Please let us know what you think of this podcast.

In this episode we welcome Dr Jarrad Lum, Associate Professor, Cogntive Neuroscience and Shelby Lim, Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) Candidate, both of Deakin University, Australia, to discuss their paper 'Meta-analysis reveals low language capacity in childhood is associated with mental health problems in adulthood’
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1460-6984.13125

The research builds upon previous studies which showed that children and adolescents with speech, language and communication issues are at increased risk of anxiety, depression and other emotional difficulties. This study shows that those children carry a higher risk of broader mental health challenges into adulthood than those without such a history. The paper looks at the implications for practice for professionals working in learning, education, health and social care.

Note: In the podcast we talk about the need for screeners for speech, language and communication needs. As far as we are aware there is not anything out there for screening for broad SLN issues as the screeners that are available are for specific conditions. However, speech and language therapists will tend to develop screening tools for their mental health colleagues as part of their responsibility for raising awareness of/identifying Speech, Language and Communication Needs among the population they are working with.

Listeners may also find it useful to take a look at the Communication Access training which was set up by RCSLT and partners: https://communication-access.co.uk/ and Understanding communication difficulties in the justice system core modules https://www.rcsltcpd.org.uk/courses/understanding-communication-difficulties-in-the-justice-system-core-modules/

The paper is:

'Meta-analysis reveals low language capacity in childhood is associated with mental health problems in adulthood’
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1460-6984.13125’

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please let us know what you think of this podcast.

In our update this month we are joined by Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs.

We cover:

• Update on 'Invest in SLT' letter to new PM, Andy Burnham: https://www.rcslt.org/news/invest-in-slt-campaign-urges-prime-minister-to-improve-speech-and-language-therapy-access/
• CAHPO England awards shortlist features several speech and language therapists.
• New CAPHOs appointed n Wales and Scotland.
• Northern Ireland Code of Practice to the Mental Health (NI) order. 
• Accessible exams work out of Northern Ireland - but applicable across UK.
• HSSIB community inquiry.
• Social and palliative care aims of new PM.
• NDCS children's deafness services report.
• APPG on neighbourhood health: https://www.csp.org.uk/news/2026-07-02-all-party-parliamentary-group-ahps-launches-inquiry-neighbourhood-health
• Help shape AHP strategy in England: national survey and webinar: https://www.rcslt.org/events/join-the-slt-conversation-influencing-the-future-ahp-strategy/
• and much more!

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please let us know what you think of this podcast.

Please let us know what you think of this podcast.

In this episode we chat with Dr Claire Mills about her PhD paper 'Worth a try or a last resort: Healthcare professionals’ experiences and opinions of above cuff vocalisation'. 

Above Cuff Vocalisation (ACV) is a technique that allows patients with a cuffed tracheostomy tube to speak. A recent systematic review highlighted the limited evidence available for the acceptability, effectiveness, safety or optimal implementation of ACV.

Dr Mills set out to explore the experience of healthcare professionals (HCPs) using ACV and their perceptions of best practice. 

Dr Mills is Adult Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist—specialising in critical care—at the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London.

The paper is:

Worth a try or a last resort: Healthcare professionals’ experiences and opinions of above cuff vocalisation’ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1460-6984.12970

Funding:

This research was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) as part of an HEE/NIHR ICA Programme. Claire Mills was funded by an NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship (ICA-CDRF-2017-03-036). Claire is now funded by an NIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship (NIHR507322). The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.

Further information:

• Download your copy of the ACV Safety Guidance: https://www.atosmedical.co.uk/blog-and-news/above-cuff-vocalisation-acv-safety-guidelines
• Evidence for Above Cuff Vocalization in Patients with a Tracheostomy: A Systematic Review: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lary.29591
• Survey of Healthcare Professionals: https://www.archives-pmr.org/article/S0003-9993(21)01426-X/fulltext
• Health Economic Evaluation: https://journals.lww.com/ccejournal/fulltext/2025/12000/an_early_stage_decision_analytic_health_economic.12.aspx
• Mathematical modelling of airflow in the subglottic space during ACV: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00134-025-08005-w
• Troubleshooting above cuff vocalisation: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00134-024-07779-9

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please let us know what you think of this podcast.

In our update this month we are joined by Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs.

We cover:

• New PM and what this might mean for health and social care. Plus Andy Burnham's previous pledge to the Mikey's Wish 'Invest in SLT' campaign: https://www.rcslt.org/news/invest-in-slt-campaign-letter-delivered-to-downing-street/
• An update on the 'Experts at Hand' programme for SEND in schools in England. https://www.rcslt.org/news/new-guidance-on-developing-the-experts-at-hand-offer/
• Modern Service Frameworks: https://www.rcslt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RCSLT-response-to-the-Cardiovascular-Disease-Modern-Services-Framework-July-2026.pdf
• Update on Welsh government funding for ALN.
• NHS AHP strategy - get involved! https://www.rcslt.org/events/join-the-slt-conversation-influencing-the-future-ahp-strategy/ 
• APPG on neighbourhood health: https://www.csp.org.uk/news/2026-07-02-all-party-parliamentary-group-ahps-launches-inquiry-neighbourhood-health
• and much more!

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please let us know what you think of this podcast.

In our update this month we are joined by Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs.

We cover:

• Resignation of Sir Keir Starmer and what it might mean for health and social care.
• Good news in the King's birthday honours: https://www.rcslt.org/news/speech-and-language-therapy-recognised-in-kings-birthday-honours/ 
• Updates from Northern Ireland including election prep, SEN reform and new guidance, DLD exam work and Voicebox competition: https://www.rcslt.org/news/young-voices-bring-big-laughs-at-voicebox-final-northern-ireland/
• £145million extra funding in Wales, but large challenges.
• Update on Experts at Hand in England.
• Health Bill.
• and much more!

About our sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Zanda. Zanda combines all your admin, billing, scheduling, and communication needs into one easy-to-use platform built specifically for health practitioners. It supports SLTs to simplify practice management, from online bookings and automated reminders to secure notes, AI, invoicing, and payments, all in one connected system. Zanda helps you stay organised, improve cash flow, and create a smooth client experience from first appointment to final payment.

https://zandahealth.com/uk/profession/speech-therapy-software/?utm_source=rcslt&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=UK_Podcast&utm_content=paid

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please let us know what you think of this podcast.

In this podcast we chat with Carmela Miniscalo and Anna-Clara Reinholdson about their research which looks at speech sound ability in relation to language ability and non-verbal ability in Swedish pre-school children with ASD.

The paper is:

Miniscalco, C., Reinholdson, A.-C., Gillberg, C. & Johnels, J.A. (2024) Speech sound error patterns may signal language disorder in Swedish preschool children with autism. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 59, 2516–2527. https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.13099

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please let us know what you think of this podcast.

In our update this month we are joined by Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Dr Caroline Walters, External Affairs Manager for Wales and Glenn Carter, Head of Scotland Office..

We cover:

• Election results in Wales and how we will work with the new government there.
• Wales State of the Nation report 2026: https://www.rcslt.org/news/rcslt-wales-launch-2026-state-of-the-nation-report/ 
• Election results in Scotland and how we influenced the manifestos. (See Scotland manifesto asks: https://www.rcslt.org/news/rcslt-scotland-publishes-key-manifesto-asks-ahead-of-2026-elections/)
• Expected or hoped for impact on speech and language therapy.
• The political backdrop in England and Wes Streeting's resignation.
• Bills in the King's speech.
• AHP debate in Parliament.

About our sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Zanda. Zanda combines all your admin, billing, scheduling, and communication needs into one easy-to-use platform built specifically for health practitioners. It supports SLTs to simplify practice management, from online bookings and automated reminders to secure notes, AI, invoicing, and payments, all in one connected system. Zanda helps you stay organised, improve cash flow, and create a smooth client experience from first appointment to final payment.

https://zandahealth.com/uk/profession/speech-therapy-software/?utm_source=rcslt&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=UK_Podcast&utm_content=paid

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please let us know what you think of this podcast.

In our update this month we are joined by Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs and Amit Kulkarni, Head of Research and Outcomes.

We cover:

• Research Champions Professional Network https://www.rcslt.org/members/research/research-networks/#section-2 
• Relaunch of registration for Clinical Academic Mentors scheme https://www.rcslt.org/members/research/research-networks/#section-3 
• Link between research and outcomes and decision making
• Update on Invest in SLT campaign: https://www.rcslt.org/news/invest-in-slt-campaign-letter-delivered-to-downing-street/ 
• NHSE Workforce plan – advance tests
• SEND consultation https://www.rcslt.org/news/send-reforms-share-your-views/, EAH detail on ICB roles, and Parliamentary debate (plus PPA and AHPs)
• Welsh manifestos
• Help us build our next strategy: https://www.rcslt.org/news/help-us-build-our-next-strategy/
• RCSLT Research strat plan listening events:
  Listening event 13 May: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7450576966879117313/?viewAsMember=true
  
  Listening event 18 May: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7450581649479880705/?viewAsMember=true 
• Podcast for World Voice Day: https://www.rcslt.org/news/new-podcast-highlights-the-importance-of-voice/ 

About our sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Zanda. Zanda combines all your admin, billing, scheduling, and communication needs into one easy-to-use platform built specifically for health practitioners. It supports SLTs to simplify practice management, from online bookings and automated reminders to secure notes, AI, invoicing, and payments, all in one connected system. Zanda helps you stay organised, improve cash flow, and create a smooth client experience from first appointment to final payment.

https://zandahealth.com/uk/profession/speech-therapy-software/?utm_source=rcslt&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=UK_Podcast&utm_content=paid

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please let us know what you think of this podcast.

World Voice Day podcast notes 

For World Voice Day 2026 RCSLT President Nick Hewer met with two people with voice difficulties, Margaret Stoddart and Jono Organ. They chat about their voice conditions, the difficulties they have faced, how speech and language therapy has supported them and what life is like now.  

About the speakers:

Margaret 

Elvis Presley fan, registered nurse and grandmother of six, Margaret Stoddart works as cath lab coordinator in the Cardiology department of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. For the past six years she’s experienced a voice disorder called Muscle Tension Dysphonia and Spasmodic Dysphonia. 
 
Margaret is area contact leader for Dysphonia International, an organisation  dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by spasmodic dysphonia and related voice conditions through research, education, awareness, and support. She also hosts her own podcast ‘My Voice, My Way.' 

Jono 

Jono Organ is married with four children and 11 grandchildren, a self-employed health and safety consultant and trainer, working in the construction industry. He used to enjoy cycling and running before being diagnosed with head and neck cancer. Since his laryngectomy operation in 2023, he’s shifted his focus to awareness raising.  

Jono is a governor for the Royal Marsden hospital and sits on panels there, as well as at Great Ormond street Hospital. He is an ambassador to The Throat cancer foundation and also Oracle head and neck UK. In January this year he also set up a laryngectomy support group charity, ‘Life After Lary’. 

Nick Hewer: 

Nick Hewer, former presenter of iconic television programme Countdown, holds the role of RCSLT President. He is passionate about raising awareness of communication and swallowing difficulties, and helps to promote the message of the RCSLT to the general public. His ongoing work with the RCSLT has earned him an honorary degree from Plymouth Marjon University. 

Nick is also a published author, and he has previously worked as a public relations consultant and as Lord Sugar’s right-hand-man on The Apprentice. He is also patron for several charities, including Fairtrade, Hope and Homes for Children, Pancreatic Cancer Action and Street Child Sierra Leone. 

Useful links: 

• Find out more about World Voice Day 2026, which takes place on April 16: https://worldvoiceday.org/  
• ‘My Voice, My Way’ podcast hosted by Margaret: https://myvoicemyway.buzzsprout.com/  
• ‘Life After Lary’: https://www.lifeafterlary.co.uk/news/2942375_new-uk-charity-dedicated-to-supporting-people-after-laryngectomy 
• What is the RCSLT? https://www.rcslt.org/about-us/

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please let us know what you think of this podcast.

In this podcast we chat with Hannah Waine and Sally Bates about their research which looks at how UK speech and language therapists assess children’s expressive language, in particular looking at whether their practices reflect  recommendations from the CATALISE consensus statements (published 2016/17). (CATALISE redefined Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and emphasised the importance of assessing functional impairment and real‑life impact, not just test scores.)

The paper is:

 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1460-6984.12883

Hannah Waine, Sally Bates, Pauline Frizelle, Tomasina M. Oh

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.