What is this leaflet for?
This leaflet gives easy read information about speech and language therapy.
Speech and language therapists help people who have difficulties with communicating and swallowing.
A member of staff or a carer can support you to read this. They will be able to answer any questions that you have.
Communication
We can help people with their understanding and support them to learn ways of communicating.
We will usually see people for an assessment and watch to find out how we might be able to help.
We might work with you, your family or carers and offer advice or training.
We can help you communicate in lots of different ways such as speech, signing, symbols or objects. We will help find what works best for you.
Swallowing
We work with people who have swallowing difficulties and offer help with eating and drinking.
Dysphagia means a difficulty eating and drinking. It can mean that eating or drinking is not safe or enjoyable.
It can include problems with:
- chewing
- moving food or drink around your mouth
- food getting stuck
- drinks going down the wrong way
- loss of appetite
- certain types of food and drink
You can get an assessment from a Dysphagia Practitioner.
This is usually a Speech and Language Therapist or a trained nurse.
The Speech and Language Therapist may watch you and suggest ideas for helping you eat or drink.
They might suggest:
- a new cup, fork or spoon
- sitting in a better position
- changes to some of the food you eat
We will talk to you and your carers or family about your difficulties.
We might talk to other people who work with you such as physiotherapist, GP and community nurses.
Sunderland Action for Health website
The website provides useful information for people with learning disabilities, their carers and health professionals.
Information on the website includes easy read factsheets, leaflets and health action plans.
Contact us
Please contact us if you feel you need support from a Speech and Language Therapist.
Phone the Initial Response Team on 0303 123 1145.
Our services are based at:
Learning Disabilities Community Treatment Team
Monkwearmouth Hospital
Newcastle Road
Sunderland
SR5 1NB
Problems, complaints or suggestions
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust has a complaints policy.
If you want to complain we will give you a leaflet to explain how to, or you can talk to a member of staff.
If you think there are things we could do to make our service better please tell a member of the team.
Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.
This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (Braille, audio, larger print, BSL or other languages). Please contact the Patient Information Centre on 0191 246 7288.
Published by the Patient Information Centre
2025 Copyright: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Ref: PIC/755/0525 May 2025 V5
Website: www.cntw.nhs.uk
Telephone: 0191 246 7288
Review date 2028
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