I hope you get the help you need, Little Pete

I HAVE just read the letter from ‘Little Pete’ entitled ‘How can I cope not being able to talk’ (Newbury Weekly News, March 21) and I felt compelled to write immediately.

Dear Little Pete,

I cannot begin to imagine what your situation must be like.

You describe all the things that I enjoy including singing (badly) along to the songs on the radio. My text rate is not great and certainly doesn’t keep up with the younger generation’s messaging skills, but at least I can send the messages I need to.

You don’t say why you can’t text but I’d be very happy to come and help you with this if I can – whether it’s the right equipment or by showing you how is something I’m sure I could do.

In fact, I hope you are inundated with replies offering similar to you. I have also written to the executive director of adult social care and the executive portfolio holder for adult social care at West Berks Council, for their help and any information they may be able to provide to you Pete.

A recommendation would be to contact the services with the very best resources/expertise to help here which would be the speech and language therapists in the NHS.

I have been given a link which I hope you will be able to use, perhaps through one of your family members or a friend if you are not able to use it yourself.

I would hope that this information had already been shared with you as part of your treatment, but just in case it hasn’t, here is the link: https://www.berkshirehealthcare. nhs.uk/our-services/physical-andcommunity-healthcare/speechand-language-therapy-slt/

And I will finish by saying that, with your poem (which is right on the nail) you have perhaps found a written voice.

I know it’s not the same by any means, but I think many people who read your letter will see this and know exactly what you’re saying.

Cancer is a *@!% and we all unfortunately have experience of what it can do.

I just wanted you to know that I’ve heard your voice and I think you’re an amazing human being for going through what you have and reaching out for help.

I sincerely hope you find it.

JOANNE STEWART

Shadow spokesperson for adult social care, integrated health and public health

Conservative councillor for Tilehurst Birch Copse ward West Berkshire Council