Adult Speech and Language Therapy Service
This service provides support for people over 16 struggling with their speech, language, or dysphagia (swallowing disorders).
What does this service provide?
Who we are
We are speech and language therapists who provide a community-based speech and language therapy service for adults aged 16 and above.
What we do
We are here to help patients with speech, communication, and swallowing needs, predominantly of neurological or structural origin, or as part of the aging process. We also have a specialist dysfluency therapist for people with a stammer.
We help people with a range of conditions, including head injuries, neurosurgical and neurodegenerative disorders like dementia, Huntington’s disease, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s disease, progressive supranuclear palsy and multiple system atrophy.
Appointment information
Appointment types
We offer a variety of options, including telephone, video, clinic, and home appointments. The appointment type will depend on each individual referral and your specific needs.
Who you'll see at your appointment
Our team is made up of speech and language therapists (SLTs), clinical support workers (CSWs), and administrators. Our speech and language therapists are qualified allied health professionals.
Our clinical support workers support the speech and language therapists and carry out therapy interventions under their supervision.
Examples of their work includes:
- support with making and using low-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) such as communication boards or books
- assisting with carrying out vocal exercises
- running group sessions
- reviewing progress against goals
- following up on recommendations made by the speech and language therapist
Our administrators help our service to run smoothly and deal with arranging appointments and referrals.
Preparing for your appointment
Appointments and the amount of time you need with us will depend on the reason for your referral.
Your first appointment will focus on gathering information and assessing your needs. After that, our speech and language therapists will work with you to set goals and create a treatment plan. This could include providing advice with a follow-up plan, or it might involve a series of therapy sessions with the speech and language therapists or a clinical support worker to target specific goals.
If necessary, the speech and language therapists may also refer you to other services for additional assessment and treatment. We will tailor the approach to best suit your unique needs and journey.
What happens after my treatment or therapy plan ends?
When the therapy sessions are complete you will be discharged from the service and either given an onward referral or aftercare advice where appropriate. We may also offer a future review session. You are welcome to get in touch with us again if you need to.
How can I access this service?
We have an open referral system, accepting referrals from GPs and other health care professionals. You can also refer yourself directly using our referral form. Alternatively, you can contact your local clinic by email, telephone or letter.
Where can I access this service?
We have clinics in 8 different locations. Your appointment letter will tell you which location your appointment is at. If you are unsure, please contact the service to check.
If you need to contact your locality team, your referral acknowledgement letter will show you which team to contact.
Opening hours
All of our clinics are open Monday to Friday, from 9:00am to 5:00pm. We are closed on weekends and bank holidays.
Waiting times
Waiting times vary from location to location. Referrals are triaged and prioritised according to clinical risk. If you'd like more information, please contact your local team.
Where can I find resources for this service?
Charities, advice and other relevant organisations
The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists - website with information on speech and language therapy
Parkinson's UK – Speech and language therapy - website with information on speech and language therapy in people with Parkinson’s disease
Multiple Sclerosis Trust – Speech and language therapy - website with information on speech and language therapy in people with multiple sclerosis
Motor Neurone Disease Association – Speech and Communication - website with information on speech and communication in motor neurone disease
Motor Neurone Disease Association – Swallowing, eating and drinking - website with information on swallowing, eating and drinking in people with motor neurone disease
Stamma – Stammering - website with information on stammering
The NHS stammering network: nhsstammeringnetwork.uk - webpage and network with information and resources on stammering
Alzheimer’s Society – Communicating and dementia - website with information on communication and language in people with dementia
Alzheimer’s Society – Eating and drinking - website with information on helping manage eating and drinking in people with dementia
PSPA – Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) - website with information on speech and language therapy and funded voice banking in people with PSP
Stroke Association – Communication problems - website with information on support with the effects of stroke communication problems
Headway (the brain injury association) – Communication problems - website with information on communication and language problems following brain injury
Brighton and Hove in-person support group - Support group for stammerers in Brighton and Hove, open to all Sussex residents
General strategies to help make conversations easier
Read about general strategies that you can use to help make conversations easier.
Information on stammering for adults
Useful information on stammering and help suggestions on how to cope with a stammer.
Swallowing referral guidance and first-line safety management
Are you concerned about someone’s swallowing? Use this guidance to help you make a decision on what the next steps are.
Friends and family test
Have you received care or treatment from this service? Please complete one of our friends and family tests below to help us improve our services to you:
Get the best from your NHS
If you need advice about our services, facilities or staff, or would like to make a comment, please contact Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS).
Contact details
You can contact PALS by the following:
Telephone: 01273 242 292Email: sc-tr.pals@nhs.net
Give feedback
Tell us what you think about our services, what we are good at, where we can improve, and what matters to you? All feedback will be shared anonymously wherever possible, but if you have any questions about this, please ask.
Page last reviewed: 24 March 2024
Next review due: 24 June 2024
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