Giving Voice volunteers at the Humber Bridge

How many of us take speech for granted? Being able to ask for what you want, explain how you feel and use the power of communication to get things done. To demonstrate just how vital communication is, over 250 people took part in a unique event to form a human communication chain across the Humber Bridge. 

Organised by NHS Speech and Language Therapy Services and sponsored by KC, the aim of the chain was to pass on the message ‘Communication is Key’ from person to person, in as many ways as possible. The chain spanned from one side of the bridge to the other, and the message was passed on using gestures, messages in bottles and even Morse Code. 

Speech and Language Therapist Sarah Wood, a member of The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists said: “Problems with speech and language imprison individuals and severely limit their ability to participate in family life, education, work and the community.

The Giving Voice campaign aims to raise awareness and educate people to the benefits of speech and language therapy services. We were thrilled that so many staff, members of the public and their families joined us to show their support. 

“We’re really happy that KC sponsored the event. As a local communications company they were our ideal partner for the campaign and we are delighted they supported us.” 

Anna Millar, KC’s Community Relations Manager, said: “Speech is something that we take for granted, yet around 2.5 million people in the UK have speech, language or communication needs. As the region’s leading communications provider this event fitted perfectly with our business and community goals, so we were delighted to lend our support.”