Locals interested in learning about the role of speech and language therapists, have the chance to hear from specialist therapists next month at a seminar held at Good Hope Hospital.

Hosted by Jean Armes and Elly Sampson, speech and language therapists at Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, the seminar will also focus on dementia, a condition which affects one in 20 individuals aged 65 and over and one in five aged over 80 in the United Kingdom.

Elly said: “Dementia can have a huge impact on not only the individual but also their families and social network. Speech and language therapists offer support to minimise the effects of this devastating condition on communication and mealtimes.

“Speech and language therapists also work with a wide variety of service users with swallowing and communication difficulties. The seminar will enable attendees to hear from two specialist therapists who work with adults in community and hospital settings to find out more about the role of speech and language therapists and the range of clients they work with.

“We hope that by hosting this seminar, locals will be encouraged to come along to find out more about speech and language therapy, and specifically to raise awareness of our role in working with people with dementia.”

If you would like to attend the seminar on 17 January at 5pm, please contact Sandra White, membership and community engagement manager, on 0121 424 1218 or email: membership@heartofengland.nhs.uk.

The Trust – which covers Heartlands Hospital, Solihull Hospital and Good Hope Hospital as well as some community based services – runs monthly health seminars to help raise awareness of a range of health conditions, as well as providing information about the treatment and support that is available.