Claire Hammond

SALT Swimathon 2010

Fundraising for Speech and Language UK

Story

Thank you for visiting our fundraising page.

We have completed a sponsored swim with friends, family and colleagues in memory of our dear friend, Alyson Portch, who was the Head of West Herts Speech and Language Therapy Service. We swam 1783 lengths (almost 28 miles) between us, equivalent to crossing the , in order to raise money for ICAN, Alyson’s chosen charity.

Alyson passed away at the end of September last year following 14 years as the Head of West Herts Speech and Language therapy service. She was passionate about providing children with the best possible speech and language therapy service in order to make their lives more positive and help them achieve their potential. She was also a fantastic swimmer and enjoyed helping many children, over the years achieve so much in the pool.

ICAN works to support the development of speech, language and communication skills in all children with a special focus on those who find this hard. Research shows that as many as 2.7million children in the have some kind of communication difficulty. In some parts of the upwards of 50% of children are starting school with poor language skills.

One in ten children has severe difficulties and needs long term support. This includes those children with specific language impairment (SLI).

1% of all children have the most severe and complex SLCN. These children may need a high level of interventions and support, such as that provided in I CAN’s special schools.

The majority of children with communication difficulties look like other children and are just as clever, making SLCN invisible and complex. Consequentially, they often go unnoticed or their difficulties are mistaken for something else, such as behavioural or hearing difficulties.

About the charity

Speech and Language UK

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RCN 210031

www.speechandlanguage.org.uk

At least 1.9 million children in the UK are struggling to talk and understand words.  We give children and young people the skills they need so they aren't left behind. We do this by creating tools for schools and nurseries, giving advice and guidance to families and putting pressure on politicians.