2 July 2025
Hosted by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), the “Giving Voice to Stoke-on-Trent” event highlighted the urgent need for collective action to ensure every child is supported to develop essential communication skills.
The event opened with a warm welcome from local MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, David Williams, followed by a perspective shared by RCSLT Chief Executive Steve Jamieson. Gavin Snell, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, was also in attendance and local insights were presented by Janet Cooper, Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist, and Emma Drakeford, Lead for Early Years.
A central focus of the day was a round-table debate, where delegates tackled pressing questions: How do we keep early communication on the agenda? How can agencies collaborate more effectively to build a preventative approach? And crucially, where can investment be found—locally, nationally, or through business engagement?
Participants agreed that addressing early speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) must become a core priority across all sectors, especially in areas like Stoke-on-Trent where children’s developmental needs are significant. There was a strong call for smarter collaboration, better integration of services, and sustained funding to protect and extend successful programmes such as Stoke Speaks Out.
The event concluded with a commitment to develop a local action plan and ensure the sustainability of work in early SLCN—a vital step forward in transforming children’s futures through communication in Stoke-on-Trent.
