Speech and Language Therapy (SLT)
We can help you if you're having difficulties with your speech, voice, language, communication, or swallowing.
Our speech and language therapy (SLT) team’s aim is to help you manage your condition, so that you can keep your independence and have the best quality of life.
If you’re aged 18 or over, and have been diagnosed with a speech, language, communication, voice or swallowing difficulty we can help you.
Difficulties with speech and language or swallowing could be the result of a number of different things, such as:
- Stroke
- Brain injuries
- Progressive neurological conditions such as Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and dementia
- Respiratory conditions
- Voice disorders
When you’re referred to us, we’ll arrange an assessment with you at one of our clinics.
If you can’t travel to us because you’re bed or house bound, we may be able to visit you at your home or care residence, depending on your needs.
We’ll look at your health and medical history, and create your treatment plan with you around your personal goals.
Depending on your needs, we may be able to offer different types of treatments and support for you, your family and your carers, such as:
- Education about your condition, and how to prevent complications in future
- Specialist rehabilitation programme, in either one to one sessions or within a group
- Recommendations for eating and drinking, which may include changes to your diet
If we find out from your assessment that you have certain needs, we may refer you to another specialist service.
To access our service, you must be over 18 and registered with a Berkshire GP.
Your GP or healthcare professional will discuss the different options available to you based on your needs. They will be able to make a referral for you.
Unfortunately we don’t accept self referrals.
Referrals to our service are made through our Integrated Hub using our referral form
View our Speech and Language Referral Form (pdf)
Email integratedhub@berkshire.nhs.uk
Call 0118 904 3629
Appointments
When you’re referred to us, we’ll send you a letter asking you to call our booking line and arrange an appointment.
This first appointment will be a consultation over the phone.
If we need to see you face to face – at our clinic or in your home – we’ll discuss this with you.
When we confirm this with you, we’ll let you know what to expect.
Children and Young People
If you’re under the age of 18, you will need a referral to our paediatric speech and language therapists.
Visit our Speech and Language Therapy for Children, Young People and Families (CYPF) webpage (opens new browser tab)
Resources Section
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
Stroke Association
Parkinson’s UK
MND Association
Neurodiversity Passport