Our team of Speech and Language Therapists are able to assess and carry out therapy programmes for a range of speech, language, cognitive communication, social communication and swallowing disorders after acquired brain injury.

We work closely within a skilled MDT and alongside families to carry out assessments, plan therapy programmes and set person-centred goals. Our interventions take place within the service, and where possible and appropriate, in the local community, where we can work on communication in function in a broad range of day-to-day activities.

We have access to many formal assessments such as the Comprehensive Aphasia Test, Mt Wilga High Level Language Assessment and Frenchay Dysarthria Test. We use a range of therapy techniques which focus on the impairment, such as oro-motor and language exercise programmes, as well as exploring and teaching strategies to enable individuals to compensate for communication difficulties.

Where indicated, we can refer individuals with swallowing impairment to local NHS services for a video fluoroscopy assessment of their swallowing.

We work with many individuals who require the use of low- or high-tech communication aids. We can make referrals to local NHS services for assessment and provision of Alternative and Augmentative Communication Aids (AAC) and then work collaboratively to ensure people who require AAC are supported as they become confident using a device.

Members of our team have experience within the field of voice disorders and are able to work with people who present with dysphonia e.g. vocal cord palsy post stroke. If ENT evaluation is required, we make a referral to a local outpatient service and then carry out therapy programmes, including using techniques such as Accent Method and Voicecraft.

Regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for all our therapists ensures we remain up to date with the latest evidence base around the assessment and management of communication and swallowing disorders.