Speech & Language Therapy

Specialist help for communication and swallowing difficulties.

About Speech & Language Therapy

Communication is central to everyday life. Following a stroke, brain injury or neurological condition, changes to speech, language, voice or swallowing can make it harder to express thoughts, join conversations, eat and drink safely, or take part in family and community life.

Our specialist speech and language therapists assess the difficulties each person is experiencing and develop practical rehabilitation around the situations that matter most to them. This may include improving speech clarity, supporting word finding and understanding, introducing communication strategies or aids, and helping to manage swallowing difficulties safely.

What is Speech & Language Therapy

Speech and language therapy is for people who have difficulties with communication or swallowing. Neurological conditions can affect the muscles used for speech and swallowing, as well as the areas of the brain involved in understanding language, finding words, reading, writing and social communication.

Understanding How it Works

Speech and language therapy begins with a detailed assessment of the person’s strengths, difficulties and goals.

This may include assessment of speech clarity, understanding, word finding, reading, writing, conversation, voice, facial movement and swallowing. The therapist may also speak with family members, carers and other professionals to understand how the difficulties affect everyday situations.

Therapy may include exercises, communication strategies, conversation practice, use of visual prompts or communication aids, and guidance for family members and support teams.

Where swallowing is affected, the therapist may recommend changes to food or drink consistency, positioning, pacing, equipment or mealtime support. They may also work closely with dietitians, doctors and other professionals to reduce risks and support good nutrition and hydration.

Who can Benefit?

You may benefit from specialist speech and language therapy if you are experiencing:

Difficulty finding or understanding words after a stroke or brain injury
Slurred, unclear or effortful speech
Problems reading, writing or following conversations
Changes in voice, volume or vocal control
Difficulty expressing thoughts, choices or needs
Problems with social communication or interpreting other people
Coughing, choking or discomfort when eating or drinking
Recurrent chest infections linked to possible swallowing difficulties
Difficulty managing saliva
Communication or swallowing changes linked to Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or another neurological condition

We can also support families, carers and professionals to communicate more effectively and respond consistently to the person’s needs.

Outcomes You can Expect

Depending on the individual’s needs and goals, speech and language therapy may help to achieve:

Clearer and more effective speech
Improved understanding and use of language
Greater confidence in conversation and social situations
Better ability to express needs, opinions and choices
Improved reading, writing or use of technology
Safer and more comfortable eating and drinking
Reduced risk of choking, dehydration or chest infection
Greater independence at home and in the community
Better communication between the individual, family and rehabilitation team

Progress is reviewed regularly so therapy can adapt as the person’s needs and abilities change.

Book a Discovery Session

Discover how personalised neurorehabilitation can support your recovery. Our 90-minute Neurotech Discovery Session offers an opportunity to try our advanced rehabilitation technology, receive a personalised movement assessment and explore how physiotherapy or occupational therapy could help you achieve your goals.

Interested in another kind of therapy? Get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your needs, explore your options and agree the best next steps.

Practical, personalised communication and swallowing support

Our speech and language therapists work with people who have a wide range of neurological conditions, communication needs and swallowing difficulties. We recognise that communication is central to independence, relationships and decision-making. Therapy therefore focuses on meaningful activities and real situations, rather than isolated exercises alone.

Support may include:

Speech, language and communication assessment
Swallowing assessment and management
Rehabilitation for aphasia and language difficulties
Therapy for dysarthria and speech clarity
Voice therapy
Cognitive communication rehabilitation
Reading and writing support
Conversation and social communication strategies
Alternative and augmentative communication
Advice on communication aids and technology
Mealtime guidance and swallowing strategies
Education and training for families, carers and support teams

Sessions may take place at our Resilience Therapy Centres, at home, in a care setting, at work or elsewhere in the community.

We will review the information provided and speak with you about the main concerns, priorities and intended outcomes. The first stage may involve a consultation, a detailed communication assessment or an assessment of eating and swallowing.

The speech and language therapist will then recommend the most appropriate form of support, which may include individual therapy, practical communication strategies, advice for relatives and carers, or guidance for the wider care team.