In July I will complete a Postgraduate Diploma course in Speech and Language Therapy at City, University of London and have been selected to join the 2018 City Cambodia Project team. This is three months of voluntary work in Phnom Penh, undertaken by newly qualified SLT's, with the aim of developing services and improving quality of life for those with speech, language and communication needs. This information sheet gives a brief introduction about the role of an SLT in the UK: What is Speech and Language Therapy?

Despite there being huge developments in Cambodia's healthcare services, Speech and Language Therapy is not yet an established profession. This leaves a huge gap in the availability of services and support for those in need, which can have a large knock on impact on attainment, health and social and emotional wellbeing.

The project has been running since 2007, under Professor Tim Pring. Through developing and maintaining links with services in Phnom Penh, each year a team is able to visit and deliver vital training and education to staff and families. Recently, this has also involved teaching a module on the first Speech and Language Therapy course at Paññāsāstra University and developing students’ clinical skills through observations and workshops. Our hope for the future is that the combined efforts of all teams, and the local professionals, will lead to Speech and Language Therapy becoming an established and self-sustaining profession.

I am going to be working across multiple hospitals in Phnom Penh, developing the knowledge and skills of local speech advisors in assessing, treating and providing advice regarding speech, hearing and feeding difficulties associated with cleft lip and palate. I will also be working with interpreters to provide communication and feeding advice to families in clinics at the hospitals and in the community.

The cost for volunteers is £3000. I am hoping to fund as much as I can through work, applying for volunteering grants and putting on events and cake sales with the team. I am also going to be climbing Ben Nevis with some of the other team members in June, which should be a fantastic challenge and bonding experience. Any donations to help me reach my goal would be much appreciated.

If you have any questions, or want any more information please feel free to get in touch! Thank you.