We are delighted that the nine My Journey My Voice participants have been presented with a joint Giving Voice Award alongside exhibition partners Disability Action, and the Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Board. Christine Birney attended the awards ceremony in London to accept the award on behalf of all the participants.
Pictured centre - Christine Birney at the Giving Voice awards ceremony in London with her guests, Sharon McEvoy (L) and Kay Johnston (R).
The prestigious award, from the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), recognises the group’s substantial efforts in raising awareness of people’s communication difficulties and the life-transforming and cost-saving impact that speech and language therapy has on the lives of many.
RCSLT CEO, Kamini Gadhok MBE, said: “Without these individuals and the considerable support and funding we’ve received from partner organisations, the My Journey My Voice exhibition may not have captured the public’s attention in the way that it has. They’ve changed people’s perceptions and influenced the media, legislation, policy and attitudes towards people with communication difficulties, which is why we’re delighted to recognise their collective achievements with a Giving Voice Award.”
Exhibition participant, Christine Birney, who spoke at the ceremony, said: “I’m proud to have been a part of this amazing project and delighted to have received a joint Giving Voice Award. Taking part in this exhibition has changed my life for the better and my confidence has grown so much because of it.”
Fellow participant, Clodagh Dunlop, added: “It has been a tremendous privilege to take part in this exhibition and help highlight the issues around communication and to show that there are many ways of communicating – not just through the spoken word. I am delighted to have received a joint Giving Voice Award.”
Commenting on the Giving Voice Awards, Kevin Doherty, Chief Executive, Disability Action, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to work in partnership with the RCSLT on this project. What it demonstrates is what we believe, that everyone has a right to have their voice heard. What is important is that all of us listen to the incredibly powerful message that the exhibition has delivered.”
About the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) is the professional body for speech and language therapists in the UK, representing more than 16,000 members. It facilitates and promotes research into the field of speech and language therapy– the care for individuals with communication, swallowing, eating and drinking difficulties. It promotes better education and training of speech and language therapists and is responsible for setting and maintaining high standards in education, clinical practice and ethical conduct. The RCSLT’S Giving Voice campaign is highlighting the importance of speech and language therapy by sharing the life-changing stories of those who have benefited from treatment and by demonstrating evidence of speech and language therapists’ efficiency and value for money. For more information on RCSLT and Giving Voice visit www.rcslt.org and www.givingvoiceuk.org