The city-wide service provides assessment, diagnosis and appropriate management of children and young people aged 0-16 years (or up to 19 years if the young person attends a Manchester Specialist Support School) who have speech, language and communication needs, including difficulties with fluency, feeding and swallowing, social communication and voice.

Speech and language therapists (SLTs) are also involved in helping children use alternative forms of communication such as signs or pictures.

SLTs work with children, families and other professionals in a range of settings. These include home, health centres, schools and early years settings.

Initial appointments will normally be offered at the local health centre or school as appropriate. The type and amount of intervention offered is dependant upon the child’s individual speech, language and communication needs.

If you are worried or need advice you can contact the Manchester Children and Young Peoples Speech and Language Therapy Service (NHS) direct

The service is offered to children who are listed to a Manchester GP or attend a Manchester school.