Event on developing Children's Communication Skills

On Thursday 29th September, The Mall, Wood Green will play host to “Haringey says Hello” an event celebrating the National Year of Communication.

Organised by Whittington Health, Haringey’s Community Speech and Language Therapy Service, the event forms part of the “Hello” Campaign, a year-long drive to promote the development of children’s communication skills across the UK. Along with advice for parents and carers on how to support and encourage their children’s language development, there will be fun activities and games for the kids to enjoy. Visitors will also have the chance to experience special performances of Chicken Shed’s acclaimed “Tales from the Shed” interactive production at 1pm and 2pm.

Currently, around one million children and young people in the UK have some form of speech, language or communication difficulty. That’s 2 to 3 children in every classroom, and that may be just the tip of the iceberg. Recent reports also suggest that in areas of high deprivation, over 50% of children starting school have delayed language skills, and this puts them at a huge disadvantage as they struggle to learn and make friends.

“Communication involves a range of essential life skills including listening, understanding, talking and knowing how to interact with other people”, said Haringey Speech and Language Therapist and organiser, Vicky Taub. “All children need these skills to be encouraged and nurtured so that they can make the most of their future.”

Speech and language therapists from Haringey’s Children’s Community Health Services will be on hand to give advice on how families can help their children to develop their communication to the maximum.

Haringey says Hello runs from 11am to 4pm at The Mall, Wood Green on Thursday 29th September 2011. The event is free to all.

For more details contact:

Vikki Monk-Meyer c/o Whittington Health Communications Department Whittington Health Hospital