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Free online course exploring the links between mental health and communication


The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) has announced the launch of a new, free online course to support all those working with children and young people with mental health needs.

‘Mind Your Words’ aims to improve understanding of children and young people who have both mental health needs (or social emotional and mental health needs – SEMH) and Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN). This is made all the more important during the COVID-19 pandemic, as research suggests that it has had an effect on everyone’s mental health, including children.

This online training highlights the links between mental health and communication and outlines how professionals can work together to remove communication barriers and help these children and young people achieve their potential. The course consists of 15 modules, of which the first five apply to all settings.

The five core modules explain what speech, language and communication needs are, what social, emotional and mental health needs are, and how to recognise them; then how they are inter-related and what are strategies you can put in place. The remaining modules look in more detail at ways you can support children and young people, including getting support from speech and language therapy, working collaboratively, modifying risk assessment and de-escalation techniques, becoming a communication accessible service and much more.

Head to the RCSLT website for further information about Mind your words and to access the course.


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