4 March 2025
Swallowing Awareness Day (19 March 2025) is fast approaching and it’s a great opportunity to spotlight the role of speech and language therapists in supporting people with eating, drinking, and swallowing difficulties.
This year Swallowing Awareness Day takes place on 19 March 2025, coinciding with NHS Nutrition and Hydration Week (17-23 March 2025) and we are once again partnering with Speech Pathology Australia and other global organisations to spotlight the invaluable contributions of SLTs in assisting individuals of all ages with dysphagia.
Take a look at our new posters and social media graphics, available in both English and Welsh, and get involved by sharing your stories and experiences related to eating, drinking, and swallowing. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #SwallowAware2025 and tag @RCSLT when posting on social media. We look forward to seeing your campaign activities! This year we’re also celebrating 80 years of RCSLT so be sure to check out our RCSLT at 80 webpage for other resources to help you celebrate what it means to be an SLT.
Eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties, also known as dysphagia, can result from a variety of conditions, including neurological disorders, stroke, or structural problems in the throat or oesophagus, which can make the act of eating and drinking challenging, and in some cases, dangerous. Speech and language therapists (SLTs) play a crucial role in helping people to manage and treat this condition, helping individuals to consume food and liquids safely and efficiently.
How do speech and language therapists help those with eating, drinking and swallowing issues?
Eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties can affect individuals at any stage of life, from infants to adults, and is often linked with other health conditions like premature birth, learning disabilities, dementia, and stroke. Without proper treatment, it can lead to severe complications, decreased quality of life, and even life-threatening consequences.
Speech and language therapists play a vital role in identifying and managing eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties by:
- Completing detailed and accurate assessments
- Providing an accurate diagnosis, which may assist with diagnosing other conditions
- Balancing risk factors with quality of life, considering the individual’s preferences, culture and beliefs
- Working with other health professionals, particularly dietitians, to optimise nutrition and hydration
- Improve swallowing through exercises, swallow techniques, feedback
Data from the RCSLT Online Outcome Tool (from 45 providers across the UK) suggests 74% of people who have eating, drinking, and swallowing difficulties in the UK improve with speech and language therapy in one or more of these areas: ability to eat, drink and/or swallow; participation in daily activities (social, occupational etc.); and wellbeing.
