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We are a small group of 3rd year Speech and Language Therapy students from De Montfort University and we will be spending 5 days eating a 'modified diet'. This will involve us eating only food of soft consistency (mainly pureed) and drinking fluids that have been thickened. This is because as speech and language therapists we work with some people with swallowing difficulties. One way of managing their difficulties is for us to recommend a modified diet. This affects a wide range of people, however, awareness is poor. People with dementia, strokes, brain injury and learning difficulties are often among those to be recommended these diets.  

We have chosen to donate to DementiaUK, as raising awareness of the SLT role in dementia care is a key objective of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) this year. We personally feel very passionate about improving quality of life for people with dysphagia (swallowing disorders) and their families.  

This is part of the Giving Voice campaign at De Montfort, which aims to raise awareness of all communication and swallowing difficulties. And will be taking place for 5 days starting on the 27th of October.

To help people understand what it's like, we're going to upload a blog/video diary of our experiences, and as a resource for patients and carers, will be uploading videos showing how to make a number of different meals and drinks.    The youtube account is called "Dysphagia Awareness"

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity; so it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

For more info about dementia and swallowing difficulties ("dysphagia") please see: 

http://givingvoiceuk.org/dementia/   

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/168220/dh_094051.pdf

Many thanks for your donation and moral support, it really is going to a good cause,

Jo, Olivia and Rosa  :)

P.s.  if you wish to contact us, please feel free to do so at:     dysphagiaawareness@gmail.com