It is with immense pride and excitement that we share the stories of our 2024 ASLTIP 2024 Award winners! These exceptional individuals and teams have demonstrated unwavering commitment, innovation, and passion in the field of speech and language therapy.
With four categories of awards, we had a record breaking number of nominees this year and selecting the winners was a delightful challenge.
Startup, Leadership, Team Player (SLT) and the Maria Farry Award for Outstanding Contribution. Here our award winners share their story about what winning an ASLTIP award means to them
Gail is Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist at SpeechWise Ltd.
Gail says, “Back in the summer of 2020 I was considering my career options as my maternity drew to an end. Knowing that going back to my old NHS job was not going to be sustainable and that I didn’t have the headspace to expand my existing independent work, I was exploring what options were out there. Just at the right moment Ele director of SpeechWise emailed me to ask if I was looking for work, having seen my details on the ASLTIP directory.
Right from the start we talked about the gap in services for teens and young adults who so frequently don’t meet criteria for NHS services. As the hiatus of covid settled down, the business grew and as I adjusted to life as a working mum the idea of Teens+ was born. Ele and I worked closely to set up our offer and having originally thought that the most demand would come from people looking for assessment we actually found that people were looking for someone who could deliver bespoke support to address needs already identified in EHCPs. We quickly added a SALT assistant to the Teens+ team and Lou and then Naomi have both played a significant part in helping the young people we work with achieve their goals. Winning the best start up award in 2024 for the work setting up Teens+ was a very proud moment. The response from colleagues, parents and the young people we support has been humbling. My favourite response has to be the celebratory song and dance from a 16 year old and a member of teaching staff though. To know that Teens+ makes a difference is brilliant, to have the work recognised by ASLTIP really is the cherry on the cake!”
Rachel is an Independent Speech and Language Therapist (Brighton Speech Therapist)
Rachel says, “Over the past 10 years of my work as an independent SLT I have developed a specialist service for adults with DLD.
I actively work to raise awareness of the challenges and strengths of adults with DLD to employers, employments services, educators and healthcare providers.
I have recently begun participating in a growing number of research projects into adult DLD, focussing on co-production.
Receiving the ASLTIP award for my work with and for adults with DLD was a very welcome surprise. I hope the award will help to raise the profile of adults with DLD amongst speech and language therapists and commissioners.
The needs of adults with DLD have been largely overlooked in our profession. There are still no specific NHS services for adults with DLD but the growing awareness and interest in this client group was evident when I presented at NAPLIC Conference 2024.
I hope this award will help me to connect with other independent SLTs interested in working with adults with DLD. Together we can develop more skills and tools and be a stronger voice for adult DLD services.”
Team Player – Charlotte Hall
Charlotte is an Independent Speech and Language Therapist (Speech Therapy with Charlotte)
Charlotte says, “In my last 17 years as a Speech and Language Therapist, I have dedicated myself to supporting children and their families in their communication journeys. My professional path began at Newcastle University and was largely shaped by my time within the NHS. However, in November 2021, I made the significant decision to leave the NHS to pursue a more flexible career path that would allow me to spend more time with my young children.
Central to my ethos are the values of kindness, compassion, and joy. These principles have guided my work and fuelled my passion for making speech therapy accessible and supportive for all. Through my online presence on Instagram (@speechtherapywithcharlotte), free resources on my website, a podcast titled “Just 3 Things,” and online masterclasses, I strive to provide affordable and timely support to families and professionals alike, with a particular focus on supporting parents while they wait for Speech Therapy.
Receiving the ASLTIP “Team Player” award is an incredible honour. I am deeply humbled to be recognised by my peers within the speech and language therapy community, who understand the challenges and celebrate the accomplishments in our field. This award not only validates my efforts but also strengthens my commitment to continue giving back and supporting others. My work is a testament to the collective dedication of our community, and I am grateful to be part of such a passionate and hardworking group of professionals. Thank you for this recognition and for the boost it gives me to keep pursuing my mission with renewed energy.”
Maria Farry Award for Outstanding Contribution – Lesley Trivedi
Lesley is an Independent Speech and Language Therapist (Welcome Words Ltd)
Lesley says, “Caring responsibilities meant that independent practice was the only way to continue as an SLT, but now I couldn’t imagine working in any other way. I’ve always been drawn to ‘profession-supporting’ activities, and alongside my Local Group Coordinator role I’ve volunteered on projects with ASLTIP, RCSLT and other stakeholders. The highlight was the initiative which led to RCSLT enhancing member insurance, making it feasible for sole traders to offer student placements. Involving students is vital if we are to increase awareness of the opportunities and challenges in independent practice.
Despite the successes I’ve often downplayed this work as not being ‘real SLT’. However, receiving the Maria Farry Award has highlighted the value of these activities and validated the importance of my efforts beyond direct client care, reminding me that every aspect of our professional involvement contributes to advancing our field and serving our clients. This has reinvigorated me to focus on further profession-supporting activities specific to independent practice.
I’m very grateful for the support from my supervisors, other IPs (especially local group colleagues) and ASLTIP Board members. I was deeply honoured to receive this award and would like to thank everyone who nominated me.”
The ASLTIP Board would like to extend our congratulations to all of our award winners and also everyone who was nominated. We’d like to take this opportunity to say well done to the ASLTIP members who were highly commended too:
Start Up | Amy Williams |
Leadership | Sophie Humphries |
Team Player | Michelle Baynam |
Maria Farry | Sam Nissen Lewis |
Cathy Shilling |
We look forward to our 2025 event in March next year!
Julie Cota, Secretary
On behalf of the ASLTIP Board
ASLTIP’s membership has been growing rapidly since 1989. We are a support organisation run by our members. The executive board is always grateful for new members and new ideas.
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