About us
ATtherapy was launched in 2012 by Clinical Directors Hayley Power and Andrea Sharples to provide their expertise to people with speech, language and communication and/or swallowing problems and help them build richer lives through communication.
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Hayley and Andrea have worked together since 1998, first at Pennine Care NHS and later at ACE Centre North as Specialist Speech and Language Therapists. With similar professional interests and shared values, they recognised there was an important need for specialist speech and language therapy for people with complex needs and joined forces to launch ATtherapy.
Hayley Power
Clinical Director
Hayley has extensive experience as a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist within the NHS and has led teams in complex needs, Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) systems and Dysphagia. She worked for ACE Centre North as part of the assessment and training team and is a highly experienced trainer, having delivered AAC implementation training at the International School of Brussels, developed a Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) scheme across the UK, and developed specialist courses for parents of pre-school children with complex communication difficulties. Hayley carried out her LAMP training with the founders of LAMP in Texas. Hayley has presented at national and international conferences including Communication Matters, Autism Today Conference, and the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) network.
​Hayley has qualifications and experience in management and in May 2023 has joined South Manchester Headway as a committee member.
Andrea Sharples
Clinical Director
​Andrea has significant experience as a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist working with individuals who require Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT). She worked within the assessment and training team at ACE Centre North and has also worked as an Assistive Technology Assessor at the University of Manchester. She provided training on AAC at the International School of Brussels, to AT and AAC professionals in Hong Kong, and developed a Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) certified professional scheme across the UK. Andrea carried out her LAMP training with the founders of LAMP in the US. Andrea is an experienced trainer in AAC and AT mplementation including good practice in young children with complex communication difficulties and AAC and literacy. Andrea has visiting academic status at Manchester Metropolitan University and presents at national and international conferences including Communication Matters, ISAAC and AAC CENs. Andrea is a deputy trustee of Communication Matters, the UK chapter of ISAAC.
Who we support
ATtherapy is a specialist Speech and Language Therapy and Assistive Technology service.
We support people of all ages with their speech, language, communication and technology needs.
We are leading experts in the field of communication difficulties as a result of birth injury and/or acquired brain injury in later life. We have specialist therapists supporting people with alternative/augmentative communication, social emotional and mental health needs associated with brain injury, dysphagia, language and motor speech difficulties. We also have an assistive technology team who supports people with technology for education, leisure and everyday living. Our innovative team of ATmentors use AAC and support others in their journey to be confident, independent communicators.
Families
Families play an essential role in every client's journey. When someone has a neurological condition, it affects the whole family, not just the client themselves. We provide bespoke support and training to help manage their communication journey, alongside practical advice and strategies to help with their rehabilitation.
Case Managers
ATtherapy welcome referrals from Case Managers. We have an open referral policy and are always willing to meet and greet with Case Managers and potential clients prior to beginning assessment and support. Our communication skills are second to none and we make it a priority to maintain close liaison with case managers, the client and their family. We understand how vital it is to evidence progress and gather information to ensure the right support and equipment is provided. We value the long term relationship we have with all our clients and families and ensure we have a long term view of communication support and development to continue to provide this post settlement.
Solicitors
ATtherapy work in the medical legal sector on a regular basis. We are skilled at working with many different Case Managers and Solicitors and have expert knowledge of the medical legal process from start to finish. We are experts in brain injury and ensure regular training and CPD is undertaken by all staff working in this sector. We undertake expert witness assessments in Speech and Language Therapy and Assistive Technology. This service includes specialist assessment and detailed reports, costings for appropriate provision, attendance at case conferences and court attendance as required.
Our Testimonials
Please take a moment to read some of the testimonials we have received. Each and every one of these testimonials means the world to us, and we are truly grateful to receive them. We strive to provide the best possible service to all of our clients, and it's wonderful to see that our efforts are appreciated.
If you would like to share your own testimonial with us, please don't hesitate to get in touch via email or by filling out our online form.