tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51402083672870665062024-03-05T02:07:05.330-08:00Julie Giving VoiceGiving Voice is a national campaign led by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists which aims to demonstrate how speech and language therapy makes a difference to people with speech, language and communication needs, their families, and wider society.
I'll be updating this blog regularly so please keep checking back and share it too :) click the Giving Voice logo to go direct to the official website!Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-23913589491013209512019-01-28T21:33:00.000-08:002019-01-28T13:34:42.756-08:00"A day without laughter is a day wasted..."<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Last week I talked at a Lost Voice Guy Gig in Newcastle about
Speech and Language Therapy. It was organised by the SLT Society at Newcastle University
and I was delighted to be invited to take part.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">RCSLT contacted me before Christmas and asked me if I would
be interested in talking at the event. I’d be lying if I said the audience of
160 wasn’t rather daunting, but I agreed that I’d be happy to talk to the
students to find out what they required. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>A few emails later
and I’d agreed to a 5 minute slot at the beginning of the night. Giving Voice
rep and final year student, Fran, was really helpful regarding running order of
the evening and possible content for my speech. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I began to write my talk when I was off work over Christmas,
and although I was quite happy with the first draft, I knew it still needed
some work. Like all good things, I left it for a little while, whilst still
thinking about it, to let the ideas grow and develop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As 21<sup>st</sup> January approached I knew I needed to work
on it a little more so I spent some time re-drafting (and practising on my
family). I also discussed it with some of my closest friends (some of whom are
also SLTs) for honest feedback. All the feedback was positive, with some ideas
for potential extras, so I made a few minor edits in the few days before the
big night. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The Friday before I spoke to Derek Munn, from RCSLT, who was
also planning to talk on the night, so that we could ensure that our talks
complemented each other. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I was excited about talking at the event but also quite
nervous. The audience would be expecting comedy and they’d be getting 5 minutes
of me: a speech and language therapist who usually only makes people laugh by
accident – something I definitely didn’t want to do on stage in front of so
many people. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Fran and the other students very kindly arranged tickets for
my husband and I to stay and watch the show. We arrived about an hour before it
started so that I could see the stage area and have a run through of my speech.
By this point I was feeling nervous but I was well prepared and was happy with
what I’d written.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66XuXZ56o44n7MfpyRU7RU6hteT26cfwG7cJCfqxAdzdNHvLKplR5ANocbBzGbL_WrZmHWPbUw9fwBRim6EH-wQ81ZBs-4rlFct10xqc40u1Xiv5k-A1lvhlHWnzwoYoq8VwHXTXk_Q8/s1600/50568707_10156190561067099_8236788383624462336_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66XuXZ56o44n7MfpyRU7RU6hteT26cfwG7cJCfqxAdzdNHvLKplR5ANocbBzGbL_WrZmHWPbUw9fwBRim6EH-wQ81ZBs-4rlFct10xqc40u1Xiv5k-A1lvhlHWnzwoYoq8VwHXTXk_Q8/s320/50568707_10156190561067099_8236788383624462336_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Talking in public always reminds me of the complexities of
communication. Being under pressure, I worry I might talk too quickly, forget
the words I need, or say them in the wrong order – something that people with
communication difficulties may worry about every day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I had chance to talk to the students and to Derek before the
start of the show and it was great to feel the excitement and enthusiasm of
everyone. I was also very excited to see my name was on the poster! (This was
made even more exciting as it’s the first Giving Voice event I’ve been at since
I got married last July). </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQvz4fqOdOxggfJLRV4dkUiGy7mJrbgurVtS82lrfsfLVeJGCkk6XlV-pYahyphenhyphenosHrJy9yoVYmJ2VhrltnYmucVxLXVisXOKE1APEHXPFQXQyqxauQvZyfa8Gur1_5eCamgLDHk0OA7lQ/s1600/51064505_10156190560927099_2366481264464101376_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="701" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQvz4fqOdOxggfJLRV4dkUiGy7mJrbgurVtS82lrfsfLVeJGCkk6XlV-pYahyphenhyphenosHrJy9yoVYmJ2VhrltnYmucVxLXVisXOKE1APEHXPFQXQyqxauQvZyfa8Gur1_5eCamgLDHk0OA7lQ/s320/51064505_10156190560927099_2366481264464101376_n.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The students introduced the evening and then it was my turn
to talk. I felt nervous, but I was excited to raise some awareness of Speech and
Language Therapy. In my everyday life I talk a lot, so standing on stage in
front of an audience should be easy, after all communication is what I do for a
living. That didn’t make it easy but it did mean I was equipped with the skills
and knowledge to deliver the speech effectively. The speech went well and I got
a few laughs (in appropriate places!) </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInuAO0KLQeC4z00Az_SpksDO3tB72Djxtv54nyzweuUzrJU6o3KErwrJAZ2xvw67Bz0gY7lC23Vhd-8iQRriVz81W0dQGAC2BWykv-OKtinPKhmkgyjnEhuzsGPp1LZ331f-e4zXWC6w/s1600/50442326_10217275557788302_484688614131761152_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInuAO0KLQeC4z00Az_SpksDO3tB72Djxtv54nyzweuUzrJU6o3KErwrJAZ2xvw67Bz0gY7lC23Vhd-8iQRriVz81W0dQGAC2BWykv-OKtinPKhmkgyjnEhuzsGPp1LZ331f-e4zXWC6w/s320/50442326_10217275557788302_484688614131761152_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I talked about how important communication is, a brief
overview of my involvement in Giving Voice (and arranging comedy gigs starring
Lost Voice Guy), the Voice Box joke competition and finished with the range of
client groups SLTs work with. I also included some key facts such as 20% of the
population may need a Speech and Language Therapist at some point in their
lives. That’s 1 in 5 of us. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I wanted to
use some facts would reach out to people and that they might remember long
after the comedy was over. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The comedy was great; starting the night was Mr Joe King
followed by Joby Mageean. We then had a 20 minute interval before the students
welcomed us back for the final act. Derek gave an inspirational speech about the
importance of communication before introducing Lost Voice Guy to the stage. He
was as brilliant as ever and had the audience in stiches!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The students concluded the night with a few thank yous
(while Lost Voice Guy came back on stage ‘just for some more attention!’)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvASpLlLp9SF2_K1wSaazWOqcZXTnfQhruMqaJj-FsFfkQ6OuE7ItDNnkVmVjQeOTcxsEcC-VoFkJbcWiB0HUbMyWxG17TItHQynyZE3F_6_icWmLI0XKMYgCQ5w07S1XHtWU3lkQhUE/s1600/50508775_10156190582882099_403830370111324160_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvASpLlLp9SF2_K1wSaazWOqcZXTnfQhruMqaJj-FsFfkQ6OuE7ItDNnkVmVjQeOTcxsEcC-VoFkJbcWiB0HUbMyWxG17TItHQynyZE3F_6_icWmLI0XKMYgCQ5w07S1XHtWU3lkQhUE/s320/50508775_10156190582882099_403830370111324160_n.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It was a brilliant night and the students should be so proud
of themselves for organising it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Communication is integral to us as humans and I love that
comedy brings us together for a shared experience in laughter. We definitely had
that; whilst also raising awareness of SLT and fundraising for the Percy Hedley
Foundation. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieNcFtJO9HNQak8U5YNBxWvzq4TD-ghag_J8AZZdWKj-1GoxfQeWQ7PjS9UtYlCTuT2588JqijQmG6BFpTEM0h6C8yQ5q1tZHqv2shGRPVGy9sK5o-9VCxAw-I88RHyX-ofCWQz4Q_qc/s1600/51369917_10156204081322099_3838017397436973056_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieNcFtJO9HNQak8U5YNBxWvzq4TD-ghag_J8AZZdWKj-1GoxfQeWQ7PjS9UtYlCTuT2588JqijQmG6BFpTEM0h6C8yQ5q1tZHqv2shGRPVGy9sK5o-9VCxAw-I88RHyX-ofCWQz4Q_qc/s320/51369917_10156204081322099_3838017397436973056_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Derek and I with the amazing student team</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">“A day without laughter is a day wasted” Charlie Chaplin </span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span>Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-11220085156787295282017-11-27T12:54:00.000-08:002017-11-27T12:54:12.650-08:00Little Stars
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">It’s that time of year again! What better way to warm up during
the autumn term than an annual joke competition. After the success of last year’s
Voice Box we decided to get the laughter started and take part again. Each
campus held their own Voice Box competition over the last few weeks through
class and whole school assemblies; and we held the intercampus final on Friday.
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">We chose to host this year’s competition at the campus which
gave us last year’s national finalist, Jesse, and it was a lovely afternoon. The
audience was made up of parents, staff, KS2 and our judging panel (our Primary
Governor, Ian Lavery, MP and our Director of Data). </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNw9k6S6XbG_u2DTNU4GzC8QZz-SgWaGwe6N6Wqg4WyrlNN0VXQxBbZeVwRmHzjrqv4CdobswuSiUw3TmDPykD7x3l4YE9dTFwPHN2MzQrhht6PfUIKEOoIhxvXR8_FmWBfFllkCAvJw/s1600/IMG_0876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNw9k6S6XbG_u2DTNU4GzC8QZz-SgWaGwe6N6Wqg4WyrlNN0VXQxBbZeVwRmHzjrqv4CdobswuSiUw3TmDPykD7x3l4YE9dTFwPHN2MzQrhht6PfUIKEOoIhxvXR8_FmWBfFllkCAvJw/s320/IMG_0876.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">We heard jokes from 3 children of each campus. The runners
up from each told us their jokes first; then we heard from each of our 5
winners. While the judges were deciding on the winning joke we were delighted
to welcome back Jesse who told us the joke that got him to the national final
last year. Jesse started secondary school in September so it was lovely to
welcome him back to his primary school. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Everyone
was excited to see him and he told us his joke and talked about his experience
of the final in London (read about it <a href="http://juliegivingvoice.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/">here</a>). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">Ian Lavery gave out the certificates and medals to all of
the runners up before moving on to announcing the winner. It was a tough
competition and I’m glad it wasn’t me making the decision! The winner from each
campus received a trophy, medal and certificate, with the overall winner
receiving an extra special trophy. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_QXjKWmcGcPGcGTgsfPra5AuC3ldS7bq7nZ8uG6FnoSWdqPpV-cZ8wsvmuzXLYh1ZehcybssnjztjpWRo4UnDUD9XV_adpfkjVU8E7rwBt6tYlDD-NERIRXLbk3UDqjWzjDhOI__kC4/s1600/23795487_10155225900152099_6799505811769473704_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_QXjKWmcGcPGcGTgsfPra5AuC3ldS7bq7nZ8uG6FnoSWdqPpV-cZ8wsvmuzXLYh1ZehcybssnjztjpWRo4UnDUD9XV_adpfkjVU8E7rwBt6tYlDD-NERIRXLbk3UDqjWzjDhOI__kC4/s320/23795487_10155225900152099_6799505811769473704_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">It was a lovely afternoon and I am really proud of all the
children who took part. I’ve received lots of positive feedback from staff
about the increase in the children’s confidence and how much they enjoyed it. Some
of the parents also commented about how proud they were seeing their children
telling jokes in front of a large audience.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">I feel privileged to have been able to take part in this
again; our winning joke has been submitted to RCSLT and we look forward to
hearing whether she has been shortlisted to the national final.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Whatever the
outcome, all of the children are winners to us. </span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: calibri;"></span>Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-31316235828971057592017-10-04T19:46:00.000-07:002017-10-04T11:47:28.481-07:00Maximum Impact<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Happy No Pens Day! </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Maximum impact is something that we all want for our clients
as we want to make a difference to the lives of the people we work with, while
ensuring what we do is good value for money. The theme of the RCSLT Conference
this year was pertinent as it was Maximising Impact. It was a packed two
days, which was brilliantly organised, informative and inspirational. </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Morag Dorwood, Chair of Council, welcome us to the
conference in Glasgow (and to Scotland). The opening keynote speakers really
set the scene for what was a highly motivating two days. A leading Allied
Health Professions Officer from each country in the UK discussed important
issues around workforce, leadership, early intervention and prevention. Kamini
Gadhok, Chief Exec of RCSLT led the discussion while they encouraged us to
think about our personal and professional impact. They inspired us to be
courageous and to develop skills around demonstrating impact. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMptTPlUiYAuvEyyhIXvvW1GSr2p7lKHjpR5zfdpTHHbdHhlgNzpEhWufVHv0pUSr3TozU-VsNV8TLmGhrNzffnZtigJ54jVozPiUh9WJ7KFMHjSfK_OMNlmuTtQdSUFNVkDxuhTlkB3U/s1600/22141285_10155098963057099_2214008750574011084_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMptTPlUiYAuvEyyhIXvvW1GSr2p7lKHjpR5zfdpTHHbdHhlgNzpEhWufVHv0pUSr3TozU-VsNV8TLmGhrNzffnZtigJ54jVozPiUh9WJ7KFMHjSfK_OMNlmuTtQdSUFNVkDxuhTlkB3U/s320/22141285_10155098963057099_2214008750574011084_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morag Dorwood opening the two day conference</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Following the keynote speeches the buzz of enthusiasm and
motivation could actually be felt in the air, and we moved on to a refreshment
break where there was time to look at many exciting posters, exhibits and
network with other SLTs.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">After the break the first parallel sessions took place; so
many interesting topics but only time to attend one! I chose the session around
creating and using evidence which was thought provoking and informative. </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Following this session the Rt Hon John Bercow, Speaker of
the House, spoke of his joy and privilege to have been asked to attend the
conference. It was a pleasure to listen to him talk so passionately about our
profession and to hear him say that the most stimulating and rewarding part of
his work as an MP was the review of SLCN (Bercow Review); wonderful to hear a
decade on! He also talked about Voice Box (which is hosted at Speaker’s House)
and I was delighted that he mentioned Jesse (one of this year’s finalists and a
child from the schools I work in) and how Voice Box made him more popular. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The AGM followed John Bercow’s speech and it was lovely to see
the photo of the Voice Box finalists (including Jesse!) on screen during the
RCSLT impact report (detailed in the September Bulletin for those who’ve not
yet seen it).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The afternoon was another exciting parallel session (this
time I chose Child Speech); followed by a keynote from Professor Courtney
Norbury. HRH Countess of Wessex also joined us to hear Professor Norbury talk
about Developmental Language Disorder. This session was highly motivating as we
thought about where we add value, intervention goals and how we can measure
impact. It was also interesting to hear more about the change in terminology from
Specific Language Impairment to Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Morag Dorwood closed the day and also told us that our
RCSLT2017 hashtag had been trending on twitter, which was greeted with a cheer
from us all. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
It was lovely to see a number of Speech and Language Therapists who I haven't seen for a while (including Andrea Robinson and Gill Rudd who I met through the Giving Voice Innovation Group, and Dr Helen Stringer and Professor James Law who were both lecturers during my time at Uni.) It was also nice to meet lots of new SLTs too!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">On Wednesday night I attended the social event where the
Honours and Giving Voice awards took place. It was lovely to hear about the
deserving winners of all the awards and to see HRH Countess of Wessex (Patron
of RCSLT) give out the awards. She also talked passionately about the
profession and the valuable work we do. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HRH Countess of Wessex speaking at the Honours Ceremony</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Thursday was another informative and interesting day filled
with more inspirational speakers. The key note address was from Professor Linda
Worrall who is the Director of the Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in
Aphasia Rehabilitation. She encouraged us to think bigger, collaborate with
everyone and to always keep the end goal in mind. She challenged us to write a
letter to our future selves (<a href="http://www.futureme.org/"><span style="color: #0563c1;">www.futureme.org</span></a>)
as a gentle reminder to ourselves of something we want to work on or achieve. This
is definitely something I plan to do – both on a work and personal level. I
like the idea of receiving an email from myself at some point in the future (by
a specified date), reminding me of some of the goals I am working and keeping on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Further parallel sessions took place throughout the day and
I’d chosen another good two sessions (this time learning more about Service Delivery,
and Developmental Language Disorder). The day closed following another keynote address,
this time from 2 service users (Euan MacDonald and Fiona Petrie). This was a
highly moving and inspirational session and following both speeches, the whole
auditorium gave a thoroughly deserved standing ovation. The main messages from
this session were that we should always take into account the views of service
users and to never stop fighting for them. This was a moving end to an
information packed two days and was good to draw everything together in terms
of why Maximising Impact really does matter. </span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span>Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-90564657827864431362017-04-04T08:56:00.000-07:002017-04-04T02:24:16.627-07:00Laughter in London<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
As the clocks move forward and Spring is in the
air, I welcome you to my first post of 2017. Last week was a particularly
exciting week for a pupil in one of the schools I work in. Jesse was invited to
London as one of the finalists for Voice Box. He was delighted to be able to
attend with his Mum and older sister to tell his joke in Speaker’s House at the
Houses of Parliament.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWyJSN2bIC2vJefzVBVcaTGkmKvuknUTGvIHzJsg9zWGp6zZR5oRVZ0ir4Vl1tcXlXy3lrpyiOc0P-kpz10gQ1j_kfoBagfSzXjsJM7uvpcQj4kl30Smz4USk-qY6CAxPYG5AU8L5EOg/s1600/Houses+of+parliament.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWyJSN2bIC2vJefzVBVcaTGkmKvuknUTGvIHzJsg9zWGp6zZR5oRVZ0ir4Vl1tcXlXy3lrpyiOc0P-kpz10gQ1j_kfoBagfSzXjsJM7uvpcQj4kl30Smz4USk-qY6CAxPYG5AU8L5EOg/s320/Houses+of+parliament.png" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Houses of Parliament before we went inside</td></tr>
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Upon arrival at Portcullis House we passed through
security and were greeted by a buzz of enthusiasm and excitement in the room. I’d
tweeted a photo of Jesse travelling to London on the train, which had
subsequently been re-tweeted by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). Not long after we arrived a number of
members of RCSLT staff came to say hello and told him they recognised him from
Twitter, which really made his day.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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At 12.30pm we were all greeted and shown to
Speaker’s House, which involved a walk under the road and up a rather grand
flight of stairs. At the top of the stairs we were given a name badge and
informed that lunch was served. This allowed a nice opportunity to enjoy the
surroundings and mingle<b> </b>with the other
guests. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It was clear to see how excited everyone was though
I’m sure there were lots of nervous butterflies fluttering around in tummies
too. During lunch, there was a magician providing entertainment for the guests
and was particularly popular with the children. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After lunch, we were called through to the main
room ready for the children to tell their jokes. Nick Smith, MP for <span lang="EN">Blaenau Gwent,</span> was Master of
Ceremonies and he did a great job of keeping the day moving along. He welcomed
each of the judging panel and it was lovely to see last year’s winner TJ was
back to help choose the winning joke. Read more <a href="http://juliegivingvoice.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/raising-roof-at-speakers-house.html">here</a> about when he won last
year. TJ told us his joke at the beginning of the day and then each of the
other judges told a joke too. <o:p></o:p></div>
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All of the children were brilliant with a very high
standard of jokes (the judges had a tough decision to make!) There were a range
of jokes from children from around the country and it was great to see some MPs
get up there with their constituents to tell a joke of their own. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Once all the children had told their jokes we had a
refreshment break while the judges made the important decision about the winner
and runners-up jokes! We had the opportunity to chat with Ian Lavery, MP who
came along to support Jesse. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkDewtnXlqIh5O1uxIgjkWu4DQcBHi38I6WECjLrm6Iy3jZu84jGZGML4Pz5aWOPLf-3KsijZV2VSWqVfgzsMFlCzIYyGOpC7_jEj24a_QHnEEO7PJ20rQCi4NtisGZRGpUBx_vxfhYQ/s1600/Jesse+and+ian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkDewtnXlqIh5O1uxIgjkWu4DQcBHi38I6WECjLrm6Iy3jZu84jGZGML4Pz5aWOPLf-3KsijZV2VSWqVfgzsMFlCzIYyGOpC7_jEj24a_QHnEEO7PJ20rQCi4NtisGZRGpUBx_vxfhYQ/s320/Jesse+and+ian.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesse and Ian Lavery, MP for Wansbeck<br />
Photo Credit: Geoff Wilson</td></tr>
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All of the children were presented with a goody bag
and framed certificate and Kamini Gadhok, CEO of RCSLT congratulated everyone
on reaching the final. Once all of the children received their goody bags the
runners up and winner were announced. It
was a brilliant day and a fantastic opportunity for the children! To read Sam’s
winning joke visit RCSLT’s Giving Voice website <a href="http://www.givingvoiceuk.org/voice-box/">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On Friday morning, I received a telephone call from
RCSLT informing me that BBC Radio Newcastle wanted to interview Jesse about his
experience at Voice Box. Jesse was extremely excited about this opportunity and
I went to his school on Friday afternoon so that the interview could be
recorded via telephone. We both chatted to the presenter Jon and the interview
went out on the Drive Time show on Friday evening. If you’d like to listen to
the interview you can find it <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04w6qll">here</a> (from 54:09) – it’s only available until
Friday (07/04/17). <o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s been great to see lots of activity on Twitter,
including tweets from RCSLT, BBC Radio Newcastle and Ian Lavery, MP. More photos from the day can be found on the
RCSLT <a href="http://instagram.com/rcslt">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/RCSLT">Twitter.</a><o:p></o:p><br />
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It was a brilliant day in London and it was lovely
to hear Jesse say that the competition has led to him making more friends. We
all thoroughly enjoyed the competition back in the Autumn term (read about it
<a href="http://juliegivingvoice.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/laughter-is-best-medicine.html">here</a>) and Jesse getting to the final is fantastic. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I received lots of positive feedback about how much
the children and teachers enjoyed Voice Box and we are all looking forward to
taking part again. It’s a brilliant opportunity to celebrate language and how
fun it can be!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesse's Mum, me, Jesse and his sister at Speaker's House<br />
Photo Credit: Geoff Wilson</td></tr>
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<br />Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-11028920883489652332016-12-15T20:30:00.000-08:002016-12-16T04:51:34.199-08:00Inspiring the Future...<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Earlier this month I travelled to
Manchester to talk at the RCSLT student study day. In the weeks leading up to
this I was involved in the Student Day Working Group helping to shape the
programme for the day. As a final year student 5 years ago (I really don’t know
where the time has gone?!) I found the RCSLT student study day extremely useful
so I was very excited to have been asked to take part this year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The study day took place at the
Renaissance Hotel in Manchester and the delegates were seated in Cabaret style
via a seating plan to allow opportunity to network across educational
establishments. It was a lovely location and the hotel was decorated for
Christmas which made me feel rather festive! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Decorations at the hotel</td></tr>
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As well as being involved in the
Working Group session near the beginning of the day, I also had a 7 minute slot
to talk about ‘How I got there?’ with the theme of Education. I’d spent a long
time planning this and thinking about what the students would find most useful,
trying to put myself into their shoes as I thought back to my student days. I asked
a few of my colleagues and a couple of final year students I know to make sure
I captured the relevant information. I felt like 7 minutes was a long time until I began to plan it and realised how much I wanted to say!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’d typed my speech out and
practiced it a number of times and I had planned to read it to make sure I didn’t
forget any of the important points. I was quite nervous before I began but I
was keen to inspire the students so I stood with a smile on my face and began
to talk. I soon stopped reading the speech from the paper and used it only as a
guide to talk through my experiences and expand the points as I thought of
additional information. The more I talked the less nervous I felt and I was surprised when I was given my 3 minute warning and hadn't got as far through as I thought I would have done. As well as talking about my journey into Education (and
the variety of temporary jobs I had before securing a permanent post in Leeds)
I also used it as an opportunity to talk about Giving Voice and Voice Box. This
was a good link to my experience in Education as Voice Box has been a great
opportunity to raise awareness of Speech, Language and Communication Needs in a
fun way. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I feel like the students were
interested in my experiences and I enjoyed sharing theses. I also had
opportunity to talk to a number of students at the breaks (and lovely lunch!) and
it was great to feel such a buzz of enthusiasm in the room. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I thoroughly enjoyed being
involved in the student day and I think the students got a lot out of it. There
was a good range of speakers and there were also career and research posters
around the room with further information. The RCSLT website has the PowerPoints
from the day as well as the research and career posters – <a href="https://www.rcslt.org/news/events/2016/national_student_study_day">check them out here.</a> Please do get in touch with me if you would like to know more :)<o:p></o:p></div>
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As ever, being involved in an
event where there are so many Speech and Language Therapists (and students)
makes me proud of the profession I’ve chosen and excited for what the future
may hold.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wishing you all a very Peaceful
Christmas and a Happy New Year! <o:p></o:p></div>
Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-73672297232833539382016-11-27T20:24:00.000-08:002016-11-27T12:27:00.974-08:00Laughter is the best medicine!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Earlier this month we hosted our
inter-school Voice Box competition in Ashington, Northumberland. It was a lovely end to a busy week and we
were delighted to welcome Ian Lavery, MP, and Andrew Day, Executive Director of
the Northumberland Church of England Academy (NCEA) to our judging panel. All five
schools participated and we invited the winner and 2 runners up from each of
them. There were 3 schools from Ashington, one from Newbiggin and one from Lynemouth.</span>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">In the weeks leading up to the
competition there was lots of chatter about Voice Box as I visited each of the
schools. I had presented at a number of the staff meetings to encourage schools
to take part and I was delighted with the enthusiasm this had created. A number
of the schools sent a homework activity to find and learn a joke and staff
reported that this lead to a positive uptake of homework with almost all pupils
actively engaging. Each campus held their own Voice Box competition slightly
differently with class based competitions, class votes and whole school
assemblies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I was excited for the final and
was looking forward to welcoming parents and guests for an afternoon filled with
laughter. Key Stage 2 from our host school also formed part of the audience. I
briefly introduced the afternoon and then handed the stage over to the budding
comedians! All of the runners up went first, followed by the winner from each
of the 5 schools. While the judges were deciding their winner (with the help of
a score sheet and a Giving Voice pen from their goody bag!) I welcomed Lost Voice Guy to the stage.
He entertained us for 15 minutes through a funny story packed with jokes. The
children (and adults!) loved him and it was great to have a Comedian join us
for the afternoon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lost Voice Guy, Ian Lavery, Andrew Day<br />
At the Judges table with their goody bags!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ian Lavery announced the winner
and handed out all of our medals and trophies. All the children received a
medal and certificate and the winner from each school also received a trophy.
Ian Lavery and Andrew Day both said a few words before I closed the afternoon
and thanked everyone attending. </span></div>
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<o:p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></o:p><br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CwbVKzPXUAAMdho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-aria-label-part="" height="240" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CwbVKzPXUAAMdho.jpg" style="top: 0px;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medals and trophies for the children</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It was a truly lovely way to spend
an hour on a Friday afternoon and it was nice to be talking about and promoting
the Speech and Language Skills of all the children. I’ve had lots of lovely
conversations with staff in all the schools about how much the children enjoyed
and engaged with it. Most of the schools took part on their No Pens Day which
allowed lots of opportunity to really put Speech, Language and Communication at
the top of the agenda </span><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">All of the winners have been submitted
to RCSLT now and we look forward to hearing back about whether any of them have
been shortlisted for the National Final. It was also lovely to see on Twitter
that Richard Burgon, MP for Leeds East, got involved with his local schools competition
again too. Read about last year <a href="http://juliegivingvoice.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/laughter-in-leeds.html">here.</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Wishing lots of good luck to all
the schools and children who have taken part this year and don’t forget if you haven’t
sent in your schools winning joke yet the deadline is this Thursday 1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup>
December! Further details from RCSLT <a href="http://www.givingvoiceuk.org/voice-box/">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-48497580150026229882016-10-15T21:00:00.000-07:002016-10-15T13:17:01.358-07:00Learning to Laugh<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Voice Box season is upon us and I am enjoying encouraging
schools to be involved again this year. I am now settled in my new job back
home in Northumberland and have spent time since the beginning of term encouraging
my new schools to join in. I’ve presented at a few staff meetings over the last
few weeks to share information about Voice Box and how staff can get their
students involved. Prior to the staff meetings I created a resource sheet summarising
what Voice Box is and the benefits of getting involved along with some
information about how to support the children with Speech, Language and
Communication Needs (SLCN). I also used this opportunity to summarise what
makes a joke funny and why this can be difficult for some of the children with
SLCN. We discussed how to use the joke telling as a way of exploring vocab and
also incorporating it into wider school events such as No Pens Day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In a few weeks we are having an inter-campus final where the
winners and runners up can tell their jokes on stage in front of an audience at
one of the schools. Planning for this is going well and I have sent invite
letters to local MPs to be on the judging panel. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am really looking forward to seeing and hearing the
winning jokes and hearing how each of the schools are getting on. It’s been
lovely that a couple of people have contacted me about Voice Box following my
article in Bulletin last month too. I always love hearing from other SLTs!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
It’s not too late to get your school involved. Check out the
<a href="http://www.givingvoiceuk.org/">Giving Voice</a> website for the Voice Box toolkit and further information. Happy
joke telling!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnz34gWShCM8D6_MbDX3dU8m6EHq94zZOzefSNbwMVOxofCh0danG0vCuyQomgnaW0dGnzhTA4wr1XkyQCVRLgdwi3h78GwZT-whvq-eDCQB4iYrYsZfYd_ARLGe8QYifmT5b5zgLkixQ/s1600/12088252_1540650026225672_4389061010708599219_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnz34gWShCM8D6_MbDX3dU8m6EHq94zZOzefSNbwMVOxofCh0danG0vCuyQomgnaW0dGnzhTA4wr1XkyQCVRLgdwi3h78GwZT-whvq-eDCQB4iYrYsZfYd_ARLGe8QYifmT5b5zgLkixQ/s320/12088252_1540650026225672_4389061010708599219_n.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tilly and Tom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-65397384154358440632016-07-26T14:24:00.000-07:002016-07-27T07:09:05.819-07:00Love to Laugh? Voice Box is Back!<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">After the success of Voice Box last year, I’m excited it is happening
again this autumn term. Whether you are a parent, a teacher or a Speech and
Language Therapist I’d like to help you inspire your local school to get
involved in Voice Box.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Communication is a fundamental part of our daily lives and
these skills begin to develop from birth. Humour is something that connects us
and allows us to share in experiences with others, building friendships and
providing joy. I love that Voice Box brings together the importance of communication
and how fun language can be. Humour is used a lot throughout our lives and I think
it’s a great way to explore language. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Last year I inspired a number of Leeds schools to get
involved in Voice Box (2 of which went on to represent their schools at the
final in London with one becoming the overall winner!) </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Read about the <a href="http://juliegivingvoice.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/jolly-jokers-shine.html">school competition</a>, <a href="http://juliegivingvoice.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/laughter-in-leeds.html">Leeds final</a> or <a href="http://juliegivingvoice.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/raising-roof-at-speakers-house.html">National Final at Westminster</a></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We were excited to get involved in Voice Box but it really
did exceed our expectations, even before we knew who had been shortlisted.
Everyone loved taking part right from the beginning and it was lovely to see
how enthusiastic the children were throughout. It was lovely to see the children
grow in confidence and they enjoyed sharing their jokes with their friends and
on stage. Some of the children required additional support from a Speech and Language
Therapist (me) and then delivered their jokes with confidence. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZkmbT3x9fz5KK78gJM_BMRGt6hn7qdpTD761vqoUxb2epO5uaDG3Ejxy3rMBGqZUGK-WoZY3tup9CUJzDuh88EwPPj7su7NwCQbsFKOarWQaMkgAwNf3vPNxLR5_96ApY7MKDEINouk/s1600/12278702_10153333534422099_9005355407247631973_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZkmbT3x9fz5KK78gJM_BMRGt6hn7qdpTD761vqoUxb2epO5uaDG3Ejxy3rMBGqZUGK-WoZY3tup9CUJzDuh88EwPPj7su7NwCQbsFKOarWQaMkgAwNf3vPNxLR5_96ApY7MKDEINouk/s320/12278702_10153333534422099_9005355407247631973_n.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tilly and Tom enjoying Voice Box</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you work in primary schools I’d encourage you to get
involved in Voice Box as it was so much fun! I’ve devised a list of things I
did last year to inspire you as a starting point but I’d love to hear any of
your own ideas as I’m hoping to get schools involved again this year, and what
works for one school may not work for another. This is not an exhaustive list but hopefully will inspire you to help get schools involved.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">1.</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> <b>
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>Inspire Schools and gain a key contact </b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It will be useful to mention Voice Box as
early as possible to begin to plant the seeds. I’ve just started a new job and
have already begun to mention it ready to remind them again in the Autumn term.
It can be a busy time and it is worth planning it in as soon as possible. If
you work in a number of schools, have a discussion with a key person in each
who will be enthusiastic about taking it forward. Last year I was really lucky
that both the SENCO and Head Teacher thought it was a brilliant idea and we
joined together to make a brilliant team to make it work. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> <b>
</b></span></span></span><b>Help Staff identify which children may need
support</b></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
Voice Box is open to all children on primary
school age. Some children may have Speech, Language and Communication Needs
(SLCN) and need additional support to be able to understand and deliver their
joke. Last year I did a number of additional rehearsal sessions with some
children with SLCN to ensure they were able to learn and deliver their joke
confidently. </div>
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">3.</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> <b>
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>Set a date and share with whole school</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">With the competition dates in mind, think
about when your school will hold your competition and how you plan to do it.
Are you going to have a whole school event on stage? Per class etc?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Once you’ve decided on a plan, share with
staff and students. I shared this with the children during an assembly and it
also went out in the school newsletter so parents knew it was happening. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">4.</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> <b>
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>Invite MP and other judges</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Once you’ve decided on a date decide if you
want to have a judging panel. This can be a really good way to link with MPs or
others. We wrote to the local MP and then I followed this up with a visit to
his surgery and invited him in person. We chose to have the event on a Friday
so that the MP would be in constituency and more likely to be able to attend.
Even if you don’t need the MP to be a judge it can be a good idea to write to
them and tell them it is happening as the final will be taking place in
Westminster. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">5.</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> <b>
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>Lunch Time Joke Clubs</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We had a number of lunch time joke clubs in
the weeks leading up to the event. These proved hugely popular and were so
oversubscribed that each class could only attend a lunch time joke club once in
order to allow everyone who wanted to be involved to have the opportunity to do
so. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The joke clubs consisted of looking at joke
books and thinking of our favourite jokes. I also prepared some jokes for the
younger children with the answers separate to the question to encourage the
children to match them according to what made them funny. These were popular
activities which inspired the children to think of jokes. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">6.</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>Joke Workshops (No Pens Day)</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">On No Pens Day I led some joke workshops in
each class which wanted them. For the younger children this was reading jokes from
children’s joke books and talking about which ones they liked best. With the
older children (year 3 and above) we looked at what makes a joke funny (creates
a funny picture in your head, uses double meaning (pun) etc.) I then showed
them jokes and the children had to decide why it was funny based on what we had
discussed. These were popular sessions and encouraged the children to think
about jokes. They were really nice sessions to have on No Pens Day as it was a
good speaking and listening topic and the children were already enthusiastic at
not having to write for the day.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">These sessions could be led by the class
teacher and wouldn’t need to be done on No Pens Day.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">7.</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> <b>
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>Other: </b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 72pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">a.</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Goody Bags – we gave each of the judges a goody
bag with a range of nice Giving Voice treats (as well as some chocolates!) This
is a good way of reminding the judges about Speech and Language Therapy after
the event. My dad created some small calendars for 2016 (as the events were in
December) with a range of nice photos and facts about Speech and Language
Therapy. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 72pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">b.</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Posters – The Voice Box toolkit has a poster you
can print and use but school decided to have a poster design competition over
the holidays which was also very popular. This allowed children who prefer to
be artistic to be involved in the whole school event even if they didn’t want
to enter a joke. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 72pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">c.</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Prizes – if you have a whole school event on
stage you could get medals etc. We got a trophy for the winning joke (which
read ‘I made people laugh’) and all the children who told a joke got a medal.
There are certificates to print from the toolkit too which we also gave the children.
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 72pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 72pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 72pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">8.</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>Size of event </b> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Our event was quite large and
the whole school was involved, those who didn’t enter a joke watching the show.
I know of other school events that took place that were much smaller and just
as successful. Even if you don’t have much time you can still get your school involved.
My niece wrote to her Head Teacher and was then asked to present the idea in an
assembly. The children then had over night to think of a joke for the
competition the next day. A winner was chosen from each class and then an overall
winner was chosen to enter the competition. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>Why should I get involved in Voice Box?</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">-</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Language is fun!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">-</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Develops speaking and listening skills</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">-</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Opportunity to link with local MPs </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">-</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Spread awareness of Speech and Language Therapy</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">-</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Develops confidence and self-esteem in children</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">-</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Appeals to a wide range of children (and staff
alike)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">-</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Chance of being shortlisted to the National Final
in Westminster!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">-</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Create healthy competition between children and
between schools by organising a wider event</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I hope you found this interesting and feel inspired to get
your schools involved. If you have any questions about how I got involved last
year or want to share ideas I’d love to hear from you <a href="https://twitter.com/pinkjules_16">@pinkjules_16</a> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Voice Box is a joint initiative between RCSLT and The Communication Trust. For further details please see the official website<a href="http://www.givingvoiceuk.org/voice-box/"> http://www.givingvoiceuk.org/voice-box/</a> </span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-54863593386747642512016-03-08T13:21:00.000-08:002016-03-08T13:22:49.174-08:00International Women's Day<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Being in a profession consisting of more women than men, I felt
inspired to write a post on International Women’s Day. I don’t know why it is
that there are more women than men train for Speech and Language Therapy but it’s
definitely a profession with more females! (But I do know some brilliant male
SLTs too!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I work, and have worked with, many inspirational Speech and
Language Therapists who are dedicated to making a difference to the lives of
the people they work with. Whether it’s helping children to say their first
words, use their speech sounds correctly or to make more sense of the world around
them… and that’s just the children we’ve seen before lunch!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">There are so many women who have inspired me throughout my
entire life, before and during my career as a Speech and Language Therapist - and
men too but today is International Women’s day so we don’t need to talk about
the men today! ;) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3MHQhGOeufKMG_mQOKvBslH9l-oJxNtTqlJoXB62oOnpisz6UYF9FC6mcR41oBB3lyWj8jOeFpkHrKgbTMIvsa4fCemCWHbSqQAqkflVqGFidRikN-CbbZMZI8EK9nJdyJZIBzO5kyw/s1600/smile-837661_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3MHQhGOeufKMG_mQOKvBslH9l-oJxNtTqlJoXB62oOnpisz6UYF9FC6mcR41oBB3lyWj8jOeFpkHrKgbTMIvsa4fCemCWHbSqQAqkflVqGFidRikN-CbbZMZI8EK9nJdyJZIBzO5kyw/s320/smile-837661_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I love quotes and I have many favourites. My love of quotes
also reminds me how important language is to be able to understand others and
express ourselves and to find our place in the world. I feel so privileged to
be part of a profession that offers support and intervention to people
struggling to develop effective communication skills (or regain these skills if
they’ve been lost).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I thought I’d share some of my favourite quotes (so hard to
choose only a few!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">-</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you think you are too small to make an
impact, try sleeping with a mosquito in the room – Dame Anita Roddick (I love
this one and use it whenever I am talking to people about campaigning)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The question isn’t who’s going to let me. It’s
who’s going to stop me – Ayn Rand<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">No one can make you feel inferior without your
consent – Eleanor Roosevelt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">-</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you don’t like something change it, if you
can’t change it, change your attitude – Maya Angelou<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Anything is possible if you’ve got enough nerve –
J.K.Rowling<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Some of the most inspirational women in my life are those
the closest to me. My mam, my sister and my grandma have all played a huge role
in my life. My grandma always used to say ‘You’ve got to laugh or else you’ll
cry’ and this gets me through many situations (sometimes daily!) I know I am a
better person because she was in my life. All of my family (and friends) are so
supportive of me and everything I do and I feel so blessed each and every day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYF077-fKW_M7QAkfYuPN-YeV1WnG21apmjaXDppNBaYPffqpCoyRyxoMZ6zLsWPx-YymMGEklS7g7Xmpf3F0KfntDoDjWrUdEhHfxbrVt8i-YCd7Ko5p5m_Zd84c_s73W4_Ihh_SULBE/s1600/12823471_10153520828882099_366316860314177292_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYF077-fKW_M7QAkfYuPN-YeV1WnG21apmjaXDppNBaYPffqpCoyRyxoMZ6zLsWPx-YymMGEklS7g7Xmpf3F0KfntDoDjWrUdEhHfxbrVt8i-YCd7Ko5p5m_Zd84c_s73W4_Ihh_SULBE/s320/12823471_10153520828882099_366316860314177292_o.jpg" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister Joanne, mam and grandma with a cool little Julie!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Thanks for reading. Be proud of who you are <3 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Speech and Language Therapy Transforms Lives!<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-15828008911448551492016-03-07T21:10:00.000-08:002017-04-04T01:28:36.995-07:00Laughter with a Lord<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks to everyone who has read, shared and re-tweeted my blog in the last 24 hours! It's been great to see that a number of the MPs who were at Voice Box last week have retweeted it. Gary Northfield, one of the judges (and children's author and illustrator) also retweeted it to his followers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today I got some official photos from RCSLT and I thought it would be nice to share some of them here as an additional post. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tomorrow morning, Chris Dyson Head Teacher and TJ are going to be on BBC Radio Leeds between 8.15 and 8.30am and on BBC Look North after 6pm. I look forward to listening and watching!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xAYEdYj2FcMyNW32vsoSo3r2LerjQLWgOG_oHZNSNijlFTqb8bceVg-wTuOlDLB4iFjCzmGQNy_Z9WNVggdjIKxKNUSuIcQe7r5JCKCZpFTUgyqRODvesqz9f5g0M9mKy3yXuOY7cmY/s1600/_WW23724+Voice+Box+2016+-+Richard+Burgeon+MP+%2526+Headteacher+Chris+Dyson+%2526+Winner+TJ+Ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xAYEdYj2FcMyNW32vsoSo3r2LerjQLWgOG_oHZNSNijlFTqb8bceVg-wTuOlDLB4iFjCzmGQNy_Z9WNVggdjIKxKNUSuIcQe7r5JCKCZpFTUgyqRODvesqz9f5g0M9mKy3yXuOY7cmY/s320/_WW23724+Voice+Box+2016+-+Richard+Burgeon+MP+%2526+Headteacher+Chris+Dyson+%2526+Winner+TJ+Ball.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richard Burgon, Leeds East MP, Chris Dyson and TJ<br />
Photo Credit: Geoff Wilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6p5CFZwRZt54wfulFWfc7Y07RK9rA73no6xaV63Ly9d8GNyIBOd0eHfjM90stsI5LmnPBcD_0uDPw9R0XLv7SJ_OSBl5NaE_zM-3ss67Qz4e1nEb4wDCYFQWtMdZRDd1D01Z8HPtGI0/s1600/Voice+Box+2016+finalist+Abigail+O%2527Neill+with+Richard+Burgeon+MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6p5CFZwRZt54wfulFWfc7Y07RK9rA73no6xaV63Ly9d8GNyIBOd0eHfjM90stsI5LmnPBcD_0uDPw9R0XLv7SJ_OSBl5NaE_zM-3ss67Qz4e1nEb4wDCYFQWtMdZRDd1D01Z8HPtGI0/s320/Voice+Box+2016+finalist+Abigail+O%2527Neill+with+Richard+Burgeon+MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richard Burgon, MP with Abigail from Seacroft Grange<br />
Photo credit: Geoff Wilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0pbRoXcai-ZF639HxMWQmSvxdVIQSav9JABkdK6r6b3_Bfj17wMxAQ3CSSbWkd52G6XwspIrjcboSJlgcz2tmfkySYQNs-ua3KZgilWratlAKxs2qwxykJeBYOHtkHM1GOn0KzRKVY4/s1600/TJ+Ball+telling+his+Voice+Box+joke+with+his+potato+prop+and+Nick+Smith+MP+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0pbRoXcai-ZF639HxMWQmSvxdVIQSav9JABkdK6r6b3_Bfj17wMxAQ3CSSbWkd52G6XwspIrjcboSJlgcz2tmfkySYQNs-ua3KZgilWratlAKxs2qwxykJeBYOHtkHM1GOn0KzRKVY4/s320/TJ+Ball+telling+his+Voice+Box+joke+with+his+potato+prop+and+Nick+Smith+MP+%25281%2529.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TJ telling his winning joke (complete with potato prop!) with Nick Smith, MP<br />
Photo Credit: Geoff Wilson<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrg-mgtDsZiKYD3j0T6E8lzXCIFEXhSaMc305KiNLndvvT2_fI1SxrgPNtxIhLlidVYDgg47zeDYtP7DAH-dSW4b-ys0c_1ZcwlzsB4tmxJNGDENIDzgD7fluVFAtyX8hsB8B965idSwg/s1600/_WW23930+Voice+Box+2016+winner+TJ+Ball+with+childrens+author+and+illustrator+judge+Gary+Northfield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrg-mgtDsZiKYD3j0T6E8lzXCIFEXhSaMc305KiNLndvvT2_fI1SxrgPNtxIhLlidVYDgg47zeDYtP7DAH-dSW4b-ys0c_1ZcwlzsB4tmxJNGDENIDzgD7fluVFAtyX8hsB8B965idSwg/s320/_WW23930+Voice+Box+2016+winner+TJ+Ball+with+childrens+author+and+illustrator+judge+Gary+Northfield.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
Gary Northfield and TJ with his certificate<br />
Photo Credit: Geoff Wilson<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgtbiXDtrYETFq3-ywy9Q3fL31br2wMiw0lcnGkQ_eSdb7p2Jg3c5N-PNR-zO_n-Ex4DnyMOUvXwT6KKkpwuxOY0f6IT42_BcBgCJmSnVItoQujPaEi81ly621zmoPj7U9HraqN90tWM/s1600/_WW23659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgtbiXDtrYETFq3-ywy9Q3fL31br2wMiw0lcnGkQ_eSdb7p2Jg3c5N-PNR-zO_n-Ex4DnyMOUvXwT6KKkpwuxOY0f6IT42_BcBgCJmSnVItoQujPaEi81ly621zmoPj7U9HraqN90tWM/s320/_WW23659.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kamini Gadhok, CEO of RCSLT with Lord Quirk<br />
Photo Credit: Geoff Wilson<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lord Quirk pictured above was President of RCSLT between 1987 and 1991. In addition to this, in the late 1960s/early 1970s he chaired a committee of enquiry into speech therapy services (which fundamentally changed the profession!)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have enjoyed being involved in Voice Box so much. I think it is a fantastic idea and I know that all the children have enjoyed it too. I look forward to getting involved again next time round. It's a great way to promote the communication skills and confidence of young people in a fun way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Speech and Language Therapy Transforms Lives. To read more about the Voice Box final in London last week </span><a href="http://juliegivingvoice.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/raising-roof-at-speakers-house.html"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">see here.</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Thanks for reading and thank you to RCSLT for providing the photos I've shared in this blog post! I'm sure you'll agree they are fantastic! :)</span></div>
Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-47192079914602069022016-03-06T06:51:00.005-08:002016-03-08T14:03:59.773-08:00Raising the Roof at Speaker's House<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p>I travelled to London for the Voice Box final on Wednesday. I arrived a little early at Portcullis House so had a little walk along the Thames to take a few photos. Anyone that knows me knows I can never have too many photos of Big Ben or the London Eye! After brief sightseeing I joined the queue to get into Portcullis House. Once through security I was greeted with a buzz of enthusiasm and excitement from all the children waiting to go to Speaker’s House for the competition (and indeed the adults in the room too!)<o:p></o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portcullis House, London</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Voice Box was organised by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and The Communication Trust. I had the pleasure of meeting the Director of The Communication Trust (Octavia Holland)on our way from Portcullis House to Speaker's House.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I was particularly excited that
two of the Leeds schools had made it to the national final and chatted with
both finalists while we were waiting. Both children from Leeds were
particularly excited for their first trip to London and couldn’t wait to tell
their jokes! My niece took Voice Box to her school last term too and the winner
from there also attended so I introduced myself to him and his guests too :)</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The event
was officially hosted by Mr Speaker, John Bercow MP and it was held in
Speaker’s House. It was an honour to be invited and have lunch with all the
competitors and their families/teachers/SLTs before listening to all the jokes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Richard
Burgon MP for Leeds East attended for part of the event and was able to chat
with both the Leeds children before they told their jokes. I was really pleased
that he was able to attend and it was brilliant that he was able to see it
through to the end after having been the judge at both of our Leeds events. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can read more about the <a href="http://juliegivingvoice.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/jolly-jokers-shine.html">Parklands Voice Box</a> and the <a href="http://juliegivingvoice.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/laughter-in-leeds.html">Leeds final here</a>.</span></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">After lunch we took to our seats for the
competition to begin. Nick Smith, MP for Blaenau Gwent was the Master of
Ceremonies. Nick was RCSLT’s Director of Policy and Partnerships between 2006
and 2010. He kept the event running smoothly including a few jokes of his own.
I had the pleasure of meeting Nick at the 2011 <a href="http://juliegivingvoice.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/rcslt-honours-and-giving-voice-awards.html">Giving Voice awards</a> but unfortunately
didn’t get the opportunity to speak to him on Wednesday.</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqSlIN40fi_dJ3yIPRrxezhYJ2YzxpkGr9Z7vUXeBovQNzock726HoH1gW3GrOOlSSxlacblLrWy3WHlX6DVYRvuYpwoGu7ByiV-U_dWfA3sb5hd2T7dAySFfCOziy-wbL5C0kdbS7jk/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqSlIN40fi_dJ3yIPRrxezhYJ2YzxpkGr9Z7vUXeBovQNzock726HoH1gW3GrOOlSSxlacblLrWy3WHlX6DVYRvuYpwoGu7ByiV-U_dWfA3sb5hd2T7dAySFfCOziy-wbL5C0kdbS7jk/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick Smith MP, me and Sharon Hodgson MP at the Giving Voice Awards 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Eleven other MPs attended and some of them got up
and told jokes alongside their constituent competitors! They did get laughter from
the audience but I must say the children were definitely funnier than the MPs
;) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">There were a range of jokes, some complete with
props, and each and every one of the children had the room erupting with laughter.
Some children used iPads to tell their jokes and all of the children were full
of character - I definitely think there are some comedians in the making!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Ian Lavery, MP for Wansbeck attended part of the
event and it was great to catch up with him again. I also chatted with him to
get a quote for a press release for RCSLT to send out to local media. Ian took
the time to talk to the child from his constituency and posed for a photo with
him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s always lovely to catch up with
Mr Lavery. I’m so pleased that over the 4 years since I first met him to tell
him about Giving Voice that he has been a continued supporter of Speech and
Language Therapy and has attended so many events to show his support. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5C2j2gJ-kn40GSRNfKjiWC8Km3A7oE9fWecNupbZLfFLeXETGzWx_jO-KlxXmeYbQqmHusGVV15ad0Av988LQzy2wDK423xMJN06U51ii4xxoAh9RwqSmXdPYEtS8w9Nv-e5BeQIORA/s1600/12794528_10153516422227099_2208166916828109558_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5C2j2gJ-kn40GSRNfKjiWC8Km3A7oE9fWecNupbZLfFLeXETGzWx_jO-KlxXmeYbQqmHusGVV15ad0Av988LQzy2wDK423xMJN06U51ii4xxoAh9RwqSmXdPYEtS8w9Nv-e5BeQIORA/s320/12794528_10153516422227099_2208166916828109558_n.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ian Lavery, MP with me in Speaker's House</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Lord Quirk also attended - he was President of
RCSLT between 1987 and 1991. In addition, in the late 1960s/early 1970s he
chaired a committee of enquiry into speech therapy services (which
fundamentally changed the profession!)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The event was brilliant and the children were all fantastic
though I have to say the Parklands potato joke (complete with props!) remained
my favourite (and I’m not at all biased! ;) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We broke off for a cup of tea and some cake while the judges
were deciding the winner. I saw that South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck was
talking to her constituent child (the child from my niece’s school) so I went
and joined them for a chat. I told her that my niece took Voice Box to her
school and that I’m a Speech and Language Therapist working in Leeds. It was
lovely to chat to her and to hear how passionate she is about South Shields. (My
home away from home!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It was also lovely to have the chance to catch up with Andrea Robinson, who is also a member of the Giving Voice Innovation (GIG) group. She was also supporting a child in the final :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbPxX4ITiNyousTLWsuFnHFU2YU3XcNdTbcTBZA5E-EqOYNJ87O3LJS_jMW-OrlGq1yzGogS-ifKAR4UhlG6-96okFLT0fMt5UB8wMePgY60I7ktTtcEvzi3d85A4nnnt7TA_4UqJkrQ/s1600/12800139_10153516445202099_4522804640401629432_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbPxX4ITiNyousTLWsuFnHFU2YU3XcNdTbcTBZA5E-EqOYNJ87O3LJS_jMW-OrlGq1yzGogS-ifKAR4UhlG6-96okFLT0fMt5UB8wMePgY60I7ktTtcEvzi3d85A4nnnt7TA_4UqJkrQ/s320/12800139_10153516445202099_4522804640401629432_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with Andrea Robinson, SLT</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Once we’d had our fill of tea and cake we went back in to
find out the all-important results. The judging panel comprised of Octavia
Holland (Director of The Communication Trust), Gary Northfield (children’s
comic author) and last time’s Voice Box winner Jack. Before announcing the
winner Gary showed the children how to draw Julius Zebra (from his book of the
same title) and he presented all of the children with a framed certificate and
goody bag. Once all the prizes were given we found out the 2 runners up and the
winner… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">And I am delighted to announce that the winner was (insert
enthusiastic drum roll here…) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">TJ from Parklands Primary School! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">He was fantastic and the title was thoroughly deserved. He
also looked the part in the 3 piece suit the head teacher (Chris Dyson) bought
him for the occasion! The winner from Seacroft Grange also did really well and
I am proud to have been part of their journey to London. All of the children
were inspirational and it was clear how much they all enjoyed the day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdr6AFgIzpUQW4674B-IXTjWK8bR8gjhmR4QhXd54PAQRy-k0KVj5qn7T-2mq0yr995OiY-Wg02TLnS-DSLGynlWOyPM8phQMBrKgVpnSbMog2jxh2byd08xWBpiDJpOFWDBAjD0MpE8/s1600/10399259_10153516421792099_7187425100989544539_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdr6AFgIzpUQW4674B-IXTjWK8bR8gjhmR4QhXd54PAQRy-k0KVj5qn7T-2mq0yr995OiY-Wg02TLnS-DSLGynlWOyPM8phQMBrKgVpnSbMog2jxh2byd08xWBpiDJpOFWDBAjD0MpE8/s320/10399259_10153516421792099_7187425100989544539_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richard Burgon, MP for Leeds East, Chris Dyson Head Teacher and TJ - winner of Voice Box!<br />
Richard tweeted about the event and shared this photo on Facebook and Twitter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">After the competition we went on a tour of the Palace of Westminster and it was lovely to hear about the history of the building and to have a look around part of it. Unfortunately the House of Commons and the House of Lords were in sitting so we were unable to view the chambers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYJZ1H5lnlGP7ITzRIpfu-81fNBIRga-KNwUxSOIVkm_pXW7M-y05_QN8HjWPv7qu9lgku-BE0iePKBO5Qj9OfEYERiAJbqTkYSPyWfhH71CrsKblR_rIaUFF00VN3a0O5YZrqF0yvS4/s1600/12814676_10153516422092099_1539856979263930838_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYJZ1H5lnlGP7ITzRIpfu-81fNBIRga-KNwUxSOIVkm_pXW7M-y05_QN8HjWPv7qu9lgku-BE0iePKBO5Qj9OfEYERiAJbqTkYSPyWfhH71CrsKblR_rIaUFF00VN3a0O5YZrqF0yvS4/s320/12814676_10153516422092099_1539856979263930838_n.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palace of Westminster</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">On Thursday my niece won cadet of the year at South Shields
Girls Venture Air Corps and I tweeted Emma Lewell-Buck to say it was lovely to
meet her on Wednesday, reminded her that Toni had took Voice Box to school last
term and had just won Cadet of Year. She tweeted back on Friday and when I told
Toni that her MP had tweeted to say well done she was over the moon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">RCSLT had their official photographer there on Wednesday and
once I have access to these photos I’ll share some of them on here too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Thanks so much for reading and well done again to everyone
who was involved in such a brilliant event, we all made memories that we’ll
treasure forever. I am looking forward to getting involved again next time
round!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-55043518198690129122015-12-30T21:22:00.000-08:002016-03-09T06:41:02.073-08:00Laughter in Leeds<span style="font-family: "calibri";">On Friday 11<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
December we hosted the Leeds Voice Box final at Parklands Primary School. It went
really well and I was so proud to have been part of it. Three schools competed
for the Leeds title and all the children told great jokes. The two visiting
schools brought their schools winner and runner up and we show cased a few of
our runners up from our November competition. Chris Dyson, Head Teacher, gave a
very warm welcome to our visiting schools and started the afternoon off
brilliantly.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It was our delight to welcome Richard
Burgon, MP for Leeds East to join our judging panel once again (this time after
spending the whole afternoon with the school council). He was joined by Janet Addison,
Head of Speech and Language Therapy and CAHMS (Leeds Community Healthcare) and
Maureen Carr (who was invited following lots of generous donations of Christmas
gifts to the school).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://juliegivingvoice.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/tilly-and-tom.html"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Tilly and Tom</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> also joined in the afternoon by sitting with the judging panel, looking very festive in their Christmas jumpers. They enjoyed listening to the jokes and meeting the judges (and posing for a few photos too!)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxVOWXVRLvs7VR-iI-Mj4YDWzkG1Bzuin_cNsAnltLYNiSPKCbwssvQFHMuXMIqIlDxva7yltV7J1a6mk1OTzcPNobIbn9aQLeibUgCeE58Oyz91IpGGp2TaUbid2Pyt90PODsVEtuQY/s1600/10152645_10153389324977099_2043885540372116255_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxVOWXVRLvs7VR-iI-Mj4YDWzkG1Bzuin_cNsAnltLYNiSPKCbwssvQFHMuXMIqIlDxva7yltV7J1a6mk1OTzcPNobIbn9aQLeibUgCeE58Oyz91IpGGp2TaUbid2Pyt90PODsVEtuQY/s320/10152645_10153389324977099_2043885540372116255_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The judging panel with Tilly and Tom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">During the build up to the big
day I decided it would nice if each of the finalists had a trophy so I ordered
two more and kept my fingers (and toes!) crossed that they would arrive in
time. On the Friday morning I received an email stating that the trophies would
arrive between 14.26 and 15.26 that day! Voice Box was taking place 2-3pm so I asked
the lady in the office to alert me if they arrived while we were still in the
hall. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Half way through the show I saw
her waving at me from outside the hall with two trophies in hand! I was so
excited and quickly left the hall to get them from her. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeWy4QLc0IxG-Hdh8VyQfjUNZ456A2W17Y8pVCKITss3emDWaSc7_3MZZsFU7fZmKNPMi1D5tJQPo7EPSkvfY-kYebx3DhiMyrTtg427lO4azcsXhPKRJy4R7mzrYRqjcHwKS5zw5Qkw/s1600/993867_10153389324717099_6116194667750281053_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeWy4QLc0IxG-Hdh8VyQfjUNZ456A2W17Y8pVCKITss3emDWaSc7_3MZZsFU7fZmKNPMi1D5tJQPo7EPSkvfY-kYebx3DhiMyrTtg427lO4azcsXhPKRJy4R7mzrYRqjcHwKS5zw5Qkw/s320/993867_10153389324717099_6116194667750281053_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the winners trophies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I was delighted that we were able
to give each of the winners a trophy for making it to the Leeds final.
Following the jokes from all of the children, the judging panel deliberated the
important decision of overall Leeds winner while we listened to Year 4 sing
Mamma Mia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Richard Burgon made an
inspirational speech and talked passionately about Leeds, the people living
there and Parklands Primary School. He also announced that after spending the
afternoon with the school council that he would like to invite them to visit
the Houses of Parliament at Westminster. He also took the time to write to each
of the 41 children from the November Parklands Voice Box competition. Richard
then announced the winner, as decided by the judging panel. While he was
talking each of three finalists were sat on the stage, fingers crossed, looking
very hopeful they would be the lucky winner. I felt so proud of our team effort
to make the afternoon so enjoyable for everyone, and was glad that each of the
3 children would leave with a trophy. Richard announced the winner and then
presented each of the three finalists with a trophy, followed by the runners up
with a medal.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZLytgf7SnaP1ba5fITFj30zBTm_9y7QXYF1p_nYB_VGXix-EVt_mAYKws3kYYgV71bIF2F5LAqv7qBksX0ge1oNtSSbLk9zgQff8ipxWKxSIouocFYHnh-ulj__JBkNaPKijVNpP0qo/s1600/12465998_10153389324497099_9072816699732930224_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZLytgf7SnaP1ba5fITFj30zBTm_9y7QXYF1p_nYB_VGXix-EVt_mAYKws3kYYgV71bIF2F5LAqv7qBksX0ge1oNtSSbLk9zgQff8ipxWKxSIouocFYHnh-ulj__JBkNaPKijVNpP0qo/s320/12465998_10153389324497099_9072816699732930224_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the letters from Richard Burgon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Our year 5 Parklands winner, won
the Leeds title with his brilliant joke about Princess Potatoes. Each of the winners from the three schools have been individually
entered into the national competition and we look forward to hearing whether we
have been shortlisted for the Westminster final.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I have received lots of positive feedback
from the schools that took part and those who attended the Voice Box final. One
of my SLT colleagues from one of the other schools said that their 2 girls were
buzzing all the way home and their winner was telling everyone who would listen
than she came second and showing them her trophy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I have thoroughly enjoyed being
involved in Voice Box, from the lunch time joke clubs, joke workshops,
rehearsals and live performances. It has also been a fantastic opportunity to work even more closely with the schools fabulous SENCO (Laura) and Head Teacher (Chris), both of whom worked tirelessly to ensure Voice Box ran smoothly. It has also been great to get other schools
involved and have the support of the local MP. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I am changing my NHS role in
Leeds from January so I will no longer be working in Parklands Primary School.
It has been a fantastic project to be involved in during my last term there and
I hope that there will be opportunity to visit them again soon! I also hope that
there will be opportunity to get schools involved in Voice Box again next time
round! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbnAhDzgoZO6kxSpo5inafWi9DWIgRM69bFQXcorWVH5llFTETl3hD_tOEd8hlQKG_QGfujJmU3hr55LiJ_8nr2wEoE50fpAZYq0yHFeD3vxgWNEuSd7BU1alYSQjXp6BgvZqe49IqEg/s1600/1935669_10153389325187099_6468155636607245859_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbnAhDzgoZO6kxSpo5inafWi9DWIgRM69bFQXcorWVH5llFTETl3hD_tOEd8hlQKG_QGfujJmU3hr55LiJ_8nr2wEoE50fpAZYq0yHFeD3vxgWNEuSd7BU1alYSQjXp6BgvZqe49IqEg/s320/1935669_10153389325187099_6468155636607245859_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Dyson (Head Teacher), me, Tilly, Maureen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I can’t believe we are almost at
the end of another year. It’s been another busy one and I’ve loved every
minute! I started the year on a temporary NHS contract and am delighted that I
am ending the year on a permanent contract – looks like I will be in Leeds
longer than planned after all. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I enjoyed talking at the <a href="http://juliegivingvoice.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/giving-voice-local-heroes-make-national.html">RCSLT Webinar on Political Engagement</a> in July and then building on this further by
developing links with the Leeds East MP through Voice Box. I have put feelers
out in my team about us raising awareness of Giving Voice and SLT and we will
be following this up in the New Year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I am looking forward to seeing
what 2016 will bring and wish you all lots of health and happiness for the New
Year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Thank you for reading – see you
in 2016!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-10096596249613840592015-11-30T14:04:00.000-08:002015-11-30T14:12:34.250-08:00Jolly Jokers Shine<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I was so proud of the staff and students at school last week.
Voice Box went really well and everyone enjoyed it! The children have worked so
hard to learn and rehearse their jokes and all did brilliantly on stage! 41
children performed their jokes in front of a hall packed with children,
parents, staff and the judging panel. Our judges included Michael Harvey from
Business in the Community, Trevor Frost from TD Stockbrokers, Richard Burgon,
MP for Leeds East and Harry Gration from BBC Look North!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The week leading up to Voice Box was busy with helping
children to prepare and practice their jokes. I did some additional rehearsal
sessions with some of the children on my caseload who needed a little bit more
specialist support with practising. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Over the half term holidays there was a competition for the
children to design a poster advertising the event. There were lots of creative
entries and the winner got a £10 gift card. All the posters have been displayed
around school in the week leading up to Voice Box and the children were eagerly
counting down to the big day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">On the Thursday afternoon we had a complete run through of
all the jokes, to check the children were happy with what they were doing and
to help them with projecting their voices etc. We also wanted to check that no
one had changed their joke from the original entry (which only happened a
couple of times!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">On the morning of Voice Box Laura (SENCO) and I decorated
the hall ready for the afternoon. Laura bought some lovely star bunting and I
had blown up some balloons. We put the medals and winner’s trophy on a table at
the front and I put the Giving Voice pop up banner in the middle of the stage.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13yos-MdGaA1gKTtjbttF3S54BiWMsTGKjy4HNLi3YqUkT7rdCYwcsz3OKmM-ypnEK-w6tQryUSg7L-G0Ys6h2d2AwRXzx3Z9xKy0onVuyEbeOv8xK49Dgi6Qe8vVA2Y5Jjw-VMuR8ho/s1600/12313515_10153333534502099_151138253614300921_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13yos-MdGaA1gKTtjbttF3S54BiWMsTGKjy4HNLi3YqUkT7rdCYwcsz3OKmM-ypnEK-w6tQryUSg7L-G0Ys6h2d2AwRXzx3Z9xKy0onVuyEbeOv8xK49Dgi6Qe8vVA2Y5Jjw-VMuR8ho/s320/12313515_10153333534502099_151138253614300921_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAHa0XldSJmDJI9OrjK_6Y7hVrtiIk2pTGrDu3j1CRYd7CeUTDtjpTt7CFfhr8KIJJK_prhPuYUwZW5884AbUZoIZSGAlh2ZhV4eWQFD9YTOI2GEMe2bvaD3vV0OYYeCI0LpB6jgMDzc/s1600/12321463_10153333539402099_6921439678832606409_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAHa0XldSJmDJI9OrjK_6Y7hVrtiIk2pTGrDu3j1CRYd7CeUTDtjpTt7CFfhr8KIJJK_prhPuYUwZW5884AbUZoIZSGAlh2ZhV4eWQFD9YTOI2GEMe2bvaD3vV0OYYeCI0LpB6jgMDzc/s320/12321463_10153333539402099_6921439678832606409_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We set up a table for the judges near the front of the hall,
decorated with vases of fresh flowers, Giving Voice goody bags and chocolates!
Each of the judges also had a record sheet to score each of the children’s jokes to
help them remember when they were choosing the winner!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYLfNn6hlufazMNTOqg_iRBzXuISN3CoG-JY4iFHy3HYn1iQhd7ViFQuhKhUHFO5mKtOpBfxENlcr-A470elTj4nO6HoixPjaMhzdxTYZmOAYW1BDnj1LF-aYSVY9qbIO1nA6YPvLkOs/s1600/12308235_10153333534347099_6041157926150682174_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYLfNn6hlufazMNTOqg_iRBzXuISN3CoG-JY4iFHy3HYn1iQhd7ViFQuhKhUHFO5mKtOpBfxENlcr-A470elTj4nO6HoixPjaMhzdxTYZmOAYW1BDnj1LF-aYSVY9qbIO1nA6YPvLkOs/s320/12308235_10153333534347099_6041157926150682174_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My dad made calendars for each of the judges with facts about SLT on each month and some fab photos that he has taken himself. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTS9AX4iXLW77Z08DBcM75Uqara-pVGggPZ3GA2y1vTjNebKE6fuyskF3d1LLorNK01B6ZcZPkqYqrblX8vaXHBjCie5C92fZontnhaCegWvc5FRA64M1Rtt4hKHi0BE_Soh6Y8fOJ2qY/s1600/12301464_10153333534592099_5442180454569134222_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTS9AX4iXLW77Z08DBcM75Uqara-pVGggPZ3GA2y1vTjNebKE6fuyskF3d1LLorNK01B6ZcZPkqYqrblX8vaXHBjCie5C92fZontnhaCegWvc5FRA64M1Rtt4hKHi0BE_Soh6Y8fOJ2qY/s320/12301464_10153333534592099_5442180454569134222_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">All of the children were brilliant and so enthusiastic. The
rest of the school enjoyed watching and it was a really lovely afternoon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Harry Gration talked about how welcome we’d made him feel
and how much he enjoyed the tour of the school before the competition began. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Before the winner was announced Chris (Head Teacher) said Thank
You to me for bringing Voice Box to school and Harry Gration presented me with
a beautiful bouquet of flowers! I thought this was very sweet and the flowers
are still looking lovely now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The winning joke was brilliant and performed with enthusiasm
(and props!) I submitted this to RCSLT earlier in the week and wish him lots of
luck in making it to the Grand Final at Westminster.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8Pu42uminDwlrDLve62Z8TwG0I92M-SjpTR9Jtl9HbcjrUJDcdJr5X2EJtr2AIf8PpzkrOCbmFUguaC9ET_1MP4VyM2XPao3vDrfmnKfK0Rj_vp6j7q0oqWUkjQiZYK4ohfE_JioMaw/s1600/12235044_1549536518670356_4243727998814124333_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8Pu42uminDwlrDLve62Z8TwG0I92M-SjpTR9Jtl9HbcjrUJDcdJr5X2EJtr2AIf8PpzkrOCbmFUguaC9ET_1MP4VyM2XPao3vDrfmnKfK0Rj_vp6j7q0oqWUkjQiZYK4ohfE_JioMaw/s320/12235044_1549536518670356_4243727998814124333_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tilly and Tom enjoyed meeting the judges!<br />
Judges L to R: Trevor Frost, Michael Harvey, Richard Burgon MP, Harry Gration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Following the event there has been a lot of Twitter activity
including from the judges. Harry Gration also mentioned the school on BBC Look
North that night which was very exciting for us all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Laura posted on Facebook that night and mentioned that
Speech and Language Therapy Transforms Lives! I thought this was lovely and
every mention helps to get the message out even further. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I love how much of a team effort it has been and it would
not have been possible without the enthusiasm of the head teacher and SENCO
Laura. The children have loved it and are still telling jokes. It’s brilliant
how it has got everyone communicating in such a positive way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">One of the teachers made a fab <a href="https://animoto.com/play/Vw5KOp0btbggb13krFQAOw">video slide show</a> and I love how
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tilly-and-Tom-1537876409836367/">Tilly and Tom</a> even made an appearance!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0GtbamsWHzfang4pLb9FP-UqEwDE3CXNV0_v6XNIntJ3eg4rOiZztdq4psGi7jaV_w7hu36WoR1jVSEBUuv4I-o7-ZDXbRc1usWo98EkE-LjgPMpvm2MSxgg9uCwv0QjlXCNyZ1XGb0/s1600/12278702_10153333534422099_9005355407247631973_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0GtbamsWHzfang4pLb9FP-UqEwDE3CXNV0_v6XNIntJ3eg4rOiZztdq4psGi7jaV_w7hu36WoR1jVSEBUuv4I-o7-ZDXbRc1usWo98EkE-LjgPMpvm2MSxgg9uCwv0QjlXCNyZ1XGb0/s320/12278702_10153333534422099_9005355407247631973_n.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We are hosting the Leeds final on Friday 11<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
December and are looking forward to doing it all again! It’s not too late to
get your school involved – my niece’s school did their whole Voice Box
competition in a day so it doesn’t have to take a lot of planning. Further
details can be found on the <a href="http://givingvoiceuk.org/voiceboxwestminster/">RCSLT Giving Voice website</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-60944984130387717522015-11-11T14:17:00.002-08:002016-03-07T13:23:41.800-08:00The Final Countdown!<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Just over a week until our Voice Box competition and
planning and preparation is truly under way. We will be spending the coming
days shortlisting the children who will be performing at our competition next
week and allowing them time to practice delivering their jokes. We are all very
excited as BBC Look North are coming.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The lunch time joke clubs and joke workshops (on No Pens Day)
have all been going really well and it’s lovely to see the children’s
enthusiasm for telling jokes. The joke workshops also highlighted which
children struggled with the concept of jokes and those whom found it difficult to
understand the jokes due to the vocabulary (e.g. many of them struggled with ‘Why
did the boy go to bed with a pencil? So he could draw the curtains!). This
allowed opportunity to talk about what makes a joke funny and also explore some
of the vocabulary they didn’t understand (i.e. duel meaning of draw in this
example). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I cannot walk down the corridor at break time without a
child telling me they have a joke. It’s also lovely to hear the children
telling jokes to each other and I’d like to think this is something that will
continue after Voice Box is over!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My niece is telling her school about Voice Box tomorrow
in assembly and they are having their competition on Friday (with tomorrow
night to think about their jokes!) I am so proud that Toni has taken this into
school and asked if they can take part. It’s not too late for you to do the
same!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Last Friday, my dad hosted a launch of his new DVD ‘The
Spirit Lives on’ (about Ashington Coal Company) and a preview was screened at
the new community cinema in Ashington. He invited Ian Lavery, MP to the event
and I was delighted to have the opportunity to chat to him again. He said he
noticed on Twitter that I met Richard Burgon and told me to keep up the good work.
I told him about why I met Richard and about my involvement in Voice Box in
Leeds. Not wanting to miss an opportunity, I gave him another Giving Voice pen and got a photo with him. I told him
I brought another pen for him in case his previous ones ran out and he said the
last one had just before he left the house! Haha. It was nice to see him again,
and see him continue to support the local community. It was a lovely evening
and I was proud to be there and support my dad.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSE-zq2GW_ypu0xmJ3Cvz57-q0ySo6OgEC4YHjTRk2CTXEeS-ZSTw_BN6LH-xeKp3aFism2JBpvhF2PJ1z-J1dSswh0nXZZ5vOhu9-2FJknqJMscXsRjCF4KUN_ezCr490Gk85XQoXdBI/s1600/12185568_1036693239698212_813267806683613642_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSE-zq2GW_ypu0xmJ3Cvz57-q0ySo6OgEC4YHjTRk2CTXEeS-ZSTw_BN6LH-xeKp3aFism2JBpvhF2PJ1z-J1dSswh0nXZZ5vOhu9-2FJknqJMscXsRjCF4KUN_ezCr490Gk85XQoXdBI/s320/12185568_1036693239698212_813267806683613642_o.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ian Lavery, MP and me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I am looking forward to the next week and getting ready for
Voice Box! The children have worked so hard and I am looking forward to hearing
them perform their jokes on stage! Thank you for reading!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-15457823728453804452015-10-16T22:02:00.000-07:002015-10-16T14:02:43.163-07:00Extremely Exciting!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today started off as any other work day… I snoozed my alarm as
many times as I could before finally getting out of bed and making my must have
cup of tea! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then somehow managed to
spill half a bottle of milk all over the carpet. I was so annoyed but my
grandma always used to say ‘there’s no point crying over spilt milk’ (this time
literally!) so I cleaned it up, didn’t cry and got on with my day. I may not
have started the day quite as successfully as I would have liked but I was
determined not to let it make a bad day for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had a good (and busy!) day at work – my spilt milk a
distant memory! After work I headed to meet Richard Burgon, MP for Leeds East
to follow up the letter I sent him on behalf of school a couple of weeks ago. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I arrived at Corpus Christi Club at 5pm with a copy of the
letter, Giving Voice pens and a leaflet. There were a few people there waiting
already so I sat down and waited. I began to feel a little nervous while I was
waiting but I was excited too! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When Mr Burgon arrived he greeted us all and the first thing
he noticed was my Giving Voice badge! (asking what it was). I always like to
wear my Giving Voice badge as people often ask me about it which gives me
opportunity to tell them about Speech and Language Therapy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I waited about an hour before it was my turn to go in but the
meeting was worth the wait! I explained that I had written to him a couple of
weeks ago about being a judge for Voice Box at the school I work in as part of
my NHS role. I explained that I wanted to meet him in person to explain what
the competition is about. I told him about the national competition and the
grand final being held at Westminster. I also invited him to be a judge at our
school Voice Box and also the Leeds final competition that we are also hosting.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr Burgon was interested in the competition and also my role
as a Speech and Language Therapist. I told him about Giving Voice and how I
have been involved since the beginning of the campaign, including my involvement
with my MP back home. He correctly guessed that home was the North East (I’ve
no idea what gave it away… ;) ) He then tried to guess the MP (and after I
narrowed it down to Northumberland he quickly guessed correct with Ian Lavery.)
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me he is good friends with Ian
Lavery and has known him for a long time (Since before they were both MPs) –
small world!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7CnvOM9mqRhAXMtqTdFXLn_M_XvLBXjvxj2szri0kbCSDX-I4cXhyq2FlIn5UnvEytvUd4YA54zCY4UQPOmtVfCxwvqM0_oihGNTifOfTLEeWnsX8R0a0ZMbvGvWpk6ShJ_cj4UKpzM/s1600/11163775_10153261158647099_4902084325460945065_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7CnvOM9mqRhAXMtqTdFXLn_M_XvLBXjvxj2szri0kbCSDX-I4cXhyq2FlIn5UnvEytvUd4YA54zCY4UQPOmtVfCxwvqM0_oihGNTifOfTLEeWnsX8R0a0ZMbvGvWpk6ShJ_cj4UKpzM/s320/11163775_10153261158647099_4902084325460945065_n.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I gave Mr Burgon a Giving Voice pen (he was very pleased with
this…everyone loves a pen!) and left him with a copy of the letter and a Giving
Voice leaflet. I was delighted that he has agreed to attend both of our Voice
Box competitions and I look forward to meeting him again next month.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Planning for Voice Box is going really well - I had my first
lunch time joke club yesterday with 11 children from year 4 and year 6. Tilly
and Tom helped us and enjoyed thinking of jokes too (you can find them here on
<a href="http://givingvoiceuk.org/voiceboxwestminster/">Facebook</a> and here on <a href="https://twitter.com/TillyandTomSLT">Twitter</a>). The children really enjoyed it – we spent time
thinking of and looking for jokes. Each child chose their favourite one and
shared it with us at the end of the club. We are also doing joke workshops on
our No Pens Day next week to continue to inspire the children!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKi8tNa35O_6kXBBIMwR5cqPI7jIVRdTi05LnDpDbeX_MXHSC1Doj6v74tih1KcpEyZJIB7XEeW10sI19aQQ-Rvv6oyAaUiOC60imAcrrTOjVaG3_Cr5OsyzVmt7YS5gv7XrZq3JAxrc/s1600/12088252_1540650026225672_4389061010708599219_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKi8tNa35O_6kXBBIMwR5cqPI7jIVRdTi05LnDpDbeX_MXHSC1Doj6v74tih1KcpEyZJIB7XEeW10sI19aQQ-Rvv6oyAaUiOC60imAcrrTOjVaG3_Cr5OsyzVmt7YS5gv7XrZq3JAxrc/s320/12088252_1540650026225672_4389061010708599219_n.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I tweeted Mr Burgon (and Mr Lavery) when I got home and I
look forward to welcoming him to our school in November. I was excited to see that Mr Burgon tweeted about meeting me this evening!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLcvs0FaC4gE7nVMr02DrlVKQmoIIQDSojpKZeooPxFrf7bnFiDu7td5ljqQXdcLToSlN7MT9fwuhVq-Dton8BLU6_cwLv9R7q27YVsCyvgdwDq1N8fMlkgb06fyqhcH1Akob-SqSdoI/s1600/1897010_10153261317177099_6679558139209311445_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLcvs0FaC4gE7nVMr02DrlVKQmoIIQDSojpKZeooPxFrf7bnFiDu7td5ljqQXdcLToSlN7MT9fwuhVq-Dton8BLU6_cwLv9R7q27YVsCyvgdwDq1N8fMlkgb06fyqhcH1Akob-SqSdoI/s320/1897010_10153261317177099_6679558139209311445_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We also have other exciting
guests at our school competition and I am really excited about how well it is all
coming together. The staff in school are really embracing it and the children
keep stopping me in the corridor to tell me jokes. I love how much it is getting
everyone talking and thinking of jokes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love my job and the lovely children I work with. Speech
and Language Therapy Transforms Lives <3 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out more about Voice Box and to get involved visit
the Giving Voice <a href="http://givingvoiceuk.org/voiceboxwestminster/">website</a>. Also why not invite your own local MP to the competition. I am so
glad I decided to go along and meet our local MP this evening – a brilliant ending
to a day that started off a little sour!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-4839514531756034382015-10-08T14:23:00.001-07:002015-10-08T14:23:21.398-07:00Tilly and Tom<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just a quick update tonight...I'm so busy and time is flying by! Planning for Voice Box is well underway and the children
have already started thinking of jokes. I’m also planning some activities for
our No Pens Day later this month. It was National No Pens Day Wednesday
yesterday but we have decided to do it on the last day of this half term. It’s
all very exciting and I can’t wait to write more but for now I am going to tell
you about my latest project.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last weekend when I went home to Northumberland these two
beautiful children were there to greet me. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJw9icInxloGrQpfKRSFwlZn7psnLkjqCjPJmMiCyWdf-RAubfHyppZ_t4h22IjQ5RXGJgx1-PFCL2yFbLZd_n01oBgZBNuoU2CWIeaZwodK38VzxLH-3cJHteWPIsMGuWN9WWA3Bm5w/s1600/12106963_10207180164084735_1260879866121519403_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJw9icInxloGrQpfKRSFwlZn7psnLkjqCjPJmMiCyWdf-RAubfHyppZ_t4h22IjQ5RXGJgx1-PFCL2yFbLZd_n01oBgZBNuoU2CWIeaZwodK38VzxLH-3cJHteWPIsMGuWN9WWA3Bm5w/s320/12106963_10207180164084735_1260879866121519403_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They moved to Leeds with me on
Sunday and have already settled in nicely. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fL15KlrsZ7N1p4xTaqF06jzaK30W8PLVIkVLJqtxBhsgF3uSHVda11iOa-UvFJoOPLkaD6xHc_S2nnHFRrzxmBIqfNTPrPflo43VvtzXK03ykrLyzg251hWqzLTKck0AkxkYNeexypg/s1600/12096437_10207181591000407_8429087276045633959_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fL15KlrsZ7N1p4xTaqF06jzaK30W8PLVIkVLJqtxBhsgF3uSHVda11iOa-UvFJoOPLkaD6xHc_S2nnHFRrzxmBIqfNTPrPflo43VvtzXK03ykrLyzg251hWqzLTKck0AkxkYNeexypg/s320/12096437_10207181591000407_8429087276045633959_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They started school on Tuesday and
already they feel like family! The children in school absolutely love them (as
do the adults!). Tilly even got her very own school uniform yesterday and
quickly gave up her dummy (as she’s much too old for one now!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvNcPcEHlq0VxzeLPUEMj4HzCb-NbgOzKTuTDWwJBi0ltxgf0rRaSxJ82zDMD9klw2ulqtcjusicBm6t4FvZO_wwav7EFOuaRNOZkgy1u-zpScRQD1s2vZwaPCGxO_Txb6vlpmlAiu58/s1600/11214194_1538557229768285_7940392140796273155_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvNcPcEHlq0VxzeLPUEMj4HzCb-NbgOzKTuTDWwJBi0ltxgf0rRaSxJ82zDMD9klw2ulqtcjusicBm6t4FvZO_wwav7EFOuaRNOZkgy1u-zpScRQD1s2vZwaPCGxO_Txb6vlpmlAiu58/s320/11214194_1538557229768285_7940392140796273155_n.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gosh...don't they grow up quickly!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have set up a Facebook page to share their story and to
use it as a way of raising awareness of Speech and Language Therapy in a fun way.
I am hoping they might even have some jokes of their own for Voice Box ;) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Find Tilly and Tom on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tilly-and-Tom-1537876409836367/timeline/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/TillyandTomSLT">Twitter</a> and follow their
story. Please do interact with them - I just know that they will love to hear from you! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"></span></span> </div>
Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-1888931994731931942015-09-24T13:54:00.000-07:002015-09-24T14:16:15.647-07:00Voice Box (ad)Venture...Join in the Jokes!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Already a few weeks into a new term, I don’t know where the
time is going! The nights are getting longer, leaves are changing colour and
everyone is beginning to talk about Christmas parties…where did the summer go?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love Autumn, it’s one of my favourite times of year. I
love the crisp air and the pretty colours though I’m not so keen on the shorter
days and the colder weather. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The autumn term is one of the longest so it’s nice to have something
to look forward to. As part of my NHS role I am based in a primary school most
of my week and we have decided to take part in the national Voice Box
competition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists have
teamed up with The Communication Trust to run this year’s Voice Box
competition. It encourages schools to hold a joke-telling competition and
submit the winning joke to RCSLT with 10 pupils being shortlisted and
invited to the final which is to be held at Westminster! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHv6hMxSLL_wQSah8N3N_LhVSpw8kUgMXkHi7JEhsktDjr140cAwWV2sVRpZ6oKw2mR1VfuWtgjASTZa664Mtqh4ey5R-2cpQ5iq2YKt53jgzVrciNdjTY5tloN54hb0wA46gJ7G57zbs/s1600/westminster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHv6hMxSLL_wQSah8N3N_LhVSpw8kUgMXkHi7JEhsktDjr140cAwWV2sVRpZ6oKw2mR1VfuWtgjASTZa664Mtqh4ey5R-2cpQ5iq2YKt53jgzVrciNdjTY5tloN54hb0wA46gJ7G57zbs/s320/westminster.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am extremely excited to be involved in this, encouraging children
to create jokes and enjoy the fun side of communication! We are holding Voice Box in school and are going to invite the local MP to be on the judging panel. We have also set a date to host a Leeds wide final at school too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We plan to use some time on No Pens Day for the children to
think of jokes. I am talking at the school assembly tomorrow to introduce them
to Voice Box and No Pens Day. I am looking forward to this new experience and
inspiring the children to explore their funny side! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you work in a school or know someone who does why not
suggest Voice Box to them? It’s a great way to enjoy the fun aspects of communication,
building confidence and self-esteem. Further details can be found <a href="http://givingvoiceuk.org/voiceboxwestminster/">here</a> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
and there are lots of resources to help you plan the event. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-91671055796351735872015-07-16T22:05:00.000-07:002015-07-16T14:15:40.471-07:00Giving Voice Local Heroes Make National Champions<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I mentioned in my previous post RCSLT invited me to be a guest
speaker at a webinar (online seminar) event in London last week and I was honoured
and delighted to attend. The webinar <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.rcslt.org/news/webinars/local_heroes_make_national_champions">GivingVoice: local heroes make national champions: engaging with MPs</a>, </b>aimed to
share information about what RCSLT has done and is doing to influence parliamentarians
and to share best practice examples of local influencing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I set my alarm early on Friday
morning ready for my train to London! I'd packed my Giving Voice bag with goodies the night before!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYfcAOi_I_3a6KsFxrrU3eSlUWvBBARtPDE8WECVUL5BeYYHn5OereiqiSR5odINkKxrSMW5buhUIvRy9kh2s1ZvEINb3lIoZhXJ3_a2gj7lLDGfcqm6OnxFiGnTzO-hE7HLg6VvovlE/s1600/11717516_10153064913102099_3751091570898527637_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYfcAOi_I_3a6KsFxrrU3eSlUWvBBARtPDE8WECVUL5BeYYHn5OereiqiSR5odINkKxrSMW5buhUIvRy9kh2s1ZvEINb3lIoZhXJ3_a2gj7lLDGfcqm6OnxFiGnTzO-hE7HLg6VvovlE/s320/11717516_10153064913102099_3751091570898527637_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While at the train station I got talking
to a homeless man and I bought him a hot drink as he was so cold. He was so
grateful and was glad that I stopped to have a chat. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Conversation is free </i>and I am always happy to talk to people; it
was nice to put a smile on someone’s face so early on a Friday morning when
everyone was just rushing past. It’s sometimes the simple things that mean the
most, and I felt this was the start of a positive day. After our chat I headed
to get my train, enthusiastic about the day ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; tab-stops: 382.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wore my
Giving Voice badge on my bag, ready to engage any unsuspecting fellow train
travellers in a conversation about Speech and Language Therapy, but I was sat
on my own so I just read my notes and rehearsed my speech in my head instead!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have spoken at a number of
events about Speech and Language over recent years but this was my first
experience of speaking at a webinar. Not sure what to expect, I arrived
slightly apprehensive but the staff at RCSLT quickly put me at ease as they
talked through the running order of the day and explained how the equipment
worked. The practice run through of the webinar was useful to listen to the
other speakers before we went live. This was also helpful to get to know the equipment
and get used to wearing the headset and mic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had a working lunch and it was
nice to chat more to the other speakers. We also had time for a quick photo
with Kamini Gadhok, CEO of RCSLT.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8d3UYqxzHSlRo4aJZkqJtjV6DekGKA2ErfeU6ZTL10-vuSpt3S3K6LcX6zkHDkLJj_1hqe7Leo0tJQ2loaEc2Z5FOwqSDc2eyA8Bt7mYF_vwYugDbc9m02ByA8VI8ocAcBgvD7BwEB4/s1600/11209543_10153066362347099_8339416690312845162_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8d3UYqxzHSlRo4aJZkqJtjV6DekGKA2ErfeU6ZTL10-vuSpt3S3K6LcX6zkHDkLJj_1hqe7Leo0tJQ2loaEc2Z5FOwqSDc2eyA8Bt7mYF_vwYugDbc9m02ByA8VI8ocAcBgvD7BwEB4/s320/11209543_10153066362347099_8339416690312845162_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Webinar speakers with Kamini Gadhok</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The webinar was live online at
1pm and RCSLT members began logging on 10 minutes before, ready to engage in
the session. Derek Munn, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at RCSLT chaired the
meeting and welcomed everyone to the event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peter Just, Public Affairs advisor at RCSLT was the first speaker and explained
the importance of engaging with MPs and what RCSLT have been doing and plan to
do to continue keeping Speech and Language Therapy on the agenda. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was the next speaker and I
shared my experiences of engaging with my MP (Ian Lavery) from the first meeting in
constituency to meeting him in London during a Mass Mobilisation event and
inviting him to local events I organised in constituency. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rachel Clare, student SLT at UCL
shared her experience of her involvement in ‘The Great Letter Writing
Challenge’ where students from the Giving Voice society wrote to MPs in the
lead up to the general election about the RCSLT manifesto asks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Janet Cooper, SLT manger, told us
how Stoke Speaks Out engaged with local MPs to help shape the local decision
making and successfully prepare for the future. It was interesting to listen to Janet's experience and how influencing can really have such a positive impact!</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I enjoyed taking part in the
webinar, meeting the other speakers and hearing about their experiences too. It
has reignited my passion for raising awareness of the profession and I hope to
continue spreading awareness of the valuable work of SLTs in Leeds also. I am
hoping we can get schools involved in national joke telling competition ‘Voice
Box’ in the autumn term, which is organised by RCSLT and The Communication
Trust. I look forward to sharing future involvement here on my blog.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After the webinar I had a little
bit of time before my train so I went for a walk along London Bridge and had an
ice cream in the sunshine! I always enjoy visiting London and even managed a quick
cuppa with my cousin Kirsty who lives in London, before catching the train back
to Leeds. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rRIvD6e8k1teehP37iha4VvBVwDD32ppXM0nYobQ2_GiBbELbmoOghoLLCx-by4eqe8JWMbIvBCNruNpyuOpfFyBsQlZgTBLY3IWeyou26UyF4_0Vuv3VL6WQ9o-piJfkLXU3RbKdAg/s1600/11755896_10153078761937099_8056358935566374743_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rRIvD6e8k1teehP37iha4VvBVwDD32ppXM0nYobQ2_GiBbELbmoOghoLLCx-by4eqe8JWMbIvBCNruNpyuOpfFyBsQlZgTBLY3IWeyou26UyF4_0Vuv3VL6WQ9o-piJfkLXU3RbKdAg/s320/11755896_10153078761937099_8056358935566374743_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tower Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The RCSLT webinar is available to
view online <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAvMwqs2M9o&feature=youtu.be">here</a> if you are interested in finding out more. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I hope it inspires you to get involved in local influencing! Don’t forget to
ask RCSLT for any support you need, or to share your experiences with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks for reading! Speech and
Language Therapy Transforms Lives<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-28247848620932783102015-07-08T13:21:00.000-07:002015-07-08T13:45:15.425-07:00Happy Birthday!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are more than half way through
the year! I do not know where the time is going! I am still working hard in
Leeds and thoroughly enjoying my job. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few weeks ago a friend (and
fellow Speech and Language Therapist), Charlotte and I went to Holy Trinity Church to celebrate
the Giving Voice choir’s 1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> birthday. Giving Voice is an inclusive
choir for adults with neurological conditions and their carers. It was launched
in June 2014 and was formed by Speech and Language Therapist, Wendy Neill. I
really enjoyed their Christmas performance and was looking forward to seeing
and hearing them perform again to celebrate their first birthday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The evening began with an
introduction from Wendy Neill and then the choir began with a lovely
performance of ‘We like to sing’. Guests were provided with a song book so we
could join in with the songs too. It was clear that everyone was enjoying
themselves and it was lovely to be there to celebrate their first birthday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wendy thanked a number of people
at the end of the first half of performances before the interval. Following
this Thea Stein, Chief Executive of Leeds Community Healthcare, then thanked
Wendy for her hard work and dedication to the choir.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No birthday party is complete
without a buffet, drinks and birthday presents. During the break there were
refreshments and an opportunity to buy raffle tickets for the chance to win one of
the beautifully wrapped birthday gifts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The choir then sang another
selection of songs before the raffle was drawn and we all sang happy birthday!
Sadly, I didn’t win a birthday present, but I did have a lovely evening
listening to the choir sing in the church. We signed the visitors book and had
some birthday cake before we left. If you are in Leeds and haven’t seen the
Giving Voice choir perform, it’s definitely a nice evening’s entertainment and
I will look out for future performances. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Speaking of birthdays it’s 4
years this month since I started this blog and this post is my 100<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
post. In July 2011 when I decided to start this blog I didn’t think I would
write so much! I am so pleased that people have been interested, and read it and
can’t believe it has had over 27,000 page views! Hopefully the second half of
the year will bring more opportunities to blog and spread awareness of Speech and Language Therapy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In other news, I am looking
forward to travelling to London on Friday to speak at a webinar at RCSLT
headquarters. I’m going to talk about my involvement in engaging MP Ian Lavery.
For further information about the event visit RCSLTs website here: </span><a href="http://www.rcslt.org/news/webinars/local_heroes_make_national_champions"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">Giving Voice – local heroes make national champions: engaging with MPs</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hope it is useful to a lot of
RCSLT members and I look forward to updating you after the event!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-41948268644698512662015-04-12T21:58:00.000-07:002015-04-12T13:00:23.502-07:00Paloma gives me Faith<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have no idea how it’s April and
this is the first Giving Voice blog post I’ve written this year! Time flies
past so quickly! I am still working hard and loving working as a Speech and
Language Therapist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I am sure you are all aware,
the general election is rapidly approaching (if you are not aware of this,
where have you been hiding!). This is a very important time for the country and
a perfect time to raise awareness of Speech and Language Therapy with local
candidates to ensure that it remains on the political agenda. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">RCSLT are asking members to write
to local candidates to ensure that newly elected MPs are aware of the
importance of SLT. You can find out more about this on the RCSLT Giving Voice
website here </span><a href="http://givingvoiceuk.org/general-election-2015/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">http://givingvoiceuk.org/general-election-2015/</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">RCSLT are calling on the
political parties ‘to support early identification of speech, language and
communication needs’, and ‘ensure equal access to Speech and Language Therapy
support’. It will only take a few minutes out of your day to help contribute to
this important campaign. I have previously developed good working foundations
with the current MP for Wansbeck (Ian Lavery) and it really is not as scary as
you might think!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We all have a voice, and more
importantly we all have a right to make our voices heard. Last month I saw
Paloma Faith, live in Newcastle, and I was really pleased that she used her tour
as an opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of using your vote as people
have fought for this right for us in the past. I couldn’t agree more and I
think it’s really good that she used the opportunity of an arena full of people
to remind people that we can use our voice by voting (without taking anything
away from the concert). So don’t forget to vote on 7<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> May, and
write to local candidates in the mean time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks for reading!</span></div>
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Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-89522329064112210982014-12-28T19:07:00.000-08:002017-04-04T01:29:58.879-07:00Another year over...<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Another year is almost over! How did that happen?!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">A lot can happen in a year! I for one didn’t see myself
moving to another city for a job, but I am so glad I did as I absolutely love
the job I am doing at the moment!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I have not blogged even half as much as I would have liked
this year (mainly due to Great North Run training and blogging) but I have
tried to keep it updated when I can.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Earlier this month I saw that the Leeds Giving Voice choir
were doing a Christmas performance. This choir is inclusive for adults with
neurological conditions and their carers. It was launched in June 2014 by
Speech and Language Therapist, Wendy Neill. The choir is the 2014 winner of the
Leeds Community Healthcare Innovation Award. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">When I heard that they would be performing some Christmas
songs, I decided I would like to go along and support them. I attended with two
other Speech and Language Therapists, and we had a lovely evening. The choir
began in Trinity shopping centre and we were given song books so we could join
in. After about half an hour of festive songs we all moved from the shopping
centre into Holy Trinity Church where mince pies and mulled wine were served
before more festive songs. It was a lovely evening which made us all feel
Christmassy and it was clear to see how much the choir enjoyed their
performance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It’s been a busy year for me, and the highlight of my
campaigning this year was the charity night I arranged at Ashington Football
Club starring Lost Voice Guy and hosted by Steffen Peddie. I was delighted to
hear that Lost Voice Guy won the BBC New Comedy Award a few weeks ago –
thoroughly deserved!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Hope you all had a lovely Christmas and wishing you all a
Happy New Year. I am looking forward to my continued (and hopefully more active)
role in campaigning for Giving Voice 2015 particularly in the lead up to the
general election, both individually and with the Giving Voice Innovation Group.</span></div>
Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-13924618136375352862014-11-03T21:01:00.000-08:002014-11-03T13:01:37.599-08:00Time flies! (and so did I!)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can’t believe so much time has passed since I last updated
this blog! My Great North Run blog (and indeed training for the Great North Run!)
took over my life the last few months and I just haven’t had the time to sit
down and write. In addition to the running, I also relocated from
Northumberland to Leeds for a Speech and Language Therapy position at the end
of September, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>so to say life has been a
little hectic the last few months, is an understatement! (If you are interested
in reading about my journey to the GNR raising funds for the North East Trust
for Aphasia you can read about it here – </span><a href="http://www.jollyjuliesjogging.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">www.jollyjuliesjogging.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just because I haven’t been blogging doesn’t mean I have
forgotten about Giving Voice. I am absolutely loving my new job (working in a
mainstream primary school) and take every available opportunity to tell anyone
who will listen about what I do! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I even jumped off the Tyne Bridge last month and travelled
by zipslide to the Gateshead side of the Tyne! I was of course in Giving Voice
colours and was wearing a Giving Voice badge. The man that checked my harnesses
before I jumped asked me about it and I took pride in telling him about Speech
and Language Therapy and how we transform lives. This was a very welcome
distraction to take my mind off the fact I was about to jump off the bridge! I
was absolutely terrified until I was ‘flying’ through the air, by which point I
actually quite enjoyed it and wondered why is has taken me a quarter of a century
before deciding to try something so daring!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I tweeted @ZipslidesUK after the event and used relevant Speech
and Language Therapy hashtags including #givingvoiceuk and they retweeted it </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In September I attended the RCSLT Mind the Gap Conference
which was an enjoyable and educational two days. It was lovely to meet so many
passionate SLTs and I managed to catch up with some of the other Giving Voice
Innovation Group members. I was also recorded for the higher education
roadshows, talking about my experiences since I graduated and my involvement in
Giving Voice. I hope it inspires some more students to get involved in
campaigning for the profession.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Over the summer I was working in an admin job and felt a
little detached from Speech and Language Therapy, and apart from applying for
lots of SLT jobs and running for the North East Trust for Aphasia I wasn’t really
doing much related to Speech and Language or Giving Voice and I really missed
it. I am so pleased to be working as a therapist again. To any students/new
graduates reading this don’t ever give up on finding the job of you deserve
(and use other opportunities to gain other skills). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel so lucky to be excited about going to
work every day and knowing that I am making a difference to the lives of the
children I work with. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am also lucky to be part of a lovely team and have already
met some brilliant therapists in the short time I have been there. I had a
spare copy of the 2014 Giving Voice calendar which I gave to my new team. This
is now proudly displayed in the clinic office and has enabled me to have some
Giving Voice conversations with the other Speech and Language Therapists. The
adult team in the service where I work have just won an award for the Giving
Voice Choir they set up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">October 18<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> marked 3 years since Mass
Mobilisation in London where SLTs descended on the Houses of Parliament to tell
MPs the importance of SLT. I can't believe how the time has flown! This is still up there with one of the most exciting
experiences of my life to date, and I tweeted my MP Ian Lavery to thank him
once again for his support, to mark the anniversary of this day. I am looking
forward to getting involved in the campaigning around the lead up to the
general election 2015, and hope lots of other SLTs do too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I promise not to leave it so long before I write again!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Speech and Language Therapy Transforms Lives</span>Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-40190342965865844442014-07-31T18:32:00.000-07:002014-07-31T13:50:08.932-07:00A time to reflectIt's three years this month since I started this Giving Voice blog to raise awareness of the profession. I have really enjoyed my time being involved in Giving Voice and I love my role in the Giving Voice Innovation Group.<br />
<br />
I've met lots of lovely people throughout my campaigning and I look forward to meeting and engaging even more in the future. <br />
<br />
As Giving Voice enters it's 4th year, RCSLT are looking for people to share their opinions about the campaign - what's gone well and where it is going.<br />
<br />
The survey is <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/89X656D" target="_blank">here</a> and is really easy to fill out. It would be great if you could spare just a few minutes of your time to fill it in. Whether you have been involved in a one off Giving Voice event, been actively involved, or just haven't quite found the time to get involved yet, all opinions are greatly valued! Survey closes on Monday 4th August 2014.<br />
<br />
Speech and Language Therapy Transforms LivesJulie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-38182413101431499652014-06-29T21:01:00.000-07:002014-06-29T13:10:14.845-07:00Fun for all!<br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can’t believe that I’ve almost
let a month go past without updating this blog! I’ve been quite busy training
for the Great North Run (check out my progress <a href="http://jollyjuliesjogging.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a>)!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>June is not quite over yet though so just
time for a quick update!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The entertainment evening I
organised at Ashington Football Club on Saturday 7<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> June was a huge
success! It aimed to raise money for the North East Trust for Aphasia and to
raise awareness of Giving Voice and The International Communication Project
2014. Weeks of planning and preparation were all worthwhile as it was a
brilliant night!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://twitter.com/SteffenPeddie" target="_blank">Steffen Peddie</a> (from BBC sitcom
Hebburn) did a brilliant job of hosting the night which starred hilarious Comedian
<a href="https://twitter.com/LostVoiceGuy" target="_blank">Lost Voice Guy</a>. Steffen ensured the night ran smoothly and kept the audience
entertained from start to finish. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Early in the night I spoke about
<a href="https://twitter.com/GivingVoiceUK" target="_blank">Giving Voice</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/ICP2014" target="_blank">ICP 2014</a>. Following my brief speech I introduced Janet
Speight, Chair of NETA who spoke about the charity and what it is like to live
with Aphasia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://twitter.com/salt_mine" target="_blank">Liz Panton</a>, then performed her
Giving Voice song on the Ukulele and encouraged audience participation. She
also told of her own recent experiences of having mild Aphasia. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVZCcGCx9CWpwa_5645NubmF4OJSs0WvqB-ULGcl7DVoM5LOIdzQAZJbJAwha5WdfUv5hY5rNM_ZWj-oGJuNX0N_brB8KEpkctlRt3kY4kd03b06shqVQOfUL8CsyMtjND2JWx0Y4Y0I/s1600/10450804_771474266220112_7782619028517206828_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVZCcGCx9CWpwa_5645NubmF4OJSs0WvqB-ULGcl7DVoM5LOIdzQAZJbJAwha5WdfUv5hY5rNM_ZWj-oGJuNX0N_brB8KEpkctlRt3kY4kd03b06shqVQOfUL8CsyMtjND2JWx0Y4Y0I/s1600/10450804_771474266220112_7782619028517206828_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had a successful auction,
brilliantly led by Steffen, two entertaining games of ‘Head ands Tail’ and a race
to the raffle prizes! We also had live music from <a href="https://twitter.com/c_reay" target="_blank">Charlotte</a> and Jordan, who
were absolutely brilliant! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The whole evening was a huge
success and everyone enjoyed it. We raised more than £750. A great night was
enjoyed by everyone! The Thursday after the event I went to NETA and presented them with a cheque for £1000 (the money from the event plus some other fundraising my family have been doing).</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Uh7Ld41sQtM0BFPNw-WT2giuznte2zxP-tt_o1Y21X7WXNAVMqvBuIk7KYKUxrDuVED2jo_s_ojtmNnq4YFhwSmR5SjoW5J9u_kizn3NVwrOwcDY5TpPCEfkWkfeTEMHaLuYVmA_QLE/s1600/10444554_685327788205243_7524228884589451595_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Uh7Ld41sQtM0BFPNw-WT2giuznte2zxP-tt_o1Y21X7WXNAVMqvBuIk7KYKUxrDuVED2jo_s_ojtmNnq4YFhwSmR5SjoW5J9u_kizn3NVwrOwcDY5TpPCEfkWkfeTEMHaLuYVmA_QLE/s1600/10444554_685327788205243_7524228884589451595_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you to everyone who attended
and helped out on the night. Thanks also to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheUndefinedGroup?fref=ts" target="_blank">Undefined Group</a> for doing an
excellent job of the lighting and sound!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140208367287066506.post-86163063191419738402014-05-24T11:29:00.000-07:002014-05-24T11:29:01.839-07:00Comedy and Laughter
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Time is flying by again! Two weeks today until the
fundraising and awareness raising night that I am hosting at Ashington Football
Club. Ticket sales are on the increase but there’s still availability for
anyone who would like to come!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yesterday I went to a comedy night at the football club and
Steffen Peddie and Jason Cook from BBC 2 Sitcom Hebburn were the stars of the
show! Steffen Peddie was a great host and I have now booked him to be the
compere at our Lost Voice Guy event!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmxp42YD6hhI9wsz6WZ9Jc6X7H-x8KBbKLpdpfiveS0g78pVu_a3FTqtvOWzlhtSxlI-n_yNpcJ4JZ3S4a0Bk3cGpGkyNxsp_LZqe4un7Mh7cJ_nRXdMngM6kG4w1gCMmpmdzKRl2mvI/s1600/372737_683772098_7732783946518837909_q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmxp42YD6hhI9wsz6WZ9Jc6X7H-x8KBbKLpdpfiveS0g78pVu_a3FTqtvOWzlhtSxlI-n_yNpcJ4JZ3S4a0Bk3cGpGkyNxsp_LZqe4un7Mh7cJ_nRXdMngM6kG4w1gCMmpmdzKRl2mvI/s1600/372737_683772098_7732783946518837909_q.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rachael, Jason Cook, Me (with Giving Voice badge!) and Steffen Peddie, last night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The night is sure to be great, with comedy, music and
laughter all whilst raising money for the North East Trust for Aphasia and
raising awareness of Giving Voice and the International Communication Project
2014.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you would like further information about the event or
would like to purchase tickets visit </span><a href="http://lostvoiceguyashington.ticketsource.co.uk/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">http://lostvoiceguyashington.ticketsource.co.uk</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am so excited to have Lost Voice Guy headline the night.
If you haven’t seen him live before, this is an opportunity not to be missed!
Lost Voice Guy, aka Lee Ridley is not only a talented comedian but a writer as
well. He recently wrote this blog post as part of the #endtheawkward campaign </span><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-ouch-27338770"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-ouch-27338770</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
for BBC. It’s worth a read if you haven’t already seen it</span> <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Looking forward to updating you on the success of the
Entertainment night in a couple of weeks. Hopefully see you there! (advance
ticket purchase only)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Julie_GivingVoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07988081010242503216noreply@blogger.com0