AN event in Worcester will be providing advice to parents on improving children's speech and language development.

Being run by the Children’s Speech and Language Service, part of Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, the event aims to show that improving children’s language improves their chances of succeeding in life.

It has been estimated that around 12,000 children in Worcestershire could have problems with communication so parents are being invited to the talk that will focus on the long term impact of communication difficulty and what parents, teachers and therapists can do to help children overcome their difficulties.

It is being held from 6.30pm on Wednesday, December 9, at The Arena, in Hylton Road.

It has been organised to mark the end of the We Need To Talk campaign, which focused on how poor vocabulary early in life can affect a child’s later education, and how communication difficulties affect a young person’s ability to participate and interact socially.

Jacqui Woodcock, team leader at Children’s Speech and Language Team, said: “All children deserve an equal chance to succeed in life.

"Children who communicate better, learn better - they make friends more easily and they feel more positive about themselves.

"During ‘We Need To Talk’ month we are encouraging parents, carers and family members to take time to talk, listen and play with children and to understand how small changes in how you play and talk with your child can result in huge benefits for children.

"We hope the event will attract a range of people who are interested in finding out more about these types of issues.”

Places need to be reserved in advance by emailing ftoffice@hacw.nhs.uk or call 01905 681425.

For more details visit hacw.nhs.uk/speechandlanguage.