​Why are speech, language and social communication skills so IMPORTANT?

I'm glad you've asked! 

Communication is all around us. Think about the things you have already done today:

Have you listened to the latest news report?
Received a text or an email? 
Had a conversation with someone?
"Liked" a post on social media? 
Held a door open for someone?
Written down your tasks to complete for the day? 
Greeted someone?

All of the above taps into our speech, language and social communication skills. 

Have you ever thought about the different ways we use language?  Here are a few to consider...

We use language to:

• Request and provide information 
• Ask for something we need
• Make statements
• Express how we feel
• Give opinions
• Give compliments
• Tell stories and jokes 

Okay...Is that it? 

Nope!

• In order to access Education, children and young people need to understand classroom tasks and instructions. They need to be able to join in with discussions and use mature language.
• Good communication skills are important for job interviews and employment.
• Being able to have a voice, express ourselves and understand the world around us reduces the chance of experiencing mental health problems. It also reduces the risk of committing crimes and entering the criminal justice system.

Yikes, that's a lot of reasons. What can I do to help?

• Raise the profile of speech, language and communication on social media by sharing information and making comments. 
• You can follow me on Facebook: ThatSpeechLadyUK and on Twitter: ThatSpeechLady_
• Get in touch with your local MP and ask them about their plans for speech, language and communication. 
• Talk to school staff and ask them if they need help. They may be grateful for a volunteer to run a language group for thirty minutes or for somebody to laminate and cut out valuable communication resources that are needed in the classroom. 
• There are some fantastic websites and charities that promote speech, language and communication. Contact them directly to find out how you can help. I've listed a few of my favourite websites here:

www.talkingpoint.org.uk
www.ican.org.uk
www.afasic.org.uk
www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk


For me, I'm very lucky that my job allows me to help and support children and young people with speech, language and communication needs. My aim is give others a chance to succeed and remove communication barriers so they can live their life to the fullest.

Do you have more reasons why speech, language and communication skills are so important?

Please comment below and get involved. I would love to hear from you.

​Lauren.