CYP Now - Opinion: Soapbox - Community development can't be ignored

In Liverpool we faced lengthy waiting lists for speech therapy through the NHS. This was compounded by the fact that not all of the children referred required intervention, the issue for them being a lack of early interaction, which still needed attention. There were also concerns that pre-school referrals for those children who would require intervention were not happening.

So when recruiting a speech therapist for Sure Start Speke we did notwant someone simply to deliver therapy. We were lucky to get someone whoapproached the issues from a community development perspective:empowering both parents and professionals, making early referrals, andsetting up appropriate activities to allow families to support theirchildren. Independent evaluation indicates that this holistic approachhas worked for families in Speke. It has been wonderful; it has beenwell resourced and made a significant difference to families andchildren.

But we now face an issue of legacy. After four years of investment, anevaluation would suggest we have developed a best-practice approach.

However, a mainstream service would have difficulty embracing bestpractice because of resource issues.

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