A SOLIHULL MP has called on the Government to publish its Speech and Language Therapy Action Plan.
Saqib Bhatti, Meriden and Solihull East MP, has written to the Minister for Health and Social Care, Stephen Kinnock, pushing for the plan to be released following growing concerns about access to essential communication support services across the UK.
Mr Bhatti, a longtime campaigner on Speech and language Therapy, highlighted the case of his constituent Mikey Akers, who lives with verbal dyspraxia, a motor speech disorder affecting speech coordination and planning.
Mikey has become a leading national campaigner for improved speech, language and communication support, recently leading a petition to increase investment in speech and language therapy, which gathered over 10,000 signatures in just 16 days.
Earlier this year, Mr Bhatti, Mickey, and a group of campaigners, including footballing legend Chris Kamara, met with the Minister to discuss the Government’s plans to improve access to speech and language therapy.
During the meeting, the Minister committed to developing a comprehensive action plan to strengthen services and address the current gaps in provision.
Mr Bhatti has written to the Minister requesting an update on the Department’s next steps and a timeline for publication of the action plan. Mr Bhatti also raised concerns that no progress has been made on this issue since the meeting earlier this year.
The Conservative MP said: “It’s vital that children and adults who experience speech and language difficulties get the timely support they need.
“The Government made a clear commitment to develop an action plan. People are now waiting to see those promises turned into action. Campaigners like Mikey show us what is possible when the right support is in place, but too many are still being left behind due to lack of access to the help they need.
“Every delay means more children and families are struggling without adequate help. The government need to act now.”
Mikey Akers said: “Thank you Saqib for your continued support and chasing an update from the Health and Social Care Minister Stephen Kinnock. This action plan, that was promised to the ‘Invest In SLT’ team back in March.
“This is essential in ensuring that we get sufficient investment to improve speech and language services for the millions of people who will need to access this important service now and, in the future, as well as ensuring staff retention and well-being.”
Nearly one in five people may experience communication difficulties at some point in their lives. In the UK alone, an estimated two million children are affected by speech and language challenges, according to Speech and Language UK. Research also shows that young people who struggle with speech and language difficulties are at greater risk of developing mental health problems later in life.
