Request for help

If you have read the information and tried the strategies on the Speech, language, and communication advice page, but still have concerns about a child or young person's speech, language, or communication skills, you can make a request for help.

How to request help

Request help by phone

York/Selby: 01904 726599

Scarborough/Whitby/Ryedale: 01723 342472

Request help by email

yhs-tr.ChildrenTherapyAdmin@nhs.net

Interpreting services

If you would like to access interpreting services for BSL or any other languages, please contact us by email.

Request for Helpline call

What should I expect when I request help?

Get in touch using the details above, and our admin team will book you in for a telephone consultation with one of our therapists.

During this call, you can discuss your concerns and the impact on the child or young person. We will ask what has been put in place so far and how well it has worked.

Often, a child's needs can be met by the adults who know them best, alongside guidance from a member of our team. We may suggest new ideas for support to try or point you towards training. We may also signpost you to other services that are better suited to your child's needs.

If we feel that some direct assessment or support is required, we will add the child to our assessment waiting list.

If an assessment determines we are the right service to provide support, we will collaboratively set goals with the child's family and setting. Together, we will make a plan to achieve these goals and provide the support to make it happen. 

In the future, things may change for your child. If their speech, language, and communication differences are affecting their everyday life and wellbeing, you can contact us again at any point for another callback from a therapist.

Preparing for your Request for Helpline call

Information to help you understand what will be asked when arranging and taking part in a Request for
Helpline Call.

During the booking call

When you contact us to arrange a Request for Helpline Call, our administrator will ask some
questions to help make sure the right information is available for the therapist.

• Your child's name and contact details
• Whether you have contacted our service before
• Your child's school, nursery or setting
• Parents, carers and who looks after your child
• Whether parents or carers have agreed for the referral to be made
• Other services or professionals involved with your child
• Any support your family receives or has received
• Who will be taking part in the helpline call
• The languages spoken at home and whether you need an interpreter

We recommend that the person taking part in the call knows the child well, understands the concerns, and can explain what support has already been tried.

During the helpline call

The therapist will talk with you about your concerns and may ask:

• What is currently happening
• Why you want our help
• What you want help with
• What you have already tried to support the child
• Any support they already have in place