manager Steven Harulow, tel: 0207 378 3004, mob: 0790 369 2426, email: steven.harulow@rcslt.org

For more information contact Steven Harulow, email: steven.harulow@rcslt.org tel: 020 7378 3004