16 April 2026
To mark this year’s World Voice Day, we are highlighting the importance of the voice through a special podcast, new ROOT data and an Instagram takeover.
World Voice Day Podcast
We have released a special podcast, presented by RCSLT president, broadcaster and author Nick Hewer featuring two remarkable individuals Margaret Stoddart, a registered nurse, and Jono Organ, a charity CEO, sharing their experiences of living with voice difficulties.
This heart-warming, insightful, and, at times, amusing podcast interview explores several themes, including loss of identity and friendships, societal challenges, and how speech and language therapy can help people – not only to communicate with others, but also to create a sense of self-worth and build confidence in everyday life.
During the recording, Jono, who has stage four head and neck cancer, reflects on having his voice box removed (laryngectomy), being fitted with a speech valve, and having to relearn how to swallow and talk. Margaret, who works as a Cath Lab coordinator in the Cardiology Department of Blackpool Victoria Hospital, finds her voice condition upsetting to speak about. For the past eight years, she has had a voice disorder called Muscle Tension Dysphonia and Spasmodic Dysphonia, which leaves her throat feeling tight and sore to talk.
The interview can be accessed via RCSLT Podcasts or via your favourite podcast app, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and SoundCloud.
New RCSLT ROOT data on Voice
We’re publishing brand new data about voice difficulties and how important speech and language therapy is in supporting people’s communication on Voice from our RCSLT Online Outcome Tool (ROOT). Head over to our Instagram and LinkedIn channels this afternoon to find out more and visit our webpage to discover how you can use the ROOT.
RCSLT Northern Ireland Instagram takeover
The Belfast Trust Speech and Language Therapy – Voice and Throat team has taken over RCSLT Northern Ireland’s Instagram channel today, bringing you education on Vocal Hygiene and the importance of looking after your voice. We would love to see you get involved. Follow along and show your support for the speech and language therapy team by liking, sharing and commenting.
