Speech, Language and Communications Alliance launched in Parliament

The Speech, Language and Communications Alliance was officially launched at The Houses of Parliament. The Alliance was created to foster better support for children and young people with speech, language, and communication challenges in the UK

Launched yesterday (5th February), the Alliance is a voice for the 1.9 million children and young people with specialist speech, language and communication needs, and will ensure that the UK government and policymakers are prioritising this group when developing policy and legislation.

Speech, language and communication challenges affect every element of a young person’s life, such as learning, social interactions, and emotional wellbeing, with these children twice as likely to be unemployed as young adults. The challenges stretch far beyond a child’s ability to talk or understand words. Children with these difficulties are six times more likely to behind in English and eleven times more likely to be behind in maths by age 11.

Hosted by Lord Touhig and Jess Asato MP, the event united Alliance members with supporters, including Stephen Morgan, minister for early education, who sent a video message of support.

Lord Touhig is president of the National Autistic Society, and he welcome attendees and emphasised the importance of combatting the issues children with speech and language challenges face every day.

He said: “Speech, language and communication are the bedrock of learning, social interaction, and emotional well-being. When children struggle to communicate, it affects every aspect of their lives. The Speech, Language and Communication Alliance has a vital role to play in advocating for these children and young people, ensuring that their needs are recognised and addressed at the highest levels of government.”

Jane Harris, CEO of Speech and Language UK, and Stephen Parsons are the co-chairs of the Alliance, and both gave speeches.

Jane Harris said: “No Parliament has adequately represented the 1.9 million children with speech and language challenges — we are counting on all of you to do better. If you want to successfully reform the SEND system, if you want more children to be ready for school, if you want fewer children to experience mental health problems, then you have to start talking far more about the role of speech and language challenges in all of those goals.”