08/07/2009

£5m Allocated To Tackle Children's Communication Problems

A £5million package of measures is being rolled out to help improve services for children and young people with communication problems.

A new Communication Champion is also being recruited to raise the profile of these issues, Children's Secretary, Ed Balls and Care Services Minister Phil Hope announced today.

This is part of a £12million investment to implement the Government Action Plan, Better Communication.

Communication problems can lead to serious disadvantages in later life - from initial frustration at not being able to express oneself, to bullying, reduced educational achievement, fewer job prospects and even the descent into criminality.

Speech, language and communication needs can exist on their own - such as specific vocal impairments or a stammer, or be related to another need like autistic spectrum disorders, hearing impairments or physical disabilities.

Children's Secretary Ed Balls said: "Parents know that the ability to communicate is an essential life skill for their children, allowing them to fulfil their potential, enjoy their education and go on to become full participants of society. We are determined to remove the barriers some children face when trying to communicate by giving them the easily accessible support they need.

"John Bercow's groundbreaking review identified that local services need to improve. We are now implementing his recommendations to make that happen. From children with a limited vocabulary to those with severe impairments, we’re now taking action to improve services across the spectrum."

Care Services Minister, Phil Hope added: "Being able to communicate effectively is essential to a child's health and well-being as well as their education.

"The package we are announcing today demonstrates our commitment, across Government, to making better communication a reality for children everywhere."

(JM/BMcC)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

14 November 2013
Crown Post Office Staff To Hold 13th Strike Action
Post Office staff are to undertake further strike action, the 13th such action since Easter. Some 4,000 Communication Workers Union (CWU) members at 372 of the UKs larger Crown post officers will hold a half-day strike on 20 November. It is the latest action in a long running dispute over jobs, pay and branch closures.
28 March 2011
Benefits To Ill And Disabled Children Highlighted
The critical role community nurses play in ensuring ill and disabled children get tailored care and support, has been set out by Public Health Minister Anne Milton as she published a new report aimed at helping commissioners and providers improve services.
23 May 2013
Charities Highlight Rise In Children Abusing Children
Children’s charities have warned that an increasing number of children are being abused by other children, adding that their helplines have seen a growing number of calls from children about sexual abuse.
04 December 2008
Heated Debate At BMJ Over Baby P 'Blame'
What has been described as 'professional victimisation' may be distracting from learning lessons of the 'Baby P' tragedy. A heated debate on the matter is taking place on the British Medical Journal's website, www.bmj.com following a contribution that urges "support to professionals" when they make errors will help them "learn and improve".
17 October 2014
Funeral Held For Mary Shipstone, Aged 7
The funeral has taken place of seven-year-old Mary Shipstone, who was murdered by her father at her home in Northiam, Sussex. The child was buried in a private service at St Mary's Church in the village.