Five Minute Focus On: Ceara Gallagher, RCSLT
Tell us about yourself?
I have over 23 years’ experience as a highly specialised speech and language therapist, my position was Service and Clinical Lead for children with Developmental Language Disorders at the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.
I’m thrilled to have been appointed as Head of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy’s Office in Northern Ireland and I look forward to working with colleagues both here and across the UK to raise awareness and bring the issues of speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties into sharper focus.
Tell us about the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy (RCSLT)?
The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) is the professional body for speech and language therapists in the UK, representing over 17,000 members; 700 of which are based in Northern Ireland.
The RCSLT facilitates and promotes research into the field of speech and language therapy – the care for individuals with communication, swallowing, eating and drinking difficulties. It promotes better education and training of speech and language therapists and is responsible for setting and maintaining high standards in education, clinical practice and ethical conduct. For more information on the RCSLT and its Giving Voice campaign visit www.rcslt.org
Mission:
Enabling better lives for people with communication and swallowing needs.
Purpose:
We are the professional body that promotes excellence in speech and language therapy.
What is your role in the company?
As Head of the RCSLT Office in Northern Ireland, I lead and oversee all RCSLT work here, representing the voice of speech and language therapists in Northern Ireland (700 members in NI) and promoting awareness around the work they do with people who have communication and swallowing difficulties.
I am also act as an Ambassador for our Head Office in London, but most importantly I strive to ensure that people with communication and swallowing needs are fully represented, supported and receive best quality care here in NI.
Tell us something about RCSLT that we may not know?
RCSLT was founded in 1945 and King George VI, who received speech and language therapy for his stammer, became the College’s first Royal Patron in 1948. This was the basis for the film “The King’s Speech”
Our newly appointed President is Nick Hewer- of Countdown and Apprentice fame!
What’s next for the RCSLT?
Here in our NI Office we are working on our response to the Stroke Consultation, Mental Capacity Act and developing a resource for Primary school children, “Buddy Chat”, to raise awareness of speech, language and communication difficulties and help reduce bullying.
What do you like about being a Glandore member?
I am absolutely Loving my new home; I look forward to coming to work here as it’s a beautiful environment to work in.
I feel that the staff and other Glandore members are very welcoming and friendly. Its very eclectic and I enjoy meeting new people over lovely coffee. The shared space on level 5 is beautiful especially when we have nice weather and can roll the roof back.
I am particularly impressed by the ethos of Glandore investing in the Health and Wellbeing of its members-I have loved the Lunchtime yoga!
What do you like about living and working in Belfast?
I live in Lisburn in a rural setting, so I love the balance of city life and country life.
However, my bank balance is not loving being situated beside so many gorgeous shops!
What do like to do when you’re not working?
I am mum to two beautiful boys, so family time is precious! I also am a professional singer and have my own Drama School. To chill out I love gardening.
Friday nights in or Friday nights out?
If I am not performing, I love Friday nights in, glass of wine and Netflix!