• We address communication and swallowing with a holistic and personalised approach. We move beyond just technical skills to recognise that speech and language are intertwined with a person's overall well-being and social interactions.

• We set individualised goals and empower our clients to understand their needs, advocate for themselves, and believe in their communication abilities.

• We accept diverse communication styles and create an inclusive environment where everyone can feel comfortable, respected and celebrated. 

• We incorporate emotional regulation, mindfulness techniques and collaboration with relevant others to help clients get the most out of their sessions.

• We focus on long-term wellbeing and promoting self-esteem. 

• All our therapists are committed to continuous learning, keeping up to date with the latest research and emerging treatments, through our large multidisciplinary network.
  

A holistic approach means we consider the whole person and their communication environment, not just isolated speech or language difficulties. We may address physical, emotional, social, and environmental factors, to promote overall well-being and effective communication. This often includes consideration of the nervous system and support to feel more regulated.

Most speech and language therapy can be done via telehealth. Clients meet with their speech therapist through secure video conferencing, using interactive exercises and digital resources to work towards their goals. Sessions follow the same principles as when therapy is face to face and studies show that online speech therapy is as effective as in-person treatment for many disorders.

For younger children or children who struggle to attend to screens, we can offer a parent coaching approach or a parent education programme. In parent coaching, the therapist guides you through the sessions with the child, supporting you to carry out the therapy activities. In parent education, the therapist provides an education programme that does not require the child to be present. This can be individual or in groups. We are happy to discuss which options may be best, complete our contact form here.

Working with a trained speech and language therapist to improve or better manage communication or swallowing skills. This includes non-verbal communication, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), understanding and expressing language, articulation/speech, voice, fluency, and social communication. Swallowing work includes management of saliva and drooling, eating and drinking. Therapists may use various strategies, including playing, talking, using pictures, and providing activities to stimulate communication or swallowing. Therapy may be delivered online, in-person, individually or in groups depending on the client, their needs and preferences.

To become a registered speech and language therapist, a university level degree, masters or apprenticeship is required. Additional training is available to obtain competencies in areas such as dysphagia (swallowing problems), laryngectomy and tracheostomy. All are available within our team.

Individuals of all ages with difficulties with speech, voice, language, communication, eating, drinking, or swallowing. This can include children with articulation problems (trouble making specific sounds), language delays (difficulty understanding or using language), social communication needs (often related to autism) and fluency disorders (stuttering or stammering) or voice.



Adults benefit from therapy after a stroke, head injury, or other conditions affecting communication or swallowing such as motor neurone disease (MND), Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementias, multiple sclerosis (MS), head and neck or brain cancers, long covid, critical illness or voice problems.

• Articulation/speech disorders (difficulty producing sounds, including apraxia of speech, dysarthria and phonological disorders).
  
  
• Language disorders (difficulty understanding or using language, including aphasia and developmental language disorder)
  
  
• Cognitive-communicative disorders (difficulty with higher-level thinking and communication)
  
  
• Voice and volume issues
  
  
• Swallowing and eating problems
  
  
• Social communication difficulties, often linked to autism
  
  
• Specialist support with tracheostomies and laryngectomies
  

Assessment:
The therapist will evaluate the individual's communication and/or swallowing skills to identify areas of strengths and needs. For communication this may involve formal or informal assessments (e.g. asking questions, looking at pictures or objects, playing games, having conversations, observation of the client with others). For swallowing this will involve an assessment of oral and facial movement, and usually trying some different types of food or drink. After an initial swallowing assessment, your therapist may discuss the need for an instrumental assessment of swallowing. Your therapist will provide you with all necessary information, if they feel this is required. 

Treatment Plan:
A personalised treatment plan will be developed based on the assessment results. A treatment plan may include any combination of direct therapy with the client, training or advice for the client’s family or caregivers including schools, nursery or work, adaptations to the environment or modifications and strategies to make communication or swallowing easier. 

Therapy Sessions:
Sessions will focus on specific goals, using a range of techniques and activities to improve or better manage communication and/or swallowing. Therapy is very individual to the client and will be regularly reviewed and adapted to suit the individual.

Family/Caregiver Education:
Therapists will provide guidance and strategies for families/caregivers to support the client’s progress. Talk to us about what settings you need support for.

The length of therapy varies depending on the client’s needs, the nature of the difficulty, and the support available outside of therapy sessions. Some clients may need just a few weeks of therapy, while others may need several months or even years of ongoing support. Therapy sessions typically last 40 minutes and may be as often as a few times a week or as little as once a month, depending on the client.

Therapy sessions can take place in various settings, including:

• Telehealth (online sessions via Zoom or Teams)
• Our Manchester clinic
• Schools or nurseries
• Care or nursing homes
• The client’s home

The location of therapy will be agreed between the client/caregiver and their therapist.

Your therapist will tell you if any special preparations are required, but for any session it is good to make sure you are feeling ready to engage. Make sure you have met your basic needs e.g. drinks, food or the toilet before the session so you can get the most out of your time. If the session is taking place in your home (whether in-person or online), make sure you are in a quiet room where you can concentrate and will not be disturbed.

Speech therapy HQ helps non-verbal clients by providing alternative communication methods and improving overall communication skills, even in cases where verbal speech is not possible. For some, the use of alternative communication methods can support the development of verbal speech too. Our therapists work with individuals to develop skills like pointing, gesturing, and using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, alongside verbal speech (where possible).

NHS speech therapy is free at the point of use. Private speech therapy comes with a fee, though if you have private medical insurance, it may well cover speech therapy. Private speech therapy offers shorter waiting times, higher intensity of therapy and more time for a personalised approach. NHS services are essential, but sometimes people prefer not to wait.

No, all speech therapists are governed by professional guidance that states we should work together between NHS and private practice. You can remain on the NHS waiting list, continue with NHS therapy and boost your sessions with private support - the choice is yours. This is the same for speech therapy received via school, nursery or care homes. However, it is your decision whether we share information with others or not. We will always ask your permission before sharing any information.