Specialist Speech and Language Therapy
Who we are?
Our Children's Speech and Language Therapy Service in St Helens provides evidence based services that supports children and young people with speech, language and communication difficulties and/or eating and drinking difficulties.
Our team includes speech and language therapists, therapy assistants and administration support. Speech and language therapists are allied health professionals who are required to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Our professional body is the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
Speech and language therapists are the lead experts for communication and swallowing disorders. Our therapists lead on the assessment, differential diagnosis, intervention and management of individuals with communication and swallowing disorders. Our team work closely with other children's professionals to improve the interaction and communication skills of children and young people with communication difficulties.
Our main focus is on maximising a child or young person's participation in education, at home and in their community and on minimising the impact of disability. Self-management of the communication ability and preparation for adulthood is the aim of the service.
Who do we see?We see children and young people with severe to profound permanent hearing level. Where is the service offered?Our team is based at Peasley Cross but we offer services in a number of different locations, which are flexible to meet your needs:
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How do I access the service?
We have an open referral process, this means that anyone can refer to the speech and language therapy service.
This may include professionals working with the child or young person, parents or carers, GPs or education staff. Education, health and social care professionals must gain parental consent for the referral and complete the service referral form.
Parents who have concerns about their child's communication skills can make a referral by phoning 01744 415 609. Referrals are received and processed at Speech and Language Therapy, Birch Unit, Peasley Cross Hospital, Marshall Cross Road, St Helens, WA9 3DE.
Once a referral is received, parents/carers will receive a letter to confirm that the referral has been received. This letter will also ask you to contact the department to confirm that you still need an appointment for your child/young person. If there is no response within 10 working days, your child/young person will be discharged from the service.
The service has a waiting list for first appointments and all children are seen within 18 weeks of referral.
There is no cost to use the Speech and Language Therapy service.
How we can help? | How long will my child have speech and language therapy support for? | What can parents do? |
| For many children speech and language therapy is not a cure, as they may have long term communication difficulties. Children are usually discharged from our service when the therapist feels confident that the child is learning language skills in line with his/her general development and that the recommended environmental strategies to support communication are being used effectively. The therapist will discuss the discharge process with parents and support staff and agree the procedure for re-assessment or further consultation as appropriate. This will be confirmed in a written discharge report. |
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Training opportunities for parents and schools
Our Speech and Language Therapy Service offers a wide range of training relating to speech, language and communication needs.
More information about the training we offer can be found on our training page.
General advice
Specific areas | 
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Speech and language therapy - professional bodies
 | ContactChildren's Speech and Language Therapy Service Tel: 01744 415 609 Specialist Speech & Language Therapy Network for d/Deaf People |
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