Lyn Brown joined supporters of the Giving Voice campaign, including Newham resident and Chief Executive of the British Stammering Association, Norbert Lieckfeldt, to raise awareness about the cuts to Speech and Language Therapy.

Across the UK, health authorities are being forced to reduce services as a result of the Government’s cuts to health services. A report conducted by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists states that 84.4% of therapists have experienced cuts to services.

Newham Primary Care Trust has cut its speech and language service to school age children who stammer. 

Research shows that speech and language therapy actually delivers a net benefit to the UK economy of £765 million by assisting people back to work and helping children into school.

Lyn Brown said:  ‘Friends of mine have struggled for years to combat stammers. We must make sure there are services available to all, to give those who stammer a voice.’

‘I know that speech difficulties can affect and severely hinder a child’s learning and the ability to read and write. A speech impediment is not just simply their speaking, it can significantly affect future life chances.’

‘I am obviously worried by the cuts to these services. It is something I will raise with Alwen Williams, Chief Executive of NHS East London and the City Alliance when I see her in the very near future.'

‘The Government continuously fails vulnerable people. It has cut public services too far and too fast. Despite their promises this Government is cutting the health service like they are cutting everything else.'

Write to Lyn Brown MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA, email brownl@parliament.uk or call 020 7219 6999.