RCSLT - Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
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This is the official podcast of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists - RCSLT. We were established on 6 January 1945 to promote the art and science of speech and language therapy – the care for individuals with communication, swallowing, eating and drinking difficulties. We are the professional body for speech and language therapists in the UK; providing leadership and setting professional standards. We facilitate and promote research into the field of speech and language therapy, promote better education and training of speech and language therapists and provide information for our members and the public about speech and language therapy.

  1. 1d ago

    IJLCD - Meta-analysis reveals low language capacity in childhood is associated with mental health problems in adulthood

    Please let us know what you think of this podcast. In this episode we welcome Dr Jarrad Lum, Associate Professor, Cogntive Neuroscience and Shelby Lim, Doctor of Pyschology (Clinical) Candidate, both of Deakin University, Australia, to discuss their paper 'Meta-analysis reveals low language capacity in childhood is associated with mental health problems in adulthood’ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1460-6984.13125 The research builds upon previous studies which showed that children and adolescents with speech, language and communication issues are at increased risk of anxiety, depression and other emotional difficulties. This study shows that those children carry a higher risk of broader mental health challenges into adulthood than those without such a history. The paper looks at the implications for practice for professionals working in learning, education, health and social care. Note: In the podcast we talk about the need for screeners for speech, language and communication needs. As far as we are aware there is not anything out there for screening for broad SLN issues as the screeners that are available are for specific conditions. However, speech and language therapists will tend to develop screening tools for their mental health colleagues as part of their responsibility for raising awareness of/identifying Speech, Language and Communication Needs among the population they are working with. Listeners may also find it useful to take a look at the Communication Access training which was set up by RCSLT and partners: https://communication-access.co.uk/ and Understanding communication difficulties in the justice system core modules https://www.rcsltcpd.org.uk/courses/understanding-communication-difficulties-in-the-justice-system-core-modules/ The paper is: 'Meta-analysis reveals low language capacity in childhood is associated with mental health problems in adulthood’ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1460-6984.13125’ Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

  2. Aug 9

    IJLCD - Healthcare professionals' experiences and opinions of above cuff vocalisation

    Please let us know what you think of this podcast. Please let us know what you think of this podcast. In this episode we chat with Dr Claire Mills about her PhD paper 'Worth a try or a last resort: Healthcare professionals’ experiences and opinions of above cuff vocalisation'.  Above Cuff Vocalisation (ACV) is a technique that allows patients with a cuffed tracheostomy tube to speak. A recent systematic review highlighted the limited evidence available for the acceptability, effectiveness, safety or optimal implementation of ACV. Dr Mills set out to explore the experience of healthcare professionals (HCPs) using ACV and their perceptions of best practice.  Dr Mills is Adult Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist—specialising in critical care—at the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London. The paper is: Worth a try or a last resort: Healthcare professionals’ experiences and opinions of above cuff vocalisation’ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1460-6984.12970 Funding: This research was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) as part of an HEE/NIHR ICA Programme. Claire Mills was funded by an NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship (ICA-CDRF-2017-03-036). Claire is now funded by an NIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship (NIHR507322). The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. Further information: Download your copy of the ACV Safety Guidance: https://www.atosmedical.co.uk/blog-and-news/above-cuff-vocalisation-acv-safety-guidelinesEvidence for Above Cuff Vocalization in Patients with a Tracheostomy: A Systematic Review: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lary.29591Survey of Healthcare Professionals: https://www.archives-pmr.org/article/S0003-9993(21)01426-X/fulltextHealth Economic Evaluation: https://journals.lww.com/ccejournal/fulltext/2025/12000/an_early_stage_decision_analytic_health_economic.12.aspxMathematical modelling of airflow in the subglottic space during ACV: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00134-025-08005-wTroubleshooting above cuff vocalisation: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00134-024-07779-9 Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

  3. Jul 23

    RCSLT news July 2026: New PM and ministers; Experts at hand in England; funding in Wales; NHS AHP strategy and more

    Please let us know what you think of this podcast. In our update this month we are joined by Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs. We cover: New PM and what this might mean for health and social care. Plus Andy Burnham's previous pledge to the Mikey's Wish 'Invest in SLT' campaign: https://www.rcslt.org/news/invest-in-slt-campaign-letter-delivered-to-downing-street/An update on the 'Experts at Hand' programme for SEND in schools in England. https://www.rcslt.org/news/new-guidance-on-developing-the-experts-at-hand-offer/Modern Service Frameworks: https://www.rcslt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RCSLT-response-to-the-Cardiovascular-Disease-Modern-Services-Framework-July-2026.pdfUpdate on Welsh government funding for ALN.NHS AHP strategy - get involved! https://www.rcslt.org/events/join-the-slt-conversation-influencing-the-future-ahp-strategy/ APPG on neighbourhood health: https://www.csp.org.uk/news/2026-07-02-all-party-parliamentary-group-ahps-launches-inquiry-neighbourhood-healthand much more!Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

  4. Jun 23

    RCSLT news June 2026: resignation of PM; King's birthday honours; SEN reform NI; funding in Wales; Health Bill in England and more

    Please let us know what you think of this podcast. In our update this month we are joined by Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs. We cover: Resignation of Sir Keir Starmer and what it might mean for health and social care.Good news in the King's birthday honours: https://www.rcslt.org/news/speech-and-language-therapy-recognised-in-kings-birthday-honours/ Updates from Northern Ireland including election prep, SEN reform and new guidance, DLD exam work and Voicebox competition: https://www.rcslt.org/news/young-voices-bring-big-laughs-at-voicebox-final-northern-ireland/£145million extra funding in Wales, but large challenges.Update on Experts at Hand in England.Health Bill.and much more!About our sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Zanda. Zanda combines all your admin, billing, scheduling, and communication needs into one easy-to-use platform built specifically for health practitioners. It supports SLTs to simplify practice management, from online bookings and automated reminders to secure notes, AI, invoicing, and payments, all in one connected system. Zanda helps you stay organised, improve cash flow, and create a smooth client experience from first appointment to final payment. https://zandahealth.com/uk/profession/speech-therapy-software/?utm_source=rcslt&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=UK_Podcast&utm_content=paid Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT. Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

  5. Jun 3

    IJLCD: Speech sound error patterns may signal language disorder in Swedish preschool children with autism

    Please let us know what you think of this podcast. In this podcast we chat with Carmela Miniscalo and Anna-Clara Reinholdson about their research which looks at speech sound ability in relation to language ability and non-verbal ability in Swedish pre-school children with ASD. The paper is: Miniscalco, C., Reinholdson, A.-C., Gillberg, C. & Johnels, J.A. (2024) Speech sound error patterns may signal language disorder in Swedish preschool children with autism. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 59, 2516–2527. https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.13099 Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

  6. May 18

    RCSLT news May 2026: impact of election results in Wales, Scotland and England; plus State of the Nation report in Wales and AHPs debate in Parliament

    Please let us know what you think of this podcast. In our update this month we are joined by Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Dr Caroline Walters, External Affairs Manager for Wales and Glenn Carter, Head of Scotland Office.. We cover: Election results in Wales and how we will work with the new government there.Wales State of the Nation report 2026: https://www.rcslt.org/news/rcslt-wales-launch-2026-state-of-the-nation-report/ Election results in Scotland and how we influenced the manifestos. (See Scotland manifesto asks: https://www.rcslt.org/news/rcslt-scotland-publishes-key-manifesto-asks-ahead-of-2026-elections/)Expected or hoped for impact on speech and language therapy.The political backdrop in England and Wes Streeting's resignation.Bills in the King's speech.AHP debate in Parliament.About our sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Zanda. Zanda combines all your admin, billing, scheduling, and communication needs into one easy-to-use platform built specifically for health practitioners. It supports SLTs to simplify practice management, from online bookings and automated reminders to secure notes, AI, invoicing, and payments, all in one connected system. Zanda helps you stay organised, improve cash flow, and create a smooth client experience from first appointment to final payment. https://zandahealth.com/uk/profession/speech-therapy-software/?utm_source=rcslt&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=UK_Podcast&utm_content=paid Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

  7. Apr 17

    RCSLT April 2026 news: research opportunities at RCSLT; Invest in SLT; SEND; NHSE workforce plan: Welsh manifestos and more

    Please let us know what you think of this podcast. In our update this month we are joined by Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs and Amit Kulkarni, Head of Research and Outcomes. We cover: Research Champions Professional Network https://www.rcslt.org/members/research/research-networks/#section-2 Relaunch of registration for Clinical Academic Mentors scheme https://www.rcslt.org/members/research/research-networks/#section-3 Link between research and outcomes and decision makingUpdate on Invest in SLT campaign: https://www.rcslt.org/news/invest-in-slt-campaign-letter-delivered-to-downing-street/ NHSE Workforce plan – advance testsSEND consultation https://www.rcslt.org/news/send-reforms-share-your-views/, EAH detail on ICB roles, and Parliamentary debate (plus PPA and AHPs)Welsh manifestosHelp us build our next strategy: https://www.rcslt.org/news/help-us-build-our-next-strategy/RCSLT Research strat plan listening events: Listening event 13 May: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7450576966879117313/?viewAsMember=true Listening event 18 May: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7450581649479880705/?viewAsMember=true Podcast for World Voice Day: https://www.rcslt.org/news/new-podcast-highlights-the-importance-of-voice/ About our sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Zanda. Zanda combines all your admin, billing, scheduling, and communication needs into one easy-to-use platform built specifically for health practitioners. It supports SLTs to simplify practice management, from online bookings and automated reminders to secure notes, AI, invoicing, and payments, all in one connected system. Zanda helps you stay organised, improve cash flow, and create a smooth client experience from first appointment to final payment. https://zandahealth.com/uk/profession/speech-therapy-software/?utm_source=rcslt&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=UK_Podcast&utm_content=paid Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

  8. Apr 15

    World Voice Day personal stories: RCSLT President Nick Hewer meets Margaret and Jono, two remarkable people with voice difficulties

    Please let us know what you think of this podcast. World Voice Day podcast notes  For World Voice Day 2026 RCSLT President Nick Hewer met with two people with voice difficulties, Margaret Stoddart and Jono Organ. They chat about their voice conditions, the difficulties they have faced, how speech and language therapy has supported them and what life is like now.   About the speakers: Margaret  Elvis Presley fan, registered nurse and grandmother of six, Margaret Stoddart works as cath lab coordinator in the Cardiology department of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. For the past six years she’s experienced a voice disorder called Muscle Tension Dysphonia and Spasmodic Dysphonia.    Margaret is area contact leader for Dysphonia International, an organisation  dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by spasmodic dysphonia and related voice conditions through research, education, awareness, and support. She also hosts her own podcast ‘My Voice, My Way.'  Jono  Jono Organ is married with four children and 11 grandchildren, a self-employed health and safety consultant and trainer, working in the construction industry. He used to enjoy cycling and running before being diagnosed with head and neck cancer. Since his laryngectomy operation in 2023, he’s shifted his focus to awareness raising.   Jono is a governor for the Royal Marsden hospital and sits on panels there, as well as at Great Ormond street Hospital. He is an ambassador to The Throat cancer foundation and also Oracle head and neck UK. In January this year he also set up a laryngectomy support group charity, ‘Life After Lary’.  Nick Hewer:  Nick Hewer, former presenter of iconic television programme Countdown, holds the role of RCSLT President. He is passionate about raising awareness of communication and swallowing difficulties, and helps to promote the message of the RCSLT to the general public. His ongoing work with the RCSLT has earned him an honorary degree from Plymouth Marjon University.  Nick is also a published author, and he has previously worked as a public relations consultant and as Lord Sugar’s right-hand-man on The Apprentice. He is also patron for several charities, including Fairtrade, Hope and Homes for Children, Pancreatic Cancer Action and Street Child Sierra Leone.  Useful links:  Find out more about World Voice Day 2026, which takes place on April 16: https://worldvoiceday.org/  ‘My Voice, My Way’ podcast hosted by Margaret: https://myvoicemyway.buzzsprout.com/  ‘Life After Lary’: https://www.lifeafterlary.co.uk/news/2942375_new-uk-charity-dedicated-to-supporting-people-after-laryngectomy What is the RCSLT? https://www.rcslt.org/about-us/Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

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This is the official podcast of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists - RCSLT. We were established on 6 January 1945 to promote the art and science of speech and language therapy – the care for individuals with communication, swallowing, eating and drinking difficulties. We are the professional body for speech and language therapists in the UK; providing leadership and setting professional standards. We facilitate and promote research into the field of speech and language therapy, promote better education and training of speech and language therapists and provide information for our members and the public about speech and language therapy.

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