Celebrating 80 years of the RCSLT

Last week (21 May), we held a special celebratory event to mark 80 years of the RCSLT. Nearly 400 members, guests and RCSLT staff gathered from across the UK in the beautiful and historic setting of Southwark Cathedral, just around the corner from our London head office.

Together, guests listened to readings and reflections from SLTs at all stages of the career path from student to retired members.

RCSLT Chair, Irma Donaldson, opened the event saying: “As we mark this milestone, I want us to carry forward not just the achievements of the past, but the energy and ambition we’ll need for the years ahead.”

It was an emotional journey, with music from the Great Western Hospitals NHS choir and a powerful reflection from a service user, Jon Organ, who had speech and language therapy following a laryngectomy.

One of the highlights was a special interview conducted by our President Nick Hewer with former chair, Professor Pam Enderby. Pam took the audience on a journey through the rich history of the profession with anecdotes from her own experience highlighting how much it has grown and changed over the years.

The event was a lovely tribute and opportunity to recognise our profession, celebrate the amazing work of SLTs and look to the future of speech and language therapy. You can see the full Southwark Cathedral event programme and view all the images from the event on our flickr.

There is still time to get involved in celebrating RCSLT at 80. Visit our website for resources, information on our pop-up exhibition, and try your hand at completing our anniversary pledges.