TIVERTON and Honiton MP Neil Parish has given his backing to people with speech, language and communication difficulties.

He has offered support to the ‘Giving Voice’ campaign that aims to promote the life-changing work that speech and language therapists offer to individuals across the UK.

Parish made the pledge at a meeting with members of the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists at Parliament, on October 18.

One of the members in the meeting was Sarah Middleton, a constituent of Neil’s from Broadhembury, is currently studying to be a speech and language therapist at Newcastle University.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Parish said: “It was fantastic to meet such dedicated professionals, in particular my constituent Sarah Middleton, who are raising awareness who are making a real difference to people’s lives.

“They give voices to the voiceless and break-down the barriers that stop those with language and communication problems from participating fully in society.”

Up to two children in every classroom have significant difficulties with speech and language and it is estimated that there are 2.5 million people in the UK with communication Impairment.

For more information on the 'Giving Voice' Campaign, visit http://www.givingvoiceuk.org/