How to access speech therapy services?

[luciam]

I've now rung my local surgery three times without success. I'm very keen for my 2 and a half year old to be seen by a speech therapist. My local surgery apparently used to do a drop-in clinic but not any more. They don't seem to be able to tell me how to organise this. Can anyone help? I'm in SE19 rather than ED.

[crystal7]

I think you can go to your gp and ask for a referral to Sunshine House. Waiting list is probably long though. Or speak to your health visitor. Various children's centres have drop ins with speech and language therapists, your HV should have a list, it it may be online. Tricky if you work though. Good luck!

[luciam]

Many thanks for your reply- very helpful.

[Bellenden Belle]

More info here:

http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?29,1243327,1246816#msg-1246816

[etta166]

There is a drop-in at the Bessemer Children's Centre each week called Chattertime. Monday afternoon 2-3pm. I haven't been, but I have seen the poster when I've been at the centre for other activities.

[Bellenden Belle]

I went to Chattertime today actually. Really useful and just a lovely drop in session. Definitely worth dropping into.

[luciam]

Thanks all.

[hpsaucey]

luciam Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I've now rung my local surgery three times without

> success. I'm very keen for my 2 and a half year

> old to be seen by a speech therapist. My local

> surgery apparently used to do a drop-in clinic but

> not any more. They don't seem to be able to tell

> me how to organise this. Can anyone help? I'm in

> SE19 rather than ED.

HI there - you can also just drop in at Sunshine House and there's someone from Contact a Family on the desk there to give advice about the best way to get a referral. Can't remember if they're there every day though, but you could probably ring them too.

[Natalie Doula]

Hi luciam

If you contact your local children's centre they should be able to give you the contact details for your local speech therapist. They may even offer a speech and language drop in session. If you PM your address I can find out your local children's centre.

thanks

Natalie

[Audrey]

I was told you can call sunshine house direct.