Birmingham campaigner secures speech and language funding debate in Parliament
It's after Mikey Akers' petition gained over 13,000 signatures
A Birmingham campaigner who set up a petition calling for more investment in speech and language support is in Parliament today to watch the issue being debated.
It's after a petition, started by the Mikey's Wish Foundation, secured over 13,000 signatures. It calls for more investment in speech and language therapy for people of all ages.
Mikey Akers set up the charity and has experience of verbal dyspraxia.
He tells us what it was like growing up with the condition.
"When my mum got told I was diagnosed with verbal dyspraxia there was no awareness of the condition out there so my mum didn't know anything about it," he said.
"It meant it was quite a lonely experience growing up."
He explains why speech and language support is so important for young people.
"Even when I had speech and language therapy, my confidence was still destroyed.
"So having none at all... I can't imagine the lack of confidence a child would have."
Mikey tells us why he decided to set up Mikey's Wish Foundation.
"At the age of 13 I decided to share awareness of verbal dyspraxia so families going through the same journey didn't feel the loneliness I felt. Since then, it's grown more."
He says more investment for speech and language therapy is essential.
"Seeing that a lot of speech therapists are wanting to leave the profession because they haven't got the resources to do what they've set out for - which is to help children."
We asked Mikey how he's feeling ahead of today's debate.
"I've got mixed emotions about it - I'm nervous to see if it goes well but it's good that the government are discussing it."
The debate will be lead by Dave Robertson MP.